The Benefits of Assisted Living!

When adults are older or have physical disabilities and can no longer live independently, they may feel scared, stressed, or overwhelmed about their changing needs and living situation. Most of the time, these seniors aren’t ready to give up all of their independence to move into a nursing home. They can’t afford to hire in-home help, and they may not have family who can help them as much as needed. That’s where assisted living comes in.

Assisted living is often the best option for older adults who can no longer live alone or have trouble doing so. And while moving into assisted living is a significant life change, seniors may find that it offers many benefits.

Improved Social Lives

Seniors and loneliness seem to go hand-in-hand, especially when seniors live alone. The feeling of isolation can lead to depression and anxiety and may even shorten seniors’ lives. One excellent reason for moving to an assisted living home is to make new social connections. By simply moving in, seniors are in contact with staff members daily. They also see other residents in the hallways and common areas. Many assisted living facilities even offer social activities, ranging from book clubs and fitness classes to dances and social dinners. It’s an excellent way for older people to feel like they aren’t alone in the world and create a new social group for support.

Around-the-Clock Care

Care at assisted living homes can be as hands-on or as hands-off as necessary. It all depends on the resident’s personal needs and the facility’s capabilities. And if those needs change as they age, the staff are often equipped to make all of the necessary adjustments to ensure their residents have everything needed. It may be as simple as providing the senior takes the proper medications each day. Or it may be more involved, like helping them get dressed and practice good personal hygiene.

Health and Safety

Assisted living also provides residents with a safe, healthy place to live. Facilities are designed with safety in mind. A senior may trip over clutter at home, or they may have trouble getting on and off the toilet. Some assisted living facilities design individual rooms and apartments spacious enough for residents to get around in, even if they use a cane, walker, or another assistive device. Handrails are usually in bathrooms and along hallways to help residents get from one point to another safely.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also essential in assisted living facilities. These residences have medical professionals on staff in case of an emergency. They also offer nutritious meals that meet specific, varied dietary needs. Many even offer exercise classes and therapies that help older people stay healthy and mobile.

Fewer Responsibilities and More Time for Other Interests

While many people prefer to live at home as long as they possibly can, they may find that they can no longer keep up with the responsibilities that come with owning a home and yard. Mowing the lawn, making repairs, and cleaning may become increasingly complex — and therefore unsafe.

When a senior chooses assisted living, they’re leaving those responsibilities behind. That means there’s more time to try things they’ve always wanted to do. Maybe they wanted to take an art class, learn to dance, or finish a college degree. Many assisted living facilities offer classes and learning opportunities right on their campuses.

Comfort and Independence

Residents in most assisted living facilities have their rooms or apartments, which means they live as independently as possible. The staff may check-in from time to time or offer professional services, but they only do as much or as little as each resident wants. Residents can bring items from home, have visits from friends and family and enjoy their privacy from the comfort of their personal space.

Access to Transportation

For many seniors, transportation to stores and medical appointments can challenge them because they no longer drive. Others may have difficulty getting to the places they need to go due to mobility issues. Finding someone to help can be challenging, but they can take advantage of what the facility offers when a senior moves to assisted living. Many provide group trips into town for shopping and community activities. They may also provide individual transportation as needed.