Homecare in Greenwich CT
It is estimated that 11,400 senior community centers serve more than 1 million seniors every day in the United States. The National Council on Aging reported these facts about senior community centers:
- Senior community center participants report an increase in social interaction, happiness and health as compared to their fellow peers that do not participate.
- 70 percent of participants are woman, half of whom live alone.
While senior community centers were once known for bingo games and potlucks, today’s centers offer a wide variety of services and classes. In addition, they have become the informative focal point for services that each particular community offers its seniors. As the primary family caregiver, you may find yourself placing calls to multiple organizations in search of information and services that can help your aging parent. Instead of calling multiple numbers to discover available services, call the senior community center first and you will find you save time and have the name of multiple resources available to you and your parent. Other services include:
- Meal Programs. Knowing the importance of companionship for the elderly, most senior community centers offered shared meals. This may mean dinner one night a week for some communities to lunch served every day for others. In addition, some offer free meal delivery for seniors, while others can provide information regarding the local Meals for Wheels organization.
- Health and Fitness Programs and Classes. Exercise classes now play a large part of the activities provided by senior centers. Two popular classes are tai chi and yoga, exercises that promote health through relaxing poses and movements that increase muscle strength as well as balance. Many also provide classes that educate seniors on the importance of maintaining good nutrition which include informative classes as well as cooking classes.
- Mental Stimulation. You will find activities in brain exercises that include puzzles, games and crosswords. Learning something new has been shown to increase neuron synapses. In light of this, classes offered include learning foreign language and new crafts such as weaving and pottery.
- Social Activities. In addition to meals shared, many centers offer weekly or monthly social outings to museums and other interesting venues.
- Volunteer Opportunities. Most centers will have information regarding local organizations in need of support and the help of seniors.
As a family caregiver, the resources these centers provide are priceless. If your parent is not naturally a joiner and they find it difficult to attend services offered by the center, consider accompanying them for their first few visits or obtain the services of an elder care provider who is happy to provide transportation and help your loved one become comfortable with a center that could prove to be their home away from home.
Resources
https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/senior-center-facts/
If you or an aging loved one are considering homecare in Greenwich, CT or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Stamford, CT at 203-661-6969.
