While getting old is inevitable for us all, not many people envision their later years of life spent in an assisted living center. But the reality is that more than half of all people in the U.S. aged 65 or older need long-term care.
Deciding to move a loved one to an assisted living community is not easy. But for many seniors, this is probably the best decision they (and you) could make.
If you’re on the fence with your decision, learn more about the benefits of assisted living for seniors in this blog.
Attentive, Personalized Care
One of the best things about assisted living is the level of personal care your loved one will receive. If you’re unsure about senior living, rest assured that they are in the best hands, surrounded by experts you can rely on.
Assisted living focuses on the individual experience – tailoring care needs to each person’s specific health concerns. Staff take the time to get to know your loved one, creating an environment they can thrive in.
Respectful, Hands-On Assistance
Depending on the type of assistance your loved one needs, each facility offers as little or as much as they want. In other words, if they are still quite independent, they can embrace it.
If they need hands-on, day-to-day assistance with a range of tasks, they’ll get the support they need. Whether it’s bathing, dressing, eating, or transportation, respectful, hands-on support is always nearby.
Similarly, if seniors prefer to live independently, on their own terms, they have this option, too. The assisted living community you choose aims to meet your loved one’s needs, no matter what they are.
Safety and Peace of Mind
If you’re a primary caregiver, the safety and comfort of your loved one is always a top priority and something that might constantly play on your mind.
If they’ve reached a point where driving, cooking alone, or even walking has become hazardous, you need the assurance that they’ll be safe and well taken care of.
Safety and comfort are two cornerstones of the culture of an assisted living community. They are top priorities for all residents – even those who are still quite independent.
All staff undergo in-depth training in their specialties to help mitigate the risk of accidents. They are well-trained in responding to emergencies and ensure all seniors remain monitored on a round-the-clock basis.
For assisted living communities, a good staff-to-resident ratio is a key priority to ensure personalized care is upheld. All of these factors offer an unmatched peace of mind that your loved one is in the safest environment possible.
Social Interaction
Studies show that the more social interaction seniors engage in, the slower the rate of cognitive decline. There is also a smaller chance of developing mental health conditions such as depression.
Social engagement is incredibly important as you get older, that’s why an assisted living community is so beneficial.
Your loved one will have access to other members of the community, daily. Senior care home costs also include organized social events, classes, book clubs, therapy sessions, and more.
They also get the chance to form a meaningful bond with their caregivers and other members of staff, too, leading to a fulfilling, enriched life.
Onsite Healthcare
There’s no denying the health issues that come with aging. If your loved one is at a stage where their health is deteriorating, you can rest assured that they will have the daily support that they need.
All assisted living communities offer a well-trained, experienced, and empathetic team of nursing staff, on a 24-hour basis. Healthcare in assisted living covers physical, mental, and emotional support, as needed.
Not only this, but they’ll have access to onsite therapy and rehabilitation services, classes, and equipment. In most cases, they might actually receive better care than you could offer them – especially if their health needs extend beyond your scope of experience.
The Option of Independence
A loss of independence is a key factor in why many seniors might reject the prospect of moving to residential care. While most assisted living communities offer full-scale, 24/7 care, they have the option of choosing how much care they want.
If your loved one doesn’t need round-the-clock care or assistance, they don’t have to opt for it. Assisted living benefits include a life of independence as they see fit but with expert care available at any time of the day.
Many scenarios might lead a parent/s to assisted living. Even if they are fit and well, their home might become too much work to maintain. Or, they might live alone and crave company and social interaction.
Whatever the case, your loved one’s sense of independence and autonomy is important to all staff members at an assisted living community.
Tailored, Senior-Specific Nutrition
Your diet becomes more important than ever as you age. Not only is a balanced diet vital to maintaining your physical and mental health, but it’s also vital to your enjoyment of life.
As seniors age, nutrition tends to fall by the wayside as fatigue, illness, frailty, or mental health issues take over. This is where pre-existing health issues can take a sharp downturn, or new health conditions could present themselves.
In an assisted living community, your loved one will have access to freshly made senior-specific nutrition that focuses on maintaining their wellness. These meals are nutrient-dense and tailored to the health needs of the aging.
They will also have the chance to choose their diet preferences and meal times. If they prefer, they can also dine with the rest of the community, fostering social interaction and friendship.
Embrace the Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors
If you’ve been weighing up the tough decision to move your loved one to assisted living, we hope this blog has helped. The benefits of assisted living for seniors are clear – but finding the right community is key.
Discovery Village at Palm Beach Gardens offers an unmatched living environment for seniors. If you’re in search of the right fit for your loved one, learn more about our senior living options today.
