We all experience some nervousness as we prepare for a major or even minor surgical procedure. As we get older, it often takes us longer to recover, too. Luckily, if you are a resident at a senior living community, you may be at an advantage when it comes to preparing for, and recovering from, a surgery. Here are some reasons why:
Expert Staff
Residents at senior living communities know that they have 24/7 access to expert staff who understand their needs and challenges. You can relax knowing that the regular staff at your community will be aware of your surgery and any specific needs you have during your recovery. Residents also have access to nutritionists and fitness experts who can assist you in preparing for surgery as well in regards to your diet and exercise regime. Often, the better shape you are in before surgery, the more likely you are to have better outcomes.
Onsite Rehabilitation
Many senior living communities offer on-site rehabilitation services for residents. That means that you can receive rehabilitation after surgery in your own residence or in a rehabilitation center that’s on the same campus where you live. This makes it easy to get back to doing what you love more quickly. If you live on a campus that offers assisted living services, you may also be able to get help with medication management to help you keep track of any medications that you require after surgery.
Caring Neighbors
At a senior living community, you can rest easy knowing that many of your neighbors have been through similar situations where they had to undergo surgery and/or rehabilitation. Their experiences and recommendations can be very helpful. Having good friends and neighbors to commiserate with can also improve your mood and provide the support you need to make a faster recovery. In fact, making friends can help people of all ages beat depression and anxiety, which can be more common during recovery from an illness or surgery.