Posted: August 3, 2022
As the people in your life reach retirement age, you may begin thinking about what comes next for them. Many older adults spend years in their homes after they’ve left the workforce. While living at home may be a comfortable choice, some people may need additional support as they age. It’s essential to consider how assisted living environments can benefit older adults’ physical and mental health.
Exploring these options now can ensure you have a plan if your loved ones want to choose an assisted living facility to support their personal needs. Learn the benefits of assisted living communities and what they can do for your loved ones’ physical and mental health.
Assisted living is an apartment-style residency option for older adults who could benefit from help with completing daily routines. These environments provide round-the-clock care for residents and allow them to remain independent during their stay. Connecting with neighbors and having family visits are essential for maintaining a social life that supports their mental health.
Assisted living often provides housekeeping services so residents can go about their day free from the stress of cleaning and cooking. Other amenities at assisted living communities that make life easier for the residents include:
Each of these amenities represents an opportunity to make residents feel at home. Staff members provide these benefits daily to ensure the residents’ living situations are comfortable, enjoyable and life-enriching. Residents can indulge in their favorite activities without worrying about completing simple daily tasks.
Staying aware of your loved ones’ physical and emotional states can help you spot signs they may need the extra care of an assisted living community.
Your loved one can benefit from assisted living at any age. However, it’s most common for older adults to move into a supportive community when they begin to find completing their daily routines more of a challenge.
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are a great way to monitor your loved ones’ abilities to care for themselves in their home. ADLs that older adults complete every day to care for their hygiene and other personal needs include:
It is completely normal to notice over time that older adults are taking more time to finish these everyday tasks. However, observing your loved one’s mindset toward their routine can be helpful. If you start to notice changes, such as forgetfulness or finding normal activities challenging, it may be time to discuss assisted living with them. Choosing assisted living ensures that your loved one receives help to complete these tasks so they can enjoy each moment of their day.
You may also notice a change in your loved ones’ mindset toward living alone. Whether they live in their own space or with another person under the same roof, older adults can develop symptoms of loneliness during the later stages of life. Among U.S. adults 65 and older, almost 25% are socially isolated, which can increase the risk of:
In addition to the risks it poses to their physical and mental health, loneliness can make older adults’ hobbies less enjoyable and their daily activities a challenge to complete.
Assisted living communities can help combat these feelings of loneliness through social activities that enhance every resident’s daily physical and mental health. Assisted living might be the next step if you notice these signs in your loved ones.
Assisted living provides many benefits to make your loved ones’ lives easier as they explore unlimited growth opportunities. You may discover advantages and disadvantages of assisted living based on your loved one’s needs. It is essential to sit down and discuss their comfort with the services typically available in the communities to see how they can benefit most in these environments.
Assisted living communities prioritize residents’ physical health throughout their daily routines. With the help of staff, ADLs are easier to complete for older adults so they can get back to doing what they love most. Whether they enjoy outdoor hobbies or invest their time in activities where they can work with their hands, residents can participate in numerous physically stimulating opportunities around the living spaces.
Many assisted living communities schedule weekly physical activities such as walking trips, yoga and tai chi sessions, dancing lessons and sports games. Those who prefer to exercise outdoors can enjoy a relaxing workout with the community’s gardens and walking paths.
Assisted living communities can be the perfect solution if your loved one needs help with their ADLs. It’s crucial for older adults to retain control over their lives while getting the care they need. It’s essential for the level of assistance your loved one receives to meet their needs. However, it’s equally vital for their care to help them maintain their independence. Assisted living is one of the best ways to find and maintain that balance.
Socialization significantly improves mental health and increases the feeling of belonging in a community. Assisted living communities typically offer several daily opportunities to socialize with neighbors. Staff members provide positive opportunities to thrive in new or existing hobbies that encourage residents to come out of their shells. Movie nights, art workshops, games and baking are a few of the opportunities residents may have to participate in social activities.
Many assisted living communities also offer transportation to the surrounding areas for residents to shop, go to doctor’s appointments, meet locals or get a change of scenery. Socializing with residents of the neighboring towns can improve the mental health of older adults as they get to know others outside of the assisted living community. By providing transportation, these communities ensure residents feel like they have enough space to invest in their favorite pastimes and gain some fresh air when they need it.
If you’ve noticed signs that your loved one may need professional assistance with completing everyday tasks, you may want to consider assisted living. An assisted living community can be a great next step that provides help in areas where they need it most.
Low-income assisted living in Colorado is accessible for all families and provides the same incredible benefits. If you think this is the right step for your loved one, you can find more information about assisted living here.
© 2023 Dayspring Villa
Other Related Articles
