Assisted Living: “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

Check out why assisted living is the best solution for your aging loved one. 

As elderly loved ones age, many of us try to take care of them as long as possible.  Caring for them can be very rewarding yet exhausting! However, over time, it can become increasingly difficult and more than we’re equipped to handle. Try assisted living. 

An assisted living community is the perfect solution for seniors who may need assistance with activities of daily living and other forms of care. With supportive staff and updated technology, residents can maximize their independence. They can also live each day in a warm, comfortable, safe environment while enjoying new experiences.

Making the decision to move an aging loved one out of their home and into an assisted living community can be a difficult one. So, why should you consider assisted living for your elderly loved one?

Check out these top 10 reasons:

  1. Medication Management

medications for assisted livingAs we age, we often need more daily medications to maintain our health and well-being. With the support of trained staff for administration, there are no longer worries of forgotten or incorrect dosages of medication being dispensed. Additionally, there is no need to be concerned about allergies or adverse drug reactions occurring, or medications not being filled in a timely manner.

Those responsible for medication management ensure prescriptions are filled. They are also in charge of supervising or administering medications that are taken orally or in an inhaled form.  In addition, “medications are essential for the care of seniors. When used appropriately, medications are effective treatments for acute and chronic conditions.”

 

  1. Proper Care

Assisted living communities provide proper care for your aging loved ones.  Professional staff members will make them feel safe and comfortable with on-site medical care. In addition, staff members help residents perform regular tasks, create nutrition plans, and plan social activities.

Assisted living communities can also provide such amenities as three meals a day, personal care, assistance with medications, and housekeeping.  Some residences also offer transportation, fitness programs, and salon/spa services.

Most importantly, staff members are available throughout the day and night to ensure the safety of their residents. The more superior communities offer hi-technology services, such as Wi-Fi, streaming videos/movies, and even iPads for the residents. Avanti Senior Living has been revolutionary in their quality of care for seniors. They have partnered with CarePredict, “a technology system that utilizes Tempo™, a wrist-worn wearable that houses a sophisticated array of sensors able to detect an individual’s activities of daily living (ADLs) and location, while providing a touch-button call system for real-time communication with caregivers.” This unparalleled collaboration will provide seniors with complete health, wellness, medical, and monitoring services.

 

  1. Three Meals a Day

eating a meal at assisted livingEating nutritious meals each day becomes even more important as we get older. Eating well is the backbone to your overall health. Senior living communities normally offer three meals a day that are well-planned, varied, and plentiful.

Appetites can diminish as we age, plus most people don’t enjoy eating alone. Seniors are often home alone and warm up something in the microwave or on the stove. Then, they sit alone eating a meal that probably has minimal nutritional value. Assisted living residences not only provide the meals, but they often offer a variety of food choices. But the biggest benefit is that people have company for their meals.

Dining styles in assisted living communities may be cafeteria-style, restaurant-style, or room-delivery. Many communities even customize menus based on residents’ personal tastes, dietary restrictions, and medical conditions.

 

  1. A Comfortable Living Environment

Assisted living communities offer maintenance-free apartments or suites with a full-range of amenities and supportive services. They are often full of vibrant and active seniors who can manage some of their routines without assistance. There is frequently a feel of a home-like setting with personal privacy, freedom, and independence.

Some residences are even pet-friendly, offering a convenient dog park and grounds perfect for strolls with your pet. Additionally, you can hear therapeutic music played over the speakers that are reminiscent of a classical era.

 

  1. Socialization

socializing at assisted livingAssisted living communities offer a schedule of activities for daily entertainment. It’s important that residents can be as busy as they’d like or just enjoy quiet time.  The choice is up to them. Many elderly adults feel lonely and isolated at home. The best part is that scheduled activities offer an opportunity to socialize.

Socialization is one of the most important aspects of assisted living. People who regularly engage in social activities are generally happier and healthier. Socializing helps to increase cognitive function and keep the mind sharp. Attending cultural outings and engaging in social games helps empower residents to remain active and full of life.  

 

  1. Assistance with Daily Activities

One of the most important benefits of assisted living is receiving help with daily activities. Some residents may need help getting dressed, bathing, personal hygiene, or going to the bathroom.  Assistance with daily activities also helps to ensure the safety of the residents.

Most caregivers in assisted living communities are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help residents with personal daily activities. Residents can usually create a schedule for routine personal care, including eating meals, bathing, or getting dressed in the morning. However, caregivers are always available to handle unscheduled needs as well. In addition to daily activities, caregivers assist residents with physical therapy, salon services, fitness activities, and cultural outings.

 

  1. Housekeeping/Laundry Services

housekeeping services at assisted living Most assisted living residences offer housekeeping and laundry services. Since residents don’t need to worry about routine home maintenance, such as cleaning and taking out trash, they can focus on thriving and enjoying life in the community.

Residents receive daily and weekly housekeeping services including cleaning private areas, vacuuming, changing bed linens, and washing/folding laundry. Housekeeping staff are also available throughout the day and night to provide emergency cleanup services, such as toileting accidents and spills.

 

  1. Transportation

Many seniors are no longer able to drive, and others may prefer not to drive in heavy traffic.  Therefore, almost all communities offer transportation to residents’ doctor’s appointments. For those communities which offer scheduled social and cultural activities, and community events, they also provide transportation to those events.

 

  1. Wellness and Fitness Programs

fitness programs at assisted livingMany assisted living communities have fitness/workout areas.  They can also provide wellness classes, such as yoga, tai chi, barre, and aerobics. Personalized classes help to meet the needs of each resident.  This helps to keep them healthy and fit. For residences that choose a holistic approach, they may offer “brain” fitness as well.  This includes games, activities, and technology to keep your brain active and sharp.

 

  1. Safety/Peace of mind

Probably the #1 criteria for choosing assisted living is the reassurance that your elderly loved one is well taken care of.  Knowing that staff is available 24/7 to care for your loved one, and that your family member is enjoying a strong quality of life, gives you peace of mind. 

Additionally, one of the greatest benefits of assisted living is that it allows seniors in need of memory care, or those with physical challenges, to have a sense of independence. Having secure entrances and exits provides greater protection for the residents. Furthermore, most communities have monitoring systems in the rooms that alert staff if a resident needs help.

 

CONCLUSION

Assisted Living Word CloudThe benefits of assisted living are endless as well as priceless. Finding a community that gives an aging loved one the care they need and deserve, and a chance to have a great quality of life, is invaluable. Assisted living communities provide privacy and independence, but they also provide care and  safety for your loving family member.