There may come a time when an aging loved one’s independence is compromised, and they need additional help with daily living. Consider helping your loved one explore options for senior assisted living before the need arises.
When touring communities, consider how comfortable and calming the environment feels. A good choice should look and feel like home, with plenty of outdoor settings and community areas. This is especially important when considering retirement homes, as they should provide a welcoming and homely atmosphere for your aging loved one.
Health Care
Assisted living is a residential care option for seniors who require a higher level of help than family or friends can provide. The facilities offer various services, including help with bathing and dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and medical assistance.
Getting to medical appointments and running errands is accessible with scheduled transportation offered by many communities. In addition, some also provide classes on health and wellness topics, cultural events, lectures, and other opportunities to socialize.
Fall injuries send 3 million older adults to the hospital every year, and staff at assisted living communities are trained to recognize and respond quickly to these emergencies. Some even have on-site healthcare access. This combines with the community’s integrated aging well model to support physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
Personal Care
If your loved one’s health needs are such that they require advanced personal care services, it may be time to consider assisted living. These services can help them with daily activities such as bathing or dressing. They can also help with more complicated tasks like remembering to take medication and doing laundry.
Assisted living facilities also typically have disaster plans and staff prepared to assist seniors in an emergency, such as a fire or earthquake. They may also offer classes for seniors to avoid falls and other safety concerns.
As you start looking into different facilities, it’s important to remember that a move to an assisted living community can be a significant upheaval for your loved one. Be sure to reassure them and stay in regular contact.
Meal Preparation
Food is a big part of any person’s daily life. Assisted living communities offer scheduled nutritious meals three times daily and snacks throughout the day and night. Many senior living communities also provide a restaurant-style dining experience where seniors can enjoy their meals with friends and neighbors.
The menus at assisted living communities are tailored to meet the dietary needs of older adults, including any special diet they may have. Talented executive chefs create delicious meals that are both healthy and flavorful.
Some assisted independent living communities even offer themed food days to add variety to the meal schedule, like tacos and burritos or featuring stir-fried dishes. This can help keep the menu fresh and exciting for your aging parent.
Transportation
As a senior, you may have to give up driving or rely on friends and family for transportation. Many assisted living communities offer scheduled transportation for doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands.
Assisted living facilities also provide on-call staff to respond to medical emergencies and assess health changes. Many communities have safety features to minimize fall risks, such as ramps, flat thresholds, and hallway hand railings.
On-site classes for fitness and yoga, arts and crafts, and group activities keep seniors socializing with their peers while learning new skills. Movie nights and community gardens allow them to experience familiar entertainment, and music therapy and brain games promote mental stimulation. Talk to an advisor for free to learn more about the benefits of assisted living for your loved one.
Socialization
While many seniors find it intimidating to engage with new people, assisted living communities encourage them to make friends and connect. Whether your loved one participates in scheduled activities or enjoys community dining, they’ll be around peers who can relate to their experiences and provide emotional support.
In addition, engaging with others in group discussions and educational lectures can help increase cognitive stimulation. This is important for maintaining healthy brain functions, reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and supporting mental and physical wellness. It’s also crucial to avoid isolation, which can lead to a decrease in quality of life. Socializing in an assisted living community can help seniors meet new friends and build a supportive network that lasts their lives.
