Advocating for Yourself in a Senior Living Community

Blog Category: Uncategorized

Older adults don’t lose their voice with age, especially when they retire and settle into a senior living community. Your decisions can be honored when you continue to be a present advocate for your needs and others. If advocating is new or uncomfortable for you, or you want to explore additional ways to speak up for yourself, here is what you need to know about advocating for yourself in a senior living community.

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the process of taking action to make a positive change in support or on behalf of others or a cause. Advocating for yourself and others is an act of service that can greatly influence those in leadership roles to make changes that benefit the community. Even when you are self-advocating, your voice for concern can inspire others to see areas in need of improvement that could help others in your shoes.

You can be an advocate with or for other people in a variety of places, including:

  • Family
  • The neighborhood
  • School
  • Work
  • Community or public spaces
  • Local city or government organizations
  • Digital platforms and social media

The Importance of Advocacy in a Senior Living Community

As we get older and require varying degrees of assistance depending on our level of independence, our needs must be advocated for in order to have the best quality of life. Whether you choose to live at home or in a senior living community, here are some reasons why advocating for yourself during retirement is important:

  • You have a unique lifestyle you want to live by, so you will need to ask for programs and opportunities that align with your interests if they are not offered. For example, if you live a very active lifestyle and your community doesn’t offer many opportunities to engage with others and try new things, you can speak up and ask for more social events.
  • Your needs may change as you age, so you must speak on those needs (and wants!) for future care. While not everyone needs the same levels of care at the same points in their lives, anything can change, and it will be essential for a good quality of life to have a plan for your healthcare needs.
  • Education and decision-making responsibilities keep you confident and independent! Just because you retired from the workforce doesn’t mean you can’t continue to learn, stay aware of your surroundings, and get involved.

How to Advocate for Yourself or a Loved One in Senior Living

Whether you’re a caregiver, retiree, or senior living resident, here are important things to keep in mind when advocating on behalf of yourself or a loved one:

  • Ask questions and report concerns so they can be addressed immediately.
  • Be present and aware of your surroundings and conversations, and keep a record of things to look back and reflect on.
  • Educate yourself and others on your needs and preferences and ask for accommodations.
  • Express and receive any negativity in a positive and constructive way.
  • Get to know the associates and residents in the community and consider joining or forming councils to regularly share feedback and collaborate.
  • Manage legal matters by establishing a power of attorney (POA) and assembling important end-of-life, financial, health, and other legal documentation, including your social security card, marriage and birth certificates, driver’s license, and passport.

Ready to take your retirement community search to the next level? Check out our free ebook, What Are My Senior Living Options!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.