When you're researching senior living communities in Kansas, there are many factors to take into consideration. At the top of the list are things like monthly costs, dining programs, and medical support.
Then there are the community amenities that people tend to overlook. Many seniors can benefit from assistance with activities of daily living, and housekeeping is no exception. In fact, housekeeping plays a bigger role in a senior's health and well-being than you may realize.
Why are housekeeping services for seniors so important? What are the benefits of senior communities that include cleaning and tidying up in their daily roster? Read on to find out.
Keeping a clean home isn't just about appearances. When seniors struggle to keep up with regular home cleaning, they may increase their risk of health complications. This is especially true for seniors with compromised immune systems, who are more vulnerable to germs.
For example, both bathrooms and kitchens can become breeding rounds for bacteria and mold. Without vacuuming, carpets and upholstery can retain pollen and other pollutants. Oftentimes, these substances aren't visible to the naked eye.
All of these issues can contribute to worsening indoor air quality. In turn, seniors can develop new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Senior living communities with housekeeping services are kept clean, promoting good indoor air quality and good health.
Believe it or not, an unclean home environment doesn't just threaten physical health. It can also impact mental health. Research shows that a messy home can cause:
These feelings can arise at any age, but the results may be harder on seniors. For example, the types of stress listed above overlap with symptoms of dementia. Living in a messy home may exacerbate agitation for seniors dealing with memory loss.
In contrast, a clean living environment can promote improved mental health. For example, seniors may find it easier to get a good night's sleep in a tidy room with clean bedding.
One of the biggest hurdles in finding senior care is determining the level of care a senior needs. If a parent's home has fallen into complete disarray, it's easy to assume that they've lost the ability to care for themselves and require round-the-clock care.
One of the benefits of senior communities is that they promote independence by filling in the gaps. For example, many of our residents need help with cleaning due to physical limitations. However, they still have the cognitive ability to live happily and safely in their own private quarters.
Housekeeping services fulfill an important requirement for well-being while allowing seniors to maintain as much independence as possible.
Falling is a cause for concern for senior citizens. Things like bone density loss can increase the risk of fracturing a hip or breaking a bone. Mobility and balance issues can make it difficult for seniors to get up on their own after falling.
One of the many senior community advantages is that private quarters are designed with fall prevention in mind. Each private residence is stairs-free. Handrails increase stability in the bathroom.
Housekeeping services for elderly residents can also eliminate potential fall risks. In addition to deep cleaning floors and surfaces, professional cleaners will pick up and move clutter, cords, and other objects residents could trip over.
When aging at home, seniors bear the brunt of home maintenance responsibilities. Senior living communities already eliminate the need to maintain a property's exterior. With additional housekeeping services, seniors can reduce indoor maintenance responsibilities, as well.
Outsourcing home maintenance has a positive ripple effect on a senior's quality of life. They can still take pride in and enjoy their private living quarters. They're also freed of time-consuming tasks that can otherwise disrupt leisure time.
At Addington Place of Prairie Village, we provide a robust activity calendar to keep seniors active. We'd much rather see our residents enjoying game nights, guided arts and crafts, and guest lectures than toiling away at home.
Research shows that strong social connections lead to better health outcomes for seniors. In addition to connecting with neighbors at social events, we encourage our residents to make time for outside friends and family members.
We mentioned the mental health effects of a messy home environment. For some, lack of tidiness can become a source of shame. Seniors often aren't able to tackle a growing mess on their own and may stop inviting people in as a result.
Housekeeping services can keep a senior's private quarters guest-ready. Our residents can invite loved ones to visit without the stress of preparing their homes for company.
The best senior living community is designed to meet a resident's ever-changing needs. This can include tiered care levels and add-on services. It should also include customizable housekeeping options.
Common housekeeping services include:
Residents should have the freedom to customize their housekeeping services and change them as needed. For example, a senior may only need help with trash removal for several years. Over time, they may need additional services to accommodate their changing abilities.
Customization adds yet another layer of independence to senior living. If a resident enjoys and is able to clean their own quarters, they have that freedom.
While housekeeping services for seniors may not seem like a crucial amenity, they can make a huge difference to a senior's well-being. While looking for a senior living community, take note of customizable assistance with ADLs that includes housekeeping for well-rounded care.
At Addington Place of Prairie Village, we're always looking for ways to improve the lives of our residents. Not only do our staff members provide high-quality assistance, but we also cultivate community through group dining, health and wellness programs, events, and more.
Contact us to schedule a tour and find out if our community is the right fit for you.