When your aging loved one starts needing more and more assistance with activities of daily living, an assisted living facility can be an option that can put your mind, and their mind, at ease.
While it can be difficult to make the move and leave their homes, seniors who do it look forward to being taken care of without losing their independence. Assisted living facilities offer 24-hour care, along with access to wellness services, housekeeping services and social activities, all designed to allow for the best quality of life in later years.
Assisted Living vs. Independent Living
When your loved ones make the transition into an assisted living facility, they can expect to have their needs recognized and to be supported as they adjust to their new living situation. He or she will be able to enjoy life to the fullest, knowing that assistance is available anytime it becomes necessary.
Some other ways assisted living can improve quality of life over living alone, independently:
1) Social interaction is readily available. Living alone can get very lonely, especially if family and friends live far away or are busy with their own schedules and careers. At an assisted living facility, your loved one will never be alone for long- unless, of course, he or she prefers to be. Many assisted living facilities have calendars of social events planned, so your loved one will never be bored or lonely.
2) Opportunities for physical activity. Many seniors recognize the importance of staying physically fit and active, but they may previously have not known where to begin. At most assisted living facilities, they’ll have access to a gym and all the equipment, as well as classes like tai chi and personal trainers. At American Senior Communities facilities, our New Energy Wellness program is designed to meet your loved one’s specific fitness needs.
3) Safety and supervision. Assisted living facilities are designed with the accessibility and mobility of residents in mind. If your loved one is beginning to have difficulty getting around the home, the modifications needed to help with their safety can be costly. Plus, if your loved one were to fall or have an accident in an assisted living facilities, help is readily available.
4) Housekeeping and daily living activities assistance. Daily chores can start to become a burden for aging seniors, whether it is cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry, or even just bathing and dressing. At an assisted living facility, your loved one will not have to worry about tidying up the kitchen after a meal- or cooking it, for that matter! They’ll be free to enjoy their time as they please, without worrying about the dirty dishes piling up in the sink. Assisted living facilities offer support around the clock so your loved one can continue to live as independently as possible.
If you’re just beginning to research assisted living facilities for your loved one, the National Caregivers Library has created a checklist of things you should consider regarding the quality of life for this next stage of your loved one’s life. It’s a good idea to read through the list and discuss the transition with your loved one, keeping their interests and quality of life at the top of your mind.
For more information about assisted living at American Senior Communities, please visit www.asccare.com/al.
