There's a huge debate going on among experts as to whether private or semi-private rooms are better options in senior care facilities. The infectious disease question has certainly thrown a new consideration into the mix as experts attempt to determine what truly is the best option for people living in senior care or assisted living facilities.
Schools of Thought Concerning Private Rooms
The first benefit that comes to mind for people who value things like personal space, dignity, and privacy is that private rooms grant some degree of modesty to patients who are probably very modest individuals. Dignity alone is a huge consideration for patients who are reluctant to disrobe in front of others to suddenly find themselves in situations where they require assistance with a roommate present. Despite all attempts to maintain and promote privacy and modesty, the fear alone can be too much for some senior care residents.
Senior care centers that offer private rooms also provide havens for patients who are introverts at heart where they can relax and be themselves without a steady stream of "roommates" intruding on their solitude.
For memory care patients, private rooms may be essential so that they aren't constantly confronted, at all hours of the day and night, by another presence they may find threatening or terrifying. Additionally, memory care patients who experience aggression as part of their symptoms may be threatening to their neighbors in a semi-private room.
Schools of Thought Concerning Semi-Private Rooms
There are also benefits to consider when it comes to semi-private rooms as well. It certainly isn't all doom and gloom. Some patients prefer the presence of another person. In fact, introverts often appreciate the company. Especially if they found themselves lonely before agreeing to senior care in an assisted living community.
Humans are social creatures by nature and even some introverts find they appreciate having roommates. Of course, some residents are driven out of their rooms to socialize with others by roommates as well. This especially happens in facilities where they don't really have voices in who their roommates are.
There is substantial evidence to support ideas on both sides of the argument. The truth of the matter is that it is an individual consideration for the person in need of senior care if he or she is able to make that decision. Otherwise, the family will have to decide what they feel is best based on what they know of their loved one. At least this offers food for thought for both sides of the argument.
To find which living situation would be best for your loved one, contact Grace Residential Senior Living.