Sorting through a lifetime of possessions, packing up a home, and moving into assisted living can be stressful. But it’s also an opportunity for a new chapter.
To reduce falls, assisted living communities minimize safety risks by offering secure entrances, emergency alert systems, and features like flat thresholds and bathroom handrails. And they offer plenty of opportunities for socialization.
Peace of Mind
Many families worry about their senior loved one’s safety – fearing they will fall or be unable to call for help if they experience a medical emergency. Assisted living communities provide safety features that can connect seniors with the proper care in an emergency, such as medical alert systems.
Assisted living facilities also offer amenities and activities that promote physical fitness, emotional health, and social connections. Onsite community gardens, art and music classes, game nights, and trips can all encourage socialization and contribute to a happy life for your senior loved one.
Assisted living communities charge monthly fees that cover rent, services, and amenities, which can be paid from personal funds or long-term care insurance benefits. For those who can still manage some of their financial resources, working with Medicaid planning experts can help protect assets and ensure future eligibility for public assistance.
Personalized Care
Assisted living communities develop personalized care plans to help your loved one live the best life possible. Most facilities have a team that assesses a resident’s needs, including a physician, nurse, physical therapist, social worker, and occupational therapist.
Residents get a maintenance-free lifestyle without worrying about cooking, house cleaning, and yard work. They also enjoy restaurant-style meals designed to fit their dietary needs.
Seniors often feel lonely or isolated when they live at home alone. Assisted living provides an opportunity to interact with other people and make friends. This can help your loved one stay active and happy, reducing depression and anxiety. It can also ease the strain on family caregivers who may feel overwhelmed. Assisted living, FL, can provide a sense of community and reduce the stress of caring for an aging loved one.
Socialization
Socialization is critical to the well-being of seniors. People who feel isolated are at greater risk of falling into depression, which can lead to dangerous or even life-threatening behaviors.
In assisted living, a full schedule of activities encourages social interaction and the development of new friendships. Residents can enjoy group meals, exercise classes, games, lectures, and field trips with friends. They also have access to help with daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, and they don’t have to worry about transportation or finding a ride to doctor appointments. Seniors who participate in regular social activities experience reduced anxiety and have lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of falls. This, in turn, can lead to better overall health and a higher quality of life.
Health Care
If your loved one is having trouble with hygiene and dressing, forgetting to take their medications, or noticing that meals aren’t adequately prepared, these are telltale signs that they may need more help than friends or family can offer. Assisted living can provide just the right level of support.
Besides helping with daily tasks, these communities typically provide recreational and social activities to stimulate seniors physically and mentally. This can help improve cognitive sharpness and lower the risk of depression.
Assisted living communities also ensure safety by providing medical alert systems in each apartment, emergency response plans, and secure entrances. They can also help with transportation and assistive equipment if needed. These benefits can ease the transition into a new chapter of life and give families peace of mind.
Security
Assisted living communities are designed with safety in mind. They’re built with features that prevent falls, like well-lit walkways, wide hallways and doors, grab bars in the showers, and nonslip flooring materials. And they have staff on hand to provide help if necessary.
Residents can also get a full range of care to help them stay as independent as possible. For example, a staff member may remind them to take their medications and can help with medication management, which can reduce the risk of dangerous drug interactions.
For many seniors, assisted living can be affordable with help from supplemental social security benefits. Seniors wanting to learn more about this option can work with an estate planning professional to explore creative strategies to qualify for long-term care coverage.
