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Trying to decide if assisted living is right for you or a loved one? Creating a change in your life or someone else’s is never easy. Deciding on the best course of action can be difficult for all involved, so it is best to know as much as you can about all your available options. To help you with these decisions we created a list of benefits that come with living in an assisted living community.
In an assisted living community, you will have the chance to participate in activities hosted by the community—such as, games, movies, arts and crafts, and music—while you meet other residents. Outside of the community, organized group outings such as shopping or going to the movies or to a local restaurant are all great ways to get to know your community neighbors even better. Socialization within a senior living community also extends to mealtime, when you will have the opportunity to dine with friends and visit family. According to MentalHelp.Net, An American Addiction Centers Resource, socializing is essential to seniors’ cognitive health, so having multiple opportunities for engagement is a great way to keep yourself feeling at your best.
Assisted living provides seniors the opportunity to set their own schedule. When they no longer need to worry about grocery shopping, home maintenance, or finding transportation to a doctor appointment, they have more flexibility in their schedule. Seniors living at home and who can no longer drive due to deteriorating eyesight or other physical issues are usually dependent upon family to get them from place to place, which can hinder their independence by limiting access to things like groceries and doctors. In an assisted living community, seniors have almost everything they need readily available within the community, making it easy for them to maintain their independence, spend more time on their hobbies, learn new skills, and spend more time with others.
As a senior moving into an assisted living community, you will have the reassurance of 24/7 assistance. Trained caregivers are available to help with everything from medication management and personal care to even more complex medical needs. Apartments are designed with seniors in mind to include walk-in showers, private bathrooms with emergency pull cords, and fire safety systems. Community common areas are careful to eliminate tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, and almost all are single story or contain elevators, so stairs aren’t an issue. According to the CDC, one out of five falls cause a serious injury, so living in a purposefully designed environment conducive to seniors can help ease a family’s worries.
As a loved one considering assisted living for your parents, you will be able to rest easier knowing they live in a safe, caring environment. Your time together will be more focused on quality time and making memories instead of worrying if they are safe and comfortable.
Dining is often one of the best things about living in an assisted living community. Not only will you have delicious meals prepared for you every day, but you can also reap health benefits from foods that are made according to your dietary needs. The National Institute on Aging recommends a healthy diet to help prevent or manage diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions. Culinary teams at assisted living communities will work with residents to ensure they have access to the meals they want and need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you or a loved one are interested in enjoying the benefits of assisted living, we encourage you to contact Provision Living for more information about the ways we create a culture that radiates love, inspiration, and fulfillment for older adults.
Image credit: istockphoto.com
