Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Flavia Calina
Do you or your loved one find it challenging to get around the house? Do they forget to take their medications or have trouble eating? Assisted living is a safe and healthy alternative. But how do you know if it’s the right option for you or your loved one?
A Place to Live
If your loved one starts having trouble cooking, cleaning, or getting to the bathroom alone, these are telltale signs it’s time to consider assisted living. Unlike home ownership, assisted living communities like Westminster Woods offer regular maintenance services so your loved ones don’t have to worry about shoveling snow or raking leaves. In addition to housekeeping and meal preparation, many assisted living facilities offer various socialization opportunities. Studies show that seniors who socialize daily enjoy a higher quality of life. Ultimately, the most important benefit of assisted living is peace of mind for residents and their family members. Knowing that your loved one is receiving day-to-day care in a safe, happy and comfortable community gives you the freedom to spend more time with them.
A Place to Be Cared For
Assisted living is a great option for older adults who need help with daily activities. They may have experienced a fall or trouble keeping up with medication or meal preparation. Those needing assisted living should consider working with a Medicaid planning expert. These professionals specialize in creatively structuring a family’s assets to ensure eligibility for public and private long-term care benefits like Medicare and Medicaid. In addition to daily needs assistance, residents in assisted living communities have access to a safe environment. Safety features include secure entrances and alarm systems in the apartments. Staff members are on hand day and night to assist with urgent needs. They also know a variety of diets, such as low-sodium and diabetic options, and can assist with preparing meals for these special needs.
A Place to Socialize
Socialization is a human need that remains the same as people age. Research has shown that seniors who interact regularly with friends and family have a better quality of life, are less likely to get sick, and live longer. Assisted living facilities encourage socialization through group outings, classes, game nights, and other events. Some even offer guided hobbies like painting sessions and gardening, which help residents connect with others with similar interests. Socializing also keeps the mind sharp, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression that can negatively impact a person’s health. It also provides a sense of purpose and accountability, keeping seniors motivated to take care of themselves physically through exercise and eating a nutritious diet. This is important because it can be easy to lose motivation when living alone.
A Place to Eat
As we age, appetites often decrease and eating well can become difficult. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and jeopardized health. In assisted living, meals are prepared by talented chefs and designed specifically for senior health and taste. Residents are served in elegant dining rooms, where dinner becomes a social event, not a solo affair. In addition to delicious meals, various nutritious snacks are available throughout the day.
Moreover, residents enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that skilled, licensed professionals take care of their medical needs. For those with more limited mobility, a supervised exercise program that can help prevent falls is available. This is a very important aspect of a senior’s well-being. It has also been shown to help combat depression and feelings of isolation. Read more exciting articles on Today World Info
