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I work in a retirement home as an overnight aide in the weekends, and I also cook there. My job is to make sure all the residents are safe, I'm also there in case any resident has an emergency or needs assistance in any way. I also oversee the building to make sure it is safe. Our senior citizens and elderly can rest comfortably knowing there is staff on duty 24 hours a day.

There comes a time when we have to decide where to place an elderly parent or senior who can't live on their own any longer. Choosing the right facility is very important and there are many factors to be considered in this decision, the overall help of the elderly or senior, their financial situation and the persons overall happiness in the facility itself, and what the facility has to offer the residents.
There are many facilities out there for the elderly and seniors. There are retirement homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

Retirement homes are a transition for the person who can't live alone any longer, but can still basically take care of their needs, by this I mean they can still get around pretty well, even drive a car or take a bus, bathe and take medication on their own and so forth. Retirement homes are for people 65 and older, but there are exceptions to the rules depending on the nature of the case.
Retirement homes offer: Round the clock staff to insure the safety of the residents, home cooked meals family style, Housekeeping, laundry room, sitting rooms and recreation rooms, some facilities offer exercise rooms as well. Most retirement homes will offer activities like bingo and arts & crafts. There is usually a beauty parlor as well, where both men and ladies can get their hair done.
The residents can still have a sense of independence living in a retirement home and come and go as they please.

Assisted living and nursing homes are more advanced in the care of the residents. In assisted living home facility the residents may just need help with medication, bathing, dressing etc. The nursing home is the most advanced care for the elderly and the residents require constant care.

Living in a retirement home can be very good for the seniors and elderly, as there is companionship of other people and our loved ones are not alone and shut in, they don't feel isolated and lonely from the outside world. There is always someone there for them.
I love all of my residents and think the world of them. I enjoy hearing stories about their younger days, their kids and grandkids, and I'm there for them when they are sad or lonely and need someone to talk to. We all need someone to be there for us. I know that when I'm older that is what I would want.

Learn more about this author, Bonny Obrien.
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