Catholic Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

Faith is often a vital aspect and focal point of the way that many individual’s live their lives, and when the senior years approach religion can become even more important to them. In fact, when many seniors and their families look into senior assisted living facilities, finding a faith-based care option is often considered to be a major factor when making a final decision.

In traditional senior care facilities, faith is not typically focused upon within their traditional care services and programs offered. This is why many Catholic seniors often seek out assisted living facilities that make part of this faith an active part of the everyday conditions within the environment and much to their benefit of the mind, body and spirit. Seniors desiring this type of living experience can reap a number of mental and physical benefits by choosing a Catholic senior assisted living facility, so read on to learn how to choose the best place to spend those golden years.

The Benefits of Faith Based Assisted Living for Seniors

According to decades of studies, individuals of faith regardless of age or religious beliefs can benefit tremendously from choosing a community of like-minded people. According to a study conducted amid Alzheimer’s patients who averaged 78 years of age, those with a solid focus and intention associated with religious spirituality showed noticeable signs of slower progression of the decline of mental cognizance. Furthermore, a study performed by the University of Missouri-Columbia indicates that patients with health care providers who encourage religious practices seem to cope with traumatic injuries better both physically and emotionally.

The publication Counseling, Psychotherapy and Health addressed a study in 2006 that cited that a predominance of believers found it easier to cope with the challenges that often accompany aging—despair, loneliness, fear and grief—easier to deal with while daily inspiration was surrounding them. This informative article goes on to explain that seniors of faith seem to have more hope and a stronger understanding of their purpose in life that often motivates them to get better and fives them a reason to live longer. With so many benefits of faith-based care, seniors who embrace Catholicism should give strong consideration to assisted living facilities that will cater to their needs and keep them at ease as they transition.

What to Look for in Catholic Assisted Living Facilities

Typically, Catholic senior care facilities attempt to follow the church’s mission while providing clients with the medical, physical and emotional support they need each day. One cannot be too selective when choosing a Catholic assisted living facility that suits their specific needs and budget. If you or your loved one requires specialized care for dementia, a  chronic or terminal illnesses, or has severely limited mobility, you’ll want to ensure that the facility you choose has medical providers and caregivers with the skills and knowledge to provide a healthy and secure surrounding first and foremost.

As a whole, seniors should seek out an environment that promotes engagement and interaction of others who share their faith with a focus upon maintaining a spiritual atmosphere. As mentioned previously, those who have access to like-minded peers, staff and medical providers reap numerous benefits, making it essential to find a Catholic senior living facility that combines the best elements of faith along with solid heath care. Essentially, seniors want to still feel close to their faith while taking pleasure in their independence, so look for Catholic assisted living facilities that offer:

• Regular access to a local Catholic church or regular in-house faith related services
• Pastoral visits upon request
• Confessional opportunities
• Rosary groups or organized prayer meetings
• Church related outings
• Scheduled bible studies
• Catholic based newspapers
• Bereavement support and end-of-life issues

Where Can I Find Catholic Senior Care Facilities Near Me?

One of the best ways to find a Catholic senior living facility near you is to consult with individuals and families within your local congregation, as many organizations are affiliates of such groups. You can always come and check out our Senior Living Directory to see how those recommendations stack up against competitors. Some other organizations to seek counsel and assistance from that run Catholic faith-based senior communities might include local Catholic Archdioceses and related individuals, the Sisters of Mercy, Catholic-run charities and community services. Your options will likely vary depending upon your location and demographics within your community.

Catholic Assisted Living Costs

The price of faith-based assisted living care is a major factor when families and individuals begin exploring their retirement options. However, there really does not appear to be significant additional costs for such care, regardless of faith. The primary determining factor concerning costs is the level of care the senior client requires. If full time 24/7 care is needed, the costs of care can average around $85,450 per year. However, for standard full time assisted living services with the advantages of Catholic based care typically runs about the national average at around $45,000 per annum.

Looking for assistance in finding Catholic based senior living facilities? Contact us today to speak to one of our informative representatives.