According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to grow old in their own homes, but this may not always be possible for those in rural areas. In Hudson and other metro areas, many people are moving their elderly family members to town because of the different types of housing options and excellent health related services. With St. Croix County continuing to grow at record levels, we can expect that trend to continue especially as the population ages.
For senior citizens who want to live independently, there are ways to make that work. Some stay in their homes and get assistance from family or home healthcare agencies. Some get a roommate for companionship. There is also a range of ways to get help with transportation and household chores. Adult “day cares” offer social activities, meals and specific health-related services.
Many seniors enjoy the camaraderie of living among others of the same age and often move to independent or assisted living communities. These facilities offer a variety of living arrangements including single-resident dwellings, condos or apartments all with an array of amenities under one roof. A new complex called Woodland Hill is under construction next to our clinic and is expected to open in the Spring of 2016.
For those who may need acute rehab or transitional care after surgery, a skilled nursing facility is the perfect place. Hudson Physicians has a team that specializes in rehab needs and does onsite-rounding in Hudson, Baldwin, Hammond and Woodville at facilities such as CCH Christian Community Home. Knowing that doctors make regular rounds provides a sense of comfort and confidence for patients and their families.
If you or your loved one have more serious health care needs, skilled nursing centers can also provide long-term custodial care such as feeding, bathing and dressing, plus special dietary support and other medical therapies.
The choices for senior housing can be overwhelming and time-consuming to sift through. Whether you or a family member are considering a transition to a new living arrangement, be sure to get a health assessment before committing to a long-term situation. A geriatric medical provider can work with you to determine the best care plan to promote function and quality of life for everyone involved.
Hudson Physicians welcomes new patients of all ages and is committed to our existing patients throughout all stages of your life.
Photo by Sigismund von Dobschütz (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
