Why Living Close to Family is Important

Our relationships are invaluable. Research has repeatedly proven that seeking out and maintaining healthy relationships can actually help prolong life. Conversely, social isolation can actually be hazardous to our health: A 2019 CNN article cited studies that showed people who lack social connections have 50% higher odds of dying than others who are more connected. And the truth is, being surrounded by quality relationships makes us happier in the long run. Human beings are social creatures, and we crave familial interaction. This is evidenced by the release of the hormone oxytocin when infants or babies interact with their mother after childbirth. Because levels of this “love hormone” increase when you hug someone or interact with someone you care deeply about, this hormone is associated with empathy, trust and relationships. Besides the physical benefits of being near those we love, there are many emotional benefits that explain why living close to family is important. It just makes sense to gravitate toward those who understand us on a personal level and understand the events, circumstances and choices that have shaped us as people. This is especially true for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Stable, familiar interactions provide those experiencing memory-related issues with a sense of security and calm. While retiring near family isn’t the only factor elderly folks consider when choosing a senior living community, it can sometimes be the most influential and emotionally fueled influencer. Does distance really make the heart grow fonder? There are many choices in life that may influence a move away from your family members – heading off to college in a new state, following a business or job opportunity, or chasing a change of pace with good weather or mild climate. But when you’re retired, your time is your own. You decide what your days will consist of and who you’ll spend your time with, and for many, that time is best spent surrounded by loved ones. With today’s modern technology and speedy transportation, loved ones can be a simple drive, train or plane ride away. In addition, online options can keep residents and family members connected even if there’s physical distance between them. The Ridge Senior Living communities offer LifeLoop, an easy-to-use platform that keeps residents engaged, families connected, and staff communication seamless. However, there’s nothing better than having your daughter down the street or in a town or two over. When you live near your children, you can spend unlimited time with the grandchildren and babysit when needed. Being nearby means Sunday brunch with the family or Wednesday night dinners. You can easily attend monumental events like birthday parties and family weddings, plus the not-so-mandatory events like Little League games and ballet recitals. You are present, not only in your children’s lives, but in the lives they have gone on to create for themselves. Being close to family also means more frequent visits from people you care about, which can lead to more quality time and stronger familial bonds. Living near loved ones can also be helpful in case of emergencies. It’s nice to know your family can be there for you emotionally and physically when they live nearby. Close, but not too close While being near family can have its benefits, being too close to family can actually be detrimental to relationships if not managed properly. While moving in with adult children can be a good solution for some, often having Grandma or Grandpa full time in the family house can cause more problems than it’s worth. When you move in with your child during your retirement, you lose a lot of flexibility and freedom. You are no longer operating on your own schedule and may start to view yourself as a burden to those around you. Adding another person to the household has a way of changing the entire family dynamic, and your relationship with your child may evolve into more of a caregiving role rather than mother-daughter or father-son. You’ve spent your whole life doing things the way you like them, so changing your habits and preferences to accommodate the rest of the family may end up feeling a tad frustrating. This is why moving to a senior living community can be considered a pretty freeing experience. Our three locations — in Holladay and Salt Lake City, Utah, and in Denver, Colorado — are thoughtfully located so that family members living in the area can easily be a short drive to their loved ones. Many residents’ families find it convenient enough to visit every weekend or plan weekly lunch dates. Comfortable in community On top of the bonus of being close to family, you may find value in staying embedded in your community. Perhaps you’ve been getting your hair cut by the same barber or hairdresser for over 20 years. Maybe the restaurant down the street knows your order by heart. There are a multitude of reasons for staying in a community that feels familiar and homey. Community is a strong bond that’s often strengthened by shared faith. Staying close to your church or faith-based community might be a primary reason to stay in the area. Finding a faith community that doubles as your support system might be too good to pass up or leave behind, but one benefit of choosing a senior living community is, residents won’t lose that vital connection. All three of The Ridge communities, for example, understand the importance of spiritual wellness and faith in residents’ lives. We host religious services and programming for several denominations on-site. We also offer church transportation each Sunday to places of worship nearby so residents can benefit from the support of others who share their belief systems. It’s important to remember that living in a senior living community provides all these social and spiritual advantages, and more. When you live at a retirement community, there will always be friendly people to meet and kind staff who’ll accommodate your every need. That means as you share meals in the community dining venue or start getting your haircut at the community salon, the wait staff will also learn your go-to order, and your new hairdresser will learn to cut your hair exactly the way you like it. The right choice for you and your family Whether you’re exploring independent living, assisted living, or memory care, it’s smart to look into options near family members or other loved ones. For seniors and families in Denver, Salt Lake City, or Holladay, The Ridge Senior Living offers a comforting sense of familiarity and connection. Every resident is cared for like extended family, and our commitment to excellence has been recognized with two Pinnacle Quality Insight’s 2022 Customer Experience Awards™.To find the best fit for your loved one, try our cost calculator or schedule a tour to learn more about life at The Ridge Senior Living.

Why Living Close to Family is Important

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