Embracing Change: Why You Should Consider Assisted Living

Surya Yadav

Seniors often struggle with moving from a home they have lived in for years. They may have raised a family there, lived with a now-deceased spouse, or made memories with family and friends. These individuals should embrace change and consider assisted living, as there are many benefits to moving to an assisted living community. 

New Friendships

When making arrangements for assisted living, seniors should focus on the new friendships they will make in the community. Countless seniors struggle with loneliness, which can harm their health. Being surrounded by their peers while still having a space to call their own will positively impact their mental and emotional health. 

Community Activities

Seniors may give up favorite activities because they struggle to get out and socialize. When they move to a community, staff members plan engaging activities to keep residents busy. These activities may range from gardening clubs to music classes. Outings may be scheduled, or residents may learn new skills. Fitness classes keep residents active and allow them to increase their strength and mobility, so they have energy for the other fun things the staff plans. 

Maintenance-Free Living

Residents of senior living communities no longer have to worry about home maintenance or yard work. Housekeeping is the staff’s responsibility, and chefs are on-site to prepare meals. Residents enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax with friends while others do the hard work. 

Nutritious Meals

Cooking for one or two people is not much fun. Many seniors skip meals or eat processed and fast food more than they should because they no longer enjoy cooking. Assisted living communities provide meals and snacks for residents to ensure they eat nutritious foods regularly. When planning meals, the staff considers the dietary needs of all residents. 

Aging in Place 

Seniors often choose to remain in their homes and age in place. When they can no longer do so, they want to move one last time. To avoid the need to relocate again, seniors need to choose a community that offers multiple levels of care. This community will allow them to transition from assisted living to memory care without leaving the community. It is beneficial as many seniors find they need memory care services as they age. 

Personalized Care

Each resident in an assisted living community has different needs. When a senior moves into the community, staff members should complete an assessment to determine which services are needed and how they can best support the senior and provide them with the highest quality of life. The care plan may include nutrition counseling, help with activities of daily living, medication management, or other services. This plan should focus on the whole person rather than one or two elements of care. 

Safety 

Assisted living communities need thoughtfully designed apartments to ensure seniors make the most of every minute while remaining safe. These apartments typically have features to protect residents from harm, like grab bars in bathrooms and emergency alert systems. Each community’s security measures differ, so a senior should ask for this information when choosing which community is right for them. 

Every person should consider a senior living community as they age. They should begin looking into communities before one is needed so they know where to turn when that day arrives. The right community will allow residents to remain independent and preserve their dignity while having help when needed. What more could a person ask for? 

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