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Healthcare in Retirement Communities

June 18, 2024

While everyone needs primary care to stay healthy, older adults often require routine attention and advice. On-site healthcare in retirement communities can transform an older adult’s life by improving well-being and overall health. These services can delay or prevent the onset of diseases and provide the resources an aging population needs to live as independently as possible. 

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant community for a loved one or yourself, evaluating healthcare accessibility is crucial. Here, you can learn everything you need to know about the importance of on-site healthcare access and where you can find a caring community with supportive staff to meet your needs. 

Understanding the Role of On-Site Healthcare Access

On-site healthcare refers to services you can find without leaving your immediate neighborhood. For retirement communities, on-site healthcare access means older adults do not have to drive or find transportation to visit a provider. These healthcare opportunities often provide multiple medical and wellness services to improve quality of life and prevent the onset of illness and disease. 

You can often find wellness initiatives, condition management and preventative and acute care at on-site healthcare facilities. Patients can seek weight loss initiatives, health education, short-term treatments for minor infections and annual or routine care like physical checkups, flu shots and health screenings. Some on-site facilities also offer specialty care, providing services like physical therapy, diabetic treatment or orthopedics. 

A noteworthy difference between on-site and off-site facilities is the flexibility and customization available. Healthcare facilities in retirement communities can tailor exceptional treatments and care to meet each person’s unique needs. 

The Advantages of Immediate Healthcare Access

Of course, receiving quality care anytime is the most significant advantage of on-site healthcare access. However, several other benefits can encourage older adults to live more independently.

  • Minimizing the logistical challenges of medical appointments: You can heighten your independence with on-site healthcare access. Rather than arranging a ride with family, friends or other transportation, you can seek care with minimal to no assistance. You can feel confident about making appointments and seamlessly finding your way to the community facility rather than a large hospital building. 
  • Enhancing safety with quick emergency response: The proximity of an on-site healthcare facility ensures every community member has access to immediate help. In an emergency, you won’t need to wait for transportation to a hospital because a caring team will be readily available. This factor provides invaluable peace of mind for older adults and family members.
  • Ongoing health management for chronic conditions: Nearly 95% of adults over 60 face chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Often, simple lifestyle changes can ease illness symptoms. On-site healthcare ensures you receive the ongoing care, assistance, monitoring and support you need to be proactive about your wellness.
  • Encouraging more regular check-ins: While traditional off-site healthcare tends to be reactive, on-site facilities allow people to seek care and education anytime. Many people only visit a conventional health provider when they are already sick or injured. Alternatively, on-site facilities encourage people to seek care more frequently. You can implement more health initiatives into your daily routine, preventing minor issues from becoming severe and improving your overall well-being. 
  • Enjoying a holistic approach: Many on-site facilities use a holistic approach to care. From physical wellness initiatives to mental health support to routine checkups, these facilities can create unique treatment plans for each patient. Additionally, frequent visits can aid in early detection, minimizing potential adverse effects. 

Garden Spot Village’s Approach to On-Site Healthcare

At Garden Spot Village, we proudly offer award-winning personal care, skilled nursing staff and memory care to provide multifaceted opportunities for each person to live his or her best life. Our healthcare options give you the necessary support, no matter where life takes you. You can find multiple facilities on our campus, including a leading outpatient clinic, health center and rehabilitation center. 

Our team seamlessly integrates individualized health services and wellness plans. Residents and at-home clients can make appointments for educational sessions, wound care, medication management and blood pressure monitoring at our nursing clinic. The on-campus WellSpan New Holland Health Center also houses many doctors, labs and specialists to meet additional needs with innovative care. 

A Guide to Healthcare Decisions

While many retirement communities offer on-site healthcare, you must carefully consider several accessibility aspects to decide where you can find the best fit. Evaluate the medical staff, resident and family support systems, and whether the community embraces a resident-focused approach to care. 

At Garden Spot Village, we operate with a person-focused approach and hire compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals to help us innovate, transform and improve your experience. We honor each resident’s choices because we know one-size-fits-all approaches are ineffective. Our team members adjust their responsibilities to meet your needs, ensuring an exceptional experience for you. We also support our residents with one-on-one learning sessions so they can make informed decisions. As new challenges arise, our team adapts to help you overcome them so you can feel confident in our ability to provide care for the long term. 

You should also anticipate your future healthcare needs when choosing a retirement community. A community may address your current concerns, but ensure it can also accommodate additional services you may need down the road. At Garden Spot Village, you can access healthcare planning to evaluate our ability to provide the quality care you need, now and moving forward. 

The Impact of Comprehensive Healthcare on Wellness and Longevity

Healthcare and independence go hand in hand. Many chronic conditions and physical ailments can limit mobility and freedom. Chronic pain can lead to long-term physical, mental and social deficits that could lead to debilitating conditions like depression and obesity. Access to quality care can treat these conditions while addressing other concerns, enabling older adults to live happier and healthier lives. Additionally, comprehensive healthcare can increase life expectancy by an average of over two years in men and women over age 65. Restricted medical care accounts for nearly 10% of premature death or other adverse health outcomes. 

