As more and more people approach retirement, it’s imperative that they educate themselves regarding their options when it comes to senior care and handling their changing health needs. Many families ask ‘Why assisted living?’ My parents are doing fine. While that’s true for a while, one fall in the home may mean a need for 24/7, long term care. Contrary to scary images you sometimes see on the evening news, there are a lot of benefits of assisted living. When you start to notice that your elderly loved one needs more daily care, you might find assisted living helps both them and you.
Assisted living homes and facilities are one of the most common options that promote the senior’s quality of life, social circle, and overall health and wellness.
Assisted Living Helps Seniors
Your elderly loved one will surely benefit from a residential community where they have access to:
- Personal care 24/7
- Nutrition and wellness services tailored to their needs
- Security and support, as well as
- An avenue to socialize and meet other people while they maintain their independence.
Assisted living helps seniors who need an extra hand in performing day-to-day tasks. Seniors in assisted living do not need 24/7 medical care and most facilities do not have a skilled nursing staff.
If you think your loved one needs assisted living but you’re still on the fence about it, here are nine reasons why assisted living is better than in-home care.
Peace of Mind For You and Your Loved One
You and your elderly loved one will never have to worry about daily chores or tasks that can take a toll on a senior. When it comes to:
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Doing the dishes, and
- Taking care of the home
The assisted living staff will take care of it. Your loved one won’t have to complete difficult chores themselves or stress out about them.
If your elderly loved one lives alone, household problems or follow up repairs can be a hassle. Also, seniors can easily be taken advantage of or deceived by dishonest repairmen or contractors since they tend to be more trusting. Assisted living helps by taking the worry away. Nobody in your family will have to worry about repair possibilities and damages. If there is a problem, all they have to do is alert the management and the problem will be fixed ASAP.
2. Regular Physical Activity and Fitness
Assisted living helps seniors stay on a regular schedule with activities such as exercise and fitness. Other than having a trainer, some facilities have gym equipment and group exercises, such as Tai Chi or Zumba. A Paradise for Parents knows that staying healthy is important, especially for seniors. We have a personal trainer who works closely with our residents to keep everyone active.
3. Many Opportunities for Socialization
Can you imagine living alone without having any kind of social contact for weeks on end? Humans are social beings. Numerous studies show that we are wired to connect with other people – it’s as basic as our need for food and shelter. But sadly, more than 12 million seniors in America live alone. This can be detrimental not only emotionally, but physically as well. Social isolation is a serious matter that can lead to various health conditions such as depression. Isolation can even heighten the risk of mortality by 50%.
It can be difficult for seniors to maintain social relationships because
- Their spouses may have passed away
- Their children live far from them, or
- They may not have immediate access to transportation.
Assisted living helps with programs and activities that let senior residents socialize with fellow residents. They can also enjoy themselves in the living room/common area, go on field trips, listen to a live band in their home, attend events and more. You can see some activities we have done with our residents here.
4. Cognitive Stimulating Activities
The various activities in an assisted living facility will also stimulate your loved one’s brain. They are going to have physical and mental activities that allow them to work their minds while having fun. The facility may take field trips to libraries or book clubs, hold art classes in the home, or invite a speaker or professionals to give an inspiring speech or talk.
5. Proper Nutrition
Seniors who live alone often find it hard to maintain a balanced diet. They often resort to unhealthy fast food or skip a meal altogether, both of which can be harmful to your elderly loved one’s health. Assisted living helps by ensuring your loved one eats three nutritious meals per day. A Paradise for Parents works with a nutritionist and prepares natural meals to make sure our residents stay as healthy as possible. We ensure that their meals fit perfectly with their dietary needs and preferences.
6. Safe Living Environment
Safety is important for assisted living facilities. As your loved one ages, their home may need modifications as their physical health starts to decline. Studies show that one in four senior Americans aged 65 years old and above fall annually. This can lead to serious injuries and even death. Which is why modifying a senior’s home is important, such as putting up shower railing, medical alert systems, and rubber mats just to name a few. Installing these can be costly and a hassle. Assisted living helps by having buildings specifically designed with the senior’s safety in mind, making it a point to minimize the risk of falls and accidents.
7. Housekeeping and Transportation Are Available
No need to worry about
- Keeping the house clean
- Getting to doctor’s appointments or
- Social engagements
Or weeding the garden. Assisted living helps with transportation and housekeeping. Housekeeping is usually included in the monthly rent cost. Many facilities provide transportation services as well.
As your loved one ages, it is important to maintain their independence even if they need help once in a while. Assisted living helps seniors to have a productive, independent, and healthy lifestyle while providing the level of care they need.
Also, caregivers and the senior’s family no longer shoulder the sole responsibility of taking care of their loved one. Being in an assisted living can reduce the stress levels of both parties. They also improve family relationships. The senior’s children can visit their loved one and have a meaningful bonding moment.
The Benefits of a Good Assisted Living Facility
A good assisted living facility will provide options for both the family and the senior. They should not force your loved one to participate. But they encourage them to socialize and try various activities. Assisted living is a great avenue for your loved one to widen their social circle, meet new people, and form friendships.
It is important to assess the needs of your loved one before making this life-changing decision. Assisted living is not the answer to every senior-related problem.
If you want to know more about assisted living facilities, A Paradise for Parents staff and our resources will try to answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (623) 295-9890 or email us at cam@aparadiseforparents.com to know more about the services we offer. You can also fill out an online form located on our homepage. We’d be happy to assist you in your search for an assisted living facility for your loved one.
