Elderly wants and needs are we listening?

Soon or later we will all be heading to our elderly years, the time were assisted living is a need and not a want.

But are we aware of what our elderly wants and needs?

According to surveys created by assisted living facilities around the country, the elderly is concerned about the future of institutions and assisted facilities.

We all want to keep our dignity and be treated as individuals and not just patients in a numbered room.

Here are some of the needs and wants I found posted in multiple online articles:

• Friendly pet policies - Elderly people don't want to lose the companionship of their pets, when moving to assisted facilities, they would like to get visits if they can't keep their pets around, or be allowed to interact with pets.
• Special care for Dementia & Alzheimer's - seniors want special facilities or units that can help with memory loss within assisted living communities.
• Easy and quick transportation
• The inclusion of natural elements and meditation places 
• Engaging activities - Seniors should continue staying active with hobbies, and able to socialize regularly 

Seniors require frequent check ups to detect early signs of chronic or debilitating diseases and their diets must be altered depending on their prescriptions.

Adults thinking in transitioning their elderly family members to assisted living facilities should plan a transition period without moving in a rush. 

If we keep in mind their needs and wants we will all be better prepared when our seniors need to face the time to decide where to spend their final years.