As loved ones age, it’s natural to consider alternative living arrangements to enhance their quality of life. Many seniors and families start this process by researching assisted living communities. But what exactly is assisted living, when is it time to consider this option, and what are the benefits?
Assisted living is a type of residential care that provides support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, or preparing meals. Seniors who receive this level of care can communicate their needs but don’t require the intensive and round-the-clock medical care often provided in nursing homes.
This living option emphasizes autonomy and fosters independence while providing extra peace of mind for residents and families who know that additional assistance and personalized care are available if, and when, it’s needed.
Seniors and families should consider assisted living when several factors become apparent: an individual needs help with activities of daily living; the risk of falls increases; health challenges; cognitive decline; and importantly, social isolation.
If your friend or family member encounters difficulties with activities such as personal hygiene or meal preparation, it could indicate that an assisted living community might provide the assistance they require. Many assisted living communities offer restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals to ensure residents receive proper nutrition without the hassles of shopping and cooking.
Safety is always a concern for seniors who are prone to falls and other injuries. In assisted living communities, residents may have an emergency call device like a pendant as well as call buttons in their apartments and daily check-ins from team members to ensure they are generally in good health.
If your loved one’s health or cognitive function has declined, they may require more assistance than you can provide at home. Many assisted living communities offer different levels of care and memory support services for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.
Depression and social isolation are common for seniors who live alone. Study after study highlights that being around others and socializing at some level is imperative to a senior’s health and well-being. Assisted living communities offer an array of activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, and educational forums.
If your loved one is beginning to exhibit signs that they require additional care, assisted living could provide the necessary support within a stimulating and autonomous setting. By researching assisted living communities now, you’ll ensure your loved one has options to age well, even if their needs change. It’s much less disruptive to get additional support in the environment you live in than to move later in life.
Your Senior Care Partner
At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 719-259-1331 or contact us online if you have questions about assisted living or would like to schedule a personalized tour.
