Assisted Living in Mississippi

Mississippi Senior Living and Care

10,000 baby boomers per day are turning 65 years old. And, these older adults are living longer and longer due to advances in healthcare services and technology. This has led to the greatest population of seniors in this country ever. Thankfully, there are several Mississippi senior living facilities to keep up with the increasing demand for care.

What Sets Mississippi apart?

Bordered by its namesake, the Mississippi River, to the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Mississippi is a medium sized state with about three million residents. The largest city and capital of the state is Jackson. Outside of the Mississippi Delta region, the state is heavily forested. The majority of the country's farm raised catfish comes from Mississippi.

Mississippi is mostly known for its literature and music. The Mississippi Blue Trail features sites that were significant in the history of blues music. And, tourists from around the globe come to the Delta Blues Museum. When it comes to sports, the state has two powerful Southeastern Conference schools: Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Both schools have topnotch programs that are competitive in a broad array of sports.

What Do Golden Agers Like about Mississippi?

The age demographics in Mississippi are similar to that found in the rest of the country. That means there is a sizable senior population. The state has a high tax rates. However, the cost of living is among the lowest in the nation. On average, Mississippi residents spend about eleven percent less for goods and services than the United States average. In fact, housing, health care, groceries, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses are all cheaper here.

Jackson's University of Mississippi Medical Center is the premier hospital in the state. It is the only hospital in Mississippi to be designated a Level I Trauma Center. The facility boasts more than 700 beds. Other major hospitals in the state are South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Biloxi Regional Medical Center, and Memorial Hospital at Gulfport.

Types of Senior Living in Mississippi

The kind of senior living in Mississippi that is best for a golden ager depends upon their current and likely future needs. Independent living is meant for older adults who are still quite active and can mostly care for themselves. These facilities provide recreational activities that encourage socialization. Residents also get their own cottages or senior apartments. In addition, there is a full menu of services to pick and choose from. Congregate housing is a better independent living option for those who need additional help.

Seniors can get more companionship and care throughout the day in adult day services, or adult day care centers. When their primary caretakers have to be away from the home for work or other reasons, adult day services supply social activities, health care, and general supervision during the day.

The perfect combination of independence and onsite medical care is found in assisted living communities. They offer golden agers recreational activities, their own semi-private or private living quarters, as well as personal care services, such as transportation and bathing. These communities maintain a philosophy of encouraging freedom and dignity in aging while promoting the involvement of family members and close friends.

Skilled nursing facilities, or nursing homes, offer convalescent older adults and those with long term or chronic ailments the care they need. They supply access to occupational, physical, and other rehabilitative therapies along with care tailored to residents' needs. In addition, skilled nursing facilities are state licensed to provide nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as room and board.

Continuing care retirement communities offer all of the above types of senior living in Mississippi in one location. This gives golden agers a consistent atmosphere as they progress through their twilight years. Alzheimer's care, also referred to as memory care, is a must for retirees with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other kinds of chronic memory impairment. Families should do their research, since not all facilities have this specialization.

Seniors Stay Active and Engaged in Mississippi

Mississippi takes care for its older population seriously. That is why there are ten Area Agencies on Aging in the state that offer resources, services, and programs aimed at keeping residents 60 and over safe, healthy, and independent. With the state's strong dedication to older adults, the affordable cost of living, and the broad range of attractions, it has never been a better time for retired people to consider Mississippi for senior living.