As people age, they often begin to experience trouble with things that would have seemed easy in their youth. Seniors aging in place alone still have to deal with things like home maintenance, housework, cooking, and self-care, but these responsibilities can become increasingly burdensome. Moving to an assisted living facility is one of the best ways to alleviate those burdens so that seniors can enjoy their retirement years.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living refers to an arrangement in which residents, usually seniors, have separate homes or apartments but get access to both professional assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) and a vibrant community of their peers. Residents in assisted living homes have access to restaurant-style dining halls, transportation services, and a wide range of social opportunities. Most communities also organize enriching educational, cultural, and social events for residents.
Types of Care Provided
Although assisted living communities are designed for seniors who do not have chronic health conditions requiring long-term, around-the-clock care, nurses are usually on-site to coordinate healthcare needs and provide support following a surgery or injury. In some cases, physical and occupational therapy services may also be available along with exercise programs, medication management, and help with ADLs. Assistance with ADLs can include help with:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Oral hygiene
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Eating
- Safe mobility
- And more
Even seniors who currently require no help with these basic ADLs can still benefit from the services and amenities provided at assisted living communities. The staff is also available to help with cleaning, housework, shopping, community mobility, meal preparation and cleanup, and many other instrumental ADLs.
Assisted Living Helps Maintain Independence
One of the top reasons that seniors cite for wanting to age in place at home is that they like the idea of maintaining their independence. What many don’t realize is that they won’t always have choices about accepting help, and needing to call on family caregivers with increasing frequency can make people feel less independent even if they’re able to stay safely at home. Moving to an assisted living community makes it easier for seniors to get the help they need without having to sacrifice their independence entirely, making it possible to live a fulfilling life even in the presence of health or mobility issues.
Seniors Benefit from a Vibrant Social Life
There is a direct correlation between social engagement and both physical and mental health, especially in aging adults. Seniors who live at home often find themselves isolated from their wider communities, especially if they are unable to get around by themselves. Moving to assisted living means being able to rejoin communal life and take advantage of all kinds of social opportunities.
Residents will have all the privacy they want, but they’ll also have plenty of opportunities for meeting new friends and interacting with the staff, other residents, and their families during visits. Indoor and outdoor common areas offer plenty of space for unstructured interactions, while staff-led events give residents the chance to learn new skills and participate in fun activities together.
Is It Time to Make a Move?
The idea of transitioning to a different way of living at an older age can feel intimidating. However, most seniors find that they love the amenities, opportunities, and community offered by assisted living. The best way to decide if it’s a good choice is to call and schedule a tour of a local facility.
