“It takes a village to raise a child.” I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase before. It’s an African proverb, with reported origins from the Igbo and Yoruba peoples. It refers to the concept that a child isn’t raised just by his or her parents. The community around the child–neighbors, schools, doctors, even local businesses–all play a role in how a child grows, both mentally and physically.
Of course, when you think about it, the saying makes a lot of sense. Even the most private of families are part of larger communities. Even groups of people that stay largely separated from the rest of the world, for whatever reasons they might choose to, have interactions with others outside of their families. When a child grows, it’s not just their immediate family raising them, but those around them.
In today’s society, social media and entertainment also have a large amount of influence over development. We quote and reference things from pop culture all the time, sometimes without even realizing it. The shows and movies we watch, the music and books and blogs we consume, all shape how we think and grow.
And when it comes to seniors, the impact is very similar. Now, a senior citizen isn’t as malleable as a young child. But just like a child, their lives are largely impacted by the world around them. Entertainment and culture play a big part in the lives that they lead. The people around them, especially those that are closest to them, all have a large amount of influence over the type of life that they lead.
This is where the saying, “It takes a village,” coincides with senior care. An elderly individual in need of assistance relies heavily on those around him or herself. Many seniors struggle because they live alone–in these cases, they don’t have a village. A strong village cares for the people within it.
If someone is going to age in place, the community that they are surrounded by is vital for their success and health. Aging in place can be especially helpful for those that are suffering from dementia. Research indicates that people tend to see slower declines and better long term health when they are located in a familiar place. But dementia also comes with specific needs that cannot be met easily at times. Having the right supports in place is essential for someone with dementia to thrive and not need to be placed in a nursing home.
The right in-home care team can be a great help here. Having a trained professional come to you and be a part of your life often is superior to a nursing home, simply because it is far less disruptive. This isn’t always true for everyone, but for many it is.
We’d love to talk more with you about who we are and what we do. If you have questions about in-home care, aging in place, or just general questions about senior care, we’d be happy to talk. Please get in touch today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation session.
Leave a Reply