If your loved one needs more help than friends or family can, assisted living might be the right choice. But what are the benefits of this type of care?
Residents receive scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and errands. Some communities also offer onsite physical and occupational therapy. These services are usually included in the base price of room and board.
Personalized Care
Personalized care is an approach that focuses on individual patients to help them feel more involved in their healthcare, more knowledgeable about their health, and overall happier.
One of the biggest benefits of assisted living is that it offers residents various services to help with their daily needs, such as assistance with dressing or bathing, transportation, and medication management. In addition, some facilities have onsite physical and occupational therapy to help with rehabilitation from injuries or illnesses. This helps reduce the need for home visits and can improve a person’s quality of life. The individualized care offered by these facilities can also be a great relief for family caregivers. You may check this WEBSITE for more information about their personalized care services.
Social Interaction
As the saying goes, “No man is an island.” Unless they live alone, most people interact with others multiple times daily. The interaction may be verbal (a greeting, a farewell) or non-verbal (a wave, the clothes you wear).
Assisted living provides many opportunities for seniors to socialize with their peers daily. They can play games together, watch movies, and even have conversations, often accompanied by food and drink.
When touring potential assisted living residences, take notes and try to talk with as many staff members as possible. Ask questions and listen to the answers carefully.
Health Care
In assisted living, the staff is specially trained to monitor and address any health issues a resident may experience. This includes helping a resident remember to take their medications and means that medical professionals are available if needed.
In addition to monitoring and medication management services, assisted living residences typically offer recreational opportunities. These can include board games, reading groups, and social outings, like visits to a park or shopping trips.
Those who live alone often suffer from depression, and socializing regularly can help boost happiness and improve mental health. Many assisted living facilities have a specific unit, wing, or program dedicated to dementia care, sometimes called memory support. They will usually have trained caregivers and a team of nurses.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation helps seniors stick to their dietary health goals. By preparing meals ahead of time, it is easier to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods or settling for fast food. Assisted living communities offer a range of meal options and often follow specific diet recommendations like low-sodium snacks and plant-based meals. Culinary teams also consider special needs, such as allergies and sensitivities, ensuring residents have plenty of delicious and nutritious choices. Many residents enjoy the social aspect of dining with others, especially if they are used to doing so in their homes. Ask your loved one about their community’s various clubs and activities, such as cultural, exercise, and culinary groups.
Safety
Many seniors need to move into assisted living because they aren’t able to live alone safely. Assisted living communities provide residents with apartment-style living, including private bathrooms and a kitchenette. In addition, staff will be available to help residents with their day-to-day needs and provide onsite activities.
Most assisted living facilities require a healthcare provider’s evaluation before allowing an older adult to move in. This form, called something different by each state, will include a list of medical problems, medications, and current vaccinations.
Many of the same safety measures offered in nursing homes are also present in assisted living, including bathroom and bed alarms, as well as a variety of strategies to minimize the risk of falls. These strategies can include adjustments to a senior’s medication regimen, discouraging unsafe behaviors, and ensuring that personal items are safely within reach.
