5 Reasons to Move to an Assisted Living Facility
Discussed below are five reasons to move to an assisted living facility.
16/02/2024
Image by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash
Statistics suggest that over 800,000 older adults in the United States reside in assisted living facilities. These facilities are a highly sought-after option for seniors looking to live independently for as long as possible but require some assistance with daily living activities. An assisted living facility provides a home-like setting with personalized care based on individual needs and preferences. Discussed below are five reasons to move to an assisted living facility.
1. Improved quality of life
Isolation and loneliness have a dangerous effect on an older adult's physical and mental well-being. Seniors who live alone in their homes or in a setting that doesn't let them connect with others or their peers are at a higher risk of heart disease, depression, and more. Assisted living helps enhance your quality of life, promoting good health and increasing happiness. These facilities provide assisted living that empowers your life by:
- Focusing on wellness and health: Remaining active and physically fit as you age helps improve overall health. Many assisted living facilities provide well-equipped gyms and classes like yoga, tai chi, and more
- Providing support with daily living activities: Daily living activities can burden older adults. Assisted living provides help with daily chores, which allows you to focus more on your health
- Offering comfortable amenities: These facilities provide pet-friendly accommodations, chapels, libraries, and other amenities to make your life as comfortable and fulfilling as possible
2. Promotes independent living
Independence is very crucial for seniors because it helps:
- Maintain a sense of purpose and control
- Improve mental health
- Maintain peace of mind
Assisted living facilities promote independent living in various ways, including:
- Scheduled outings: These outings safely take older adults to community events, movies, cultural events, and more, making them feel more independent
- Maintenance-free lifestyle: In assisted living, household maintenance activities and chores are taken care of by the facility's staff. As such, you don't have to worry about asking others for help with daily living activities
- Medication management: Caregivers in assisted living facilities help seniors take medications or provide reminders, helping keep track of their health
3. Peace of mind
The services, convenience, and comfortable amenities provided by assisted living facilities add up to peace of mind. Moving to assisted living gives you access to 24/7 support and care whenever you need it. Since your healthcare needs may change over time, opting for assisted living prepares you for any eventuality, giving you peace of mind. When seniors live alone, their loved ones are constantly worried about them. Assisted living facilities provide professional, round-the-clock care, which offers peace of mind to your family members.
4. Safety
Resident safety is a priority in many assisted living facilities. They have round-the-clock security systems around the property, deterring crime and aiding investigations. Assisted living communities have fire safety and disaster precautions in place and may also have a gated primary entry point and security guards. Seniors with problems like wandering are assigned professional on-hand staff for their protection.
5. Personalized care
When residents move into assisted living, a health assessment is done to help create personalized care plans that align with a resident's specific needs. Besides boosting overall health, this improves quality of life.
Endnote
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who wish to live independently for as long as possible. Familiarize yourself with the reasons to move to an assisted living facility to determine if it's an option worth considering.