It’s normal and expected to have questions about senior care services. What is an assisted living community all about? Explore the benefits of assistive long-term care for aging adults.
Assisted Living: Residential Care to Foster Support and Healthy Independence
Assisted Living Residences offer beneficial solutions for seniors and their families. If your loved one struggles to complete certain activities of daily living (ADLs), they may need extra support.
Assisted living takes place in a residence that staffs professional caregivers. Associates can help residents with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, mealtimes, and other personal care.
Many assisted living communities offer medical care for residents as well. The scope of care provided depends on the community. Some common medical benefits found in assisted living include medication management and long-term health monitoring.
The Goal of Moving to Assisted Living
The goal of assisted living is to foster a sense of independence in your loved one. Family members can only do so much to help, and aging in their own home may actually make your senior loved one more dependent on others.
In an assisted living community, however, they have the support of professionals and peers alike, helping them reach their late-life goals and boost their mental health.
The Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors (and Their Loved Ones)
Living in a community full of professional caregivers and other seniors brings many benefits to your loved one’s life. Finding the right assisted living residence for your family member can transform their quality of life.
Enriching Recreational Activities
In any high-quality assisted living community, recreational activities will be available for residents to enjoy daily. These may include outdoor sports, like swimming and golfing, or craft and hobby classes they can enjoy with their peers.
Recreation is just as important for senior mental health as health services. Whole-body wellness includes stimulating and enriching the mind, too.
Social Connection
Isolation is a big problem for many seniors who age at home or have a family caregiver that provides all of their support. Remaining connected to others is protective for seniors’ mental and physical health. Humans are social beings, and your aging loved one needs the support of peers who are facing similar challenges and joys in life.
Assisted living communities are made up of older adults from all walks of life who can share in and enjoy experiences together. No matter what level of care they need, they’ll always have access to a vibrant community in assisted living.
Social and Health Services
Your loved one can receive specialized healthcare in assisted living. Many communities will offer social services and health and wellness management programs.
Social and human services are key for connecting seniors and their families to helpful resources and legal protections. In some cases, social workers can also offer financial help and support programs for those with disabilities and complex medical challenges.
Comprehensive health services like wellness classes and transportation to appointments can change your loved one’s life for the better. In assisted living, they’ll get everything they need to stay happy, healthy, and cared for.
Security and Assistance With Activities of Daily Living
It’s always best for seniors with mobility and cognitive challenges to have someone on-site to look out for them. Professional caregivers monitor residents and make sure there are no hazards present in the environment. They can also help reduce fall risks and other dangers while your loved one carries out necessary activities of daily living.
Comparing Assisted Living to Other Care Homes
Many senior care terms are used interchangeably. In reality, assisted living communities are different from nursing homes, independent living communities, and other care options.
What Is Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes?
The term “nursing home” is broad and may refer to a wide range of skilled nursing communities for seniors. Technically, nursing homes often provide 24/7 skilled nursing care for seniors with severe or complex medical conditions. Many nursing home residents need round-the-clock wound care, supervision, and medication management.
Assisted living is different. These communities are designed to support generally independent seniors with some activities of daily living, leaving them free to engage in other activities the rest of the time.
How Memory Care Compares to Assisted Living
Assisted living refers to retirement communities that offer mild long-term care services and one-on-one assistance with daily tasks. Nursing services are often part of assisted living communities, but they aren’t the primary focus of the care provided. On the other hand, memory care is designed to treat and support seniors with cognitive and memory problems.
Different types of care support the various needs and conditions of residents. For example, seniors who need Alzheimer’s disease management may need a higher level of care than those with general dementia and cognitive challenges. Individuals may transition from assisted living to memory care when necessary, depending on their needs.
Visit Legend Senior Living for More Information About Senior Care Options
At Legend Senior Living, we believe in educating seniors and their families about the best living options for their care. Are you ready to learn more about assisted living? Request a visit today!
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