Comprehensive healthcare also includes regular health assessments. Education allows older adults to better understand their conditions, symptoms, positive habits and necessary lifestyle changes. Through regular health assessments, providers can assess a patient’s mental and physical condition, provide appropriate care for any existing concerns and detect potential health issues. 

This preventive care balances physical and mental health. Preventive services can include regular checkups, vaccinations, counseling sessions, screenings, medication management and therapy to ensure each person receives the care they need in every aspect. These services can help residents avoid illness and live a healthier and happier life. 

At Garden Spot Village, you can find comprehensive healthcare and extensive wellness initiatives to live your best possible life. Residents access various amenities and wellness programs on their schedules. You can use the cardio room, heated swimming pool, weight training room, whirlpool spa and classroom to accommodate your personalized workouts and education plans. 

Holistic Care With Mental and Emotional Support Systems

Though physical health is essential, mental and emotional conditions can also significantly impact an older adult’s quality of life. Several life events and bodily changes can harm mental health, and you should have the proper resources and support to overcome these challenges. 

For instance, losing a loved one, having a chronic condition, immobility, social isolation or loneliness can adversely affect your life by leading to mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. When looking for a retirement community, evaluate their mental and emotional support systems and services. 

Prioritizing Mental Services for Older Adults

Addressing the mental health needs of the aging population is essential. Wellness programs and services can provide the socialization and support older adults need to thrive. Socialization alone can bring many mental health benefits.

  • Reducing loneliness: Socialization can positively impact healthy aging by reducing feelings of loneliness. Isolation can cause severe emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes, such as increasing the risk of suicide and Alzheimer’s disease and causing cognitive distortions.
  • Boosting cognitive functions: Communicating and engaging with others are excellent ways for older adults to participate in mentally stimulating activities. Playing games, having conversations and exercising critical thinking abilities can help you stay alert and maintain or improve cognitive function. 
  • Boosting self-esteem: Regardless of age, you are more likely to experience anxiety and depression when you have low self-esteem. Socialization can boost self-esteem and confidence by allowing you to positively interact with others to receive validation and positive feedback. These interactions can help you feel loved and valuable. 
  • Providing a sense of purpose: Healthy interactions with other people can bring a sense of purpose that builds self-confidence and makes you part of something larger than yourself. 
  • Enhancing emotional support systems: Many older adults face challenges related to losing loved ones. You may feel like you have no one to turn to when you need help. The more friends you make, the more connections you can foster, providing you with support, companionship and engagement to reduce negative feelings. 

Merging Emotional Support With Medical Care

Mental and emotional health also share a connection with physical health. Positive mental well-being can reduce risks for conditions like strokes, heart attacks and other chronic conditions. Alternatively, negative psychological well-being relates to several harmful behaviors or health concerns. For instance, depression links to conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and arthritis. Many people with poor mental health are also more likely to experience sleep problems like sleep apnea or insomnia, which can lead to breathing problems, fatigue and problems focusing.

At Garden Spot Village, you can find comprehensive emotional support services, wellness initiatives and events to promote mental health awareness. Though living in a vibrant community has a plethora of benefits, we also provide additional advantages for older adults. 

We provide person-centered services like memory care. You can also find many opportunities for socialization through holiday programs, impromptu parties, service and volunteer projects, and initiatives to help local and global communities. 

Addressing Common Concerns About Older Adult Care and Housing

Planning for retirement is exciting, but we understand this change can seem intimidating. You must find a community that’s capable of providing quality care while encouraging you to make lasting connections and pursue your interests. Below, we’ll ease some prevalent worries about older adult care and housing so you can feel confident. 

  • The importance of proper care: No matter where you live, you should have access to high-quality and reliable care. Whether you have a chronic condition or want to keep yourself in the best shape possible with routine checkups, having a passionate team of professionals at the ready will provide the support and care you need to thrive. 
  • Availability of amenities for improving life: Staying active is the best way to keep your physical and mental health in tip-top shape. Whether you enjoy going to the gym, doing laps around the pool or participating in seasonal activities like gardening, there are many ways to stay busy. At Garden Spot Village, you can enjoy amenities like a heated indoor pool, a community garden, fun events and parties, walking and biking trails, a weight room and much more. 
  • Choices regarding living options: Though each retirement option has unique advantages, a continuing care retirement community like Garden Spot Village is excellent for older adults looking for a long-term solution with vibrant amenities, healthcare services and mental and emotional support.

Discover More About the Services at Garden Spot Village

At Garden Spot Village, you can find the on-site healthcare you need to maintain independence and prolong your life span. Our healthcare and housing options empower all our residents to live as independently as possible while enhancing their quality of life. 

Our team integrates a holistic healthcare approach so you can thrive while feeling your best. Residents live longer and better by helping them find exciting opportunities that satisfy their interests and help foster connections.

You can quickly learn more about our comprehensive care and specialized services. Schedule a campus tour or connect with our community for additional information to assist in making retirement living decisions. 

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