The presence of others provides continued monitoring of health care. Another big draw of such facilities, especially for those with limited mobility, are the builtin social contacts and activities. Experts agree that social contacts increase satisfaction with life and have a positive impact on physical health. Other seniors report relief at relinquishing housekeeping tasks. Weighing the advantages of service oriented housing against the independence offered by a single family home is a complicated task.
Timing is all-important.
The most useful way to approach such decisions is to begin early by getting all the information possible on one's various options. This document was developed by the National Eldercare Institute on Long Term Care and Alzheimer's Disease at the Suncoast Gerontology Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa and was modified by SeniorScape and the Administration on Aging. Duplication of this document is encouraged to provide information to older Americans and their caregivers. Source should be noted in all cases.