Assisted living facilities have transformed for the better to provide the finest services that modern seniors deserve.
Despite knowing that, it is still hard for most older adults to relocate to a senior community. Saying goodbye to years of memories built in the four walls of their home is hard enough without including the adjustment that comes with transitioning.
But after the emotional farewell comes a new chapter of your life filled with new beginnings and opportunities!
Furthermore, transitioning to an assisted living facility can be the thin line between life and death for you or your senior loved one.
As much as seniors prefer to age in place, certain situations will make it dangerous for them to do so. Some sure signs that it’s time to move to an assisted facility include the following:
- Worsening health conditions preventing a senior from doing daily living activities on their own.
- Worsening frailty and age-related physical limitations, such as impaired vision and hearing.
- Safety problems in keeping the house clean and doing home maintenance.
- Problems in caring for oneself and attending to his or her needs like shopping for groceries.
- You are experiencing social isolation, depression, and other mental health problems.
- Financial mismanagement.
Fortunately, assisted living facilities intend to provide various services for seniors experiencing the circumstances mentioned above. Moreover, they give more than just “assistance.” They want to provide their residents with the support and care they need to achieve a quality life.
Here are five significant benefits you can reap by moving to an assisted living facility.
1. 24/7 Access to Medical and Supportive Assistance
Many seniors, even those without current health conditions, opt to move to an assisted community because of their ability to provide round-the-clock assistance. A caregiver, community staff, or healthcare workers are always ready to lend a hand with various personal needs, such as:
- Bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Meal preparation and eating.
- Assistance with mobility
- Medication management and other basic medical needs.
- Escort to doctor’s appointments and other off-site errands.
All of these (and more) are met in a way that protects the residents’ privacy and dignity. Despite the hands-on care, caregivers still promote independence in little ways, like allowing them to choose their outfits for the day or bathing themselves (with guidance).
Facilities also provide expert personnel to handle your housekeeping, laundry, and home maintenance work.
2. More Time for Fun Activities and Hobbies
Retired seniors have more free time on their hands now that they do not have kids and their careers to worry about. It’s time to put aside the housework and start pursuing the things that you truly enjoy.
There’s plenty of time and opportunities to explore new hobbies or pursue your long-lost passion in an assisted living facility. Communities offer various activities perfect for seniors who have diverse interests and likes. Some examples of the hobbies provided in most senior homes include:
- Exercise routines like chair yoga, walking club events, and seating weight workouts. All of which can be enjoyed even by seniors with limited mobility.
- Senior-friendly games, such as card games, dice games, and bingo.
- Arts and crafts activities
- Short story reading and discussions.
- Musical activities like singing and playing of instruments.
- Religious activities
- Off-site field trips
These pursuits give residents something to pass their time with and contribute to their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Doing something they love also enriches their life by adding a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Plus, it helps build their self-esteem and confidence by knowing that they are accomplishing something.
All of this helps improve a senior’s quality of life, which is the primary goal of most assisted living facilities.
3. An Active Social Life
Seniors are more prone to experience social isolation and have problems with social development. Those living alone also have a greater risk of falling to the dark depths of loneliness and depression.
To avoid these, assisted living facilities encourage residents to become socially active by organizing social events and activities. This includes bowling sessions, movie nights, picnics in the park, salsa dancing activities, and worship services.
These events promote social interactions between residents, making it easier for them to strike a conversation because they are having fun.
Additionally, assisted living communities ensure that seniors have plenty of ways to stay connected with their loved ones. For families who can’t visit, facilities provide technological options to maintain communication, like using Skype for video conferencing and Facebook for live chatting.
4. Nutritious Meals
Assisted communities promote healthy living by providing residents with a complete dining program to accommodate every dietary need. From the vegan elderly to the diabetic patient, they can guarantee to fill your system with a healthy and tasteful diet.
Moreover, most facilities have elegant restaurant-style dining spaces where they serve three meals and snacks daily. These dining areas also serve as a place to catch up with fellow residents and talk about your upcoming book club meeting.
You can also invite family and friends to enjoy a meal with you as they have plenty of spaces for visitors.
You do not have to cook and eat by yourself ever again when you transition to the best assisted living facilities.
5. Guaranteed Security and Safety
Security and safety is often an issue with seniors who want to live independently in their old home. In fact, almost everything becomes a safety issue when you get older.
For example, the simple act of changing your lightbulb increases your risk of falling at one slight misstep. Even the wet bathroom floor can warrant a trip to the hospital.
If you want peace of mind for your or your senior loved one’s welfare, an assisted living facility is your best bet. Assisted communities ensure the security and safety of your loved one by providing the following:
- On-call physician for monitoring and healthcare needs.
- Transportation services and escort for medical appointments and outings.
- Personnel for home maintenance.
- Assistive devices for seniors with mobility problems (e.g., walkers, handlebars in bathroom).
- Easily accessible emergency buttons in apartment rooms.
