An assisted living facility is a residential alternative for seniors who require assistance with various medical and personal care needs. This type of residential facility ranges from apartment complexes or converted homes to converted schools. Many assisted living facilities have common recreational and social activity areas and a group dining space.
An assisted living facility comes in handy for older adults who require more help than friends and family can offer. It’s also ideal for those who feel isolated or lonely in their homes. Shifting into an assisted living residence comes with multiple rewards. Outlined below are seven benefits of moving to an assisted living facility.
Improved quality of life
Independent living poses several risks for older adults, including:
- Fall and accident risks
- Malnutrition
- Overlooked illnesses or symptoms
- Accidental medication overdose
When living alone, older adults may also experience mental health challenges, lack of assistance with daily tasks, and financial difficulties. All these difficulties negatively impact a senior’s quality of life. This is where assisted living facilities come in. Based on your needs, these facilities provide:
- Nutritious meals
- Physical activity programs
- Personalized medical care
- Self-care
Other assisted living facilities, including longhouse.com, specialize in offering vibrant housing for older adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses. The services they provide eliminate the risks associated with independent living while helping keep seniors healthier and happier. This enhances their quality of life.
Better security and safety
Although security differs from one assisted living facility to another, most reputable homes have excellent security measures that make it secure and safe for the elderly. Some of the security measures these facilities have in place include:
- Video surveillance: Assisted living homes have round-the-clock video surveillance in hallways, elevators, rooms, exits/ entrances, parking lots, and other areas to help monitor residents
- In-room monitoring: Since residents can’t have staff assistance 24/7, assisted living facilities have in-room tracking to ascertain resident safety and alert staff of any crucial updates
- Fire safety: Assisted facilities provide housing to people with mobility challenges and require more time to evacuate in emergencies. When choosing an assisted living facility, ensure it has functional carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers, plus a clear escape plan and route
- Perimeter access control: This prevents trespassing and keeps residents from leaving the home without anyone accompanying them
Personalized care
An assisted living facility focuses on every individual’s unique health requirements, personal preferences, and experiences. The personalized care offered in assisted living facilities prioritizes the most efficient and effective care to residents, depending on their requirements.
This kind of care is mainly characterized by caregivers with the training and time to understand what seniors require. With this information, assisted living staff can create the right environment to achieve that. Offering personalized care may involve:
- Round-the-clock nursing care
- Behavior and mood monitoring
- Medication administration
- An assisted living facility’s holistic approach to care significantly contributes to improved quality of life.
Access to healthcare
Quality healthcare access is one of the many perks an assisted living home provides. Many facilities have in-house staff trained to offer proper care and the medical assistance residents may require. Since the staff is available 24/7, older adults are assured of constant care even during emergencies.
Besides evaluating and monitoring your health, these staff members also help with daily medication management. Assisted living facilities also offer specialized memory care services for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Convenience and comfort
Assisted living facilities usually provide residents with private spaces where they can feel at home and comfortable. In addition, they offer housekeeping services such as laundry and cleaning, easing daily life and freeing residents’ time so they can spend it however they wish.
In an assisted living community, you’re given three nutritious meals every day, relieving the burden associated with planning and preparing food. These facilities also provide transport services to their residents, making it easier and more comfortable to get around, including attending social gatherings and doctor’s appointments.
Opportunities to socialize
Loneliness and social isolation are common concerns for older adults living independently. Social isolation/ loneliness poses significant health risks, including:
- Premature death risk
- Over 50% increased threat of dementia
- Higher suicide, depression, and anxiety rates
An assisted living facility provides a community where its residents interact with each other daily. These activities can include movie nights, holiday events, and fitness classes, creating a great way for residents to mingle and develop friendships while keeping them physically and mentally active.
Peace of mind
Assisted living facilities provide peace of mind for residents and their families. Unlike when living alone, where seniors constantly worry about their daily living activities and personal care, these homes take care of everything. A resident’s loved ones also don’t have to worry about their safety, health, security, and more like would when the senior is living independently.
Since an assisted living facility brings a community of seniors together, you can rest assured knowing that your loved one will enjoy social interactions and won’t be at risk of the stress that comes with loneliness and isolation.
Endnote
Shifting into an assisted living home comes with many rewards. Consider moving to an assisted living facility to enjoy these benefits.