Many older persons face the dilemma of whether to continue living in their homes or move to a centre where they can receive more readily available assistance.
While leaving their home may be challenging, there are also many positive aspects of senior assisted living that our loved ones can look forward to when deciding to move to an assisted living facility. You can learn more about assisted living by visiting the following website: https://seasonsretirement.com/what-is-assisted-living/
But how do you know when it’s the right time to make this adjustment, and what benefits can older ones receive from assisted living that make it worthwhile? Let’s discuss these points below and find out!
What Is Assisted Living, & How Does It Work?
Assisted living communities provide our loved ones with beautiful, private homes where on-site staff members care for their daily chores and maintenance tasks.
Services such as housekeeping, prepared meals and dining, laundry services, changed-out linens, and scheduled health care are provided, allowing older ones to simplify their daily lives and spend their free time any way they choose.
These communities provide our loved ones with the freedom to enjoy their retirement years comfortably and among other residents, allowing them fuller social lives and the time to pursue hobbies and interests they love.
Assisted living also enables older persons to focus more on their health and well-being, providing opportunities to try new exercise classes, spend more time in nature, and enjoy a good diet.
What Signs Indicate That It’s Time For Assisted Living?
While our loved ones likely wish to remain in their homes, there comes a time when they may require more assistance than home care can provide.
If you or your loved one is considering a move to an assisted living center, a few indicators in personal behaviours can help you make the final decision. The circumstances listed below are often signs that an older person may need a helping hand:
Safety Concerns
If an older person has experienced falling or slipping, they may be wary of engaging in activities with the risk of another incident. This may reduce the range of activities they can perform independently and can indirectly cause other issues.
For example, they may be less willing to take frequent baths when home alone, as slips and falls can quickly occur when stepping in and out of a bathtub.
Poor Household Maintenance
Some older individuals may eventually find it harder to carry out routine tasks such as cleaning and organizing a household. Outdoor house maintenance, such as lawn care and snow removal, may also be complex for some people. Hence, assisted living might be a good option if your loved person is experiencing difficulties in maintaining their household.
Declining Physical & Mental Health
As our loved ones grow older, they become more susceptible to illness, which can be challenging to manage if they live independently.
If an older person has reached a point with their health where they can no longer manage symptoms, administration of medication, and accidents on their own, it may be time to consider moving them to a residence where they have 24/7 on-call help.
Why Is Assisted Living Beneficial?
If you’re on the fence about choosing assisted living for yourself or your loved one, consider the benefits of this type of living arrangement.
While it may take some time to adjust, there are many positive aspects to moving into an area where older persons are more closely cared for. Consider some of the following:
Reliable & Professional Care
While it may be challenging to consider moving to a home where strangers may surround you or your loved one, remember that professional caretakers manage assisted living communities and know they may have concerns. The on-site staff members ensure our older loved ones are adequately looked after and settled into their new homes.
Older persons will receive various treatments and services to lessen their daily load. Frequent housekeeping, prepared meals, dressing, bathing, grooming, medical assistance, and many other services will be provided based on the care that one requires.
Also, care plans are frequently reviewed and re-examined to ensure residents receive the best care possible.
By having such attentive care available, older persons will be better equipped to go about their day-to-day activities, pursue their interests and hobbies, and enjoy their free time without worrying about having assistance when it’s needed.
More Free & Personal Time
Now that our older loved one is no longer responsible for the care of their house, they don’t have to worry about making time for their passions, hobbies, and other carefree activities.
Assisted living allows older adults to leave housekeeping, cooking, and home maintenance to the care of on-site staff while they take some well-deserved free time.
Now, residents in assisted living communities can spend more time with family and friends, travel, learn new skills, and many other things they previously didn’t have the time to pursue.
More Frequent Socialization
As our family members age, their social circle may lessen as their dear friends and loved ones move to other areas or pass away.
However, moving to an assisted living center allows older ones to build new friendships. They will now meet and befriend their fellow residents at meal times and during recreational activities.
Such opportunities for socialization will help older persons to feel less lonely and isolated. This will also give family members peace of mind knowing their loved ones can interact with others and meet new people, which can be a comfort if they have no immediate family nearby.
Takeaway
Ultimately, deciding if assisted living is the right option for you or your loved one comes down to need, affordability and lifestyle preferences. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a universal answer to this question; what’s right for one individual may not be suitable for another.
It’s essential to research, speak with professionals and connect with potential retirement homes or communities before deciding which type of care is best for your loved one.
