Assisted living communities are more than just a place to stay. They provide many benefits that make seniors’ lives better. In some cases, extra support and care are necessary to keep an elderly person healthy and comfortable.
Knowing the benefits and options can help you or someone you love who is on the fence about moving into assisted living. While many services are meant for medical and daily care, others provide options for socializing, entertainment, and more.
The following list can help you decide if a move into assisted living is the best choice for you.
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
Activities of daily living (ADLs) include bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, walking, and moving in and out of beds or chairs. These are things that most people take for granted when they are younger. Elderly people can experience mobility or health issues that can diminish their ability to complete ADLs on their own.
Assisted living facilities employ staff that can assist with ADLs. These are professionals that understand the changing needs of aging adults. Moving into a senior community also lifts the burden of care off of loved ones, which can help improve relationships and lower stress for all involved.
- Memory Care Services for Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia significantly increase the care needs of seniors. People with cognitive decline require more support, which may change as the condition progresses.
An assisted living community with a memory care unit provides an ideal solution for seniors with a dementia diagnosis. Residents can remain as independent as they can be for as long as possible. They can transition into memory care when the time comes without leaving the community that they know and are comfortable in.
- Activities That Engage Seniors
Assisted living communities usually provide activities that keep seniors engaged and busy. The type of activities will vary and can include everything from age-appropriate sports to gardening, crafting, and more. Many facilities also host workouts, book clubs, or cooking lessons.
Various activities give residents ways to stay fit, socialize, and keep their minds sharp. Studies have also indicated that social activities improve emotional wellness and the immune system. If you are looking for an assisted living community, ask about their activities schedule.
- Senior-Friendly Living Space
Even healthy seniors experience physical changes as they age. This can affect strength, balance, and flexibility. Assisted living communities are optimized for senior needs.
Living spaces are built to provide wider pathways with fewer fall risks. Most use furnishings that aren’t a tripping hazard along with railings, non-slip mats, and other safety measures. They also use seating with good support to make it easier to stand and sit.
The average home can be turned into a senior-friendly living space, but it takes effort and can come at a price. It is also easy to overlook potential dangers until something happens, like a fall.
- Social Gatherings and Events for Seniors
Along with activities, assisted living communities host social gatherings and events for seniors. This can include dances, picnics, holiday dinners, birthday parties, parades, and much more.
Moving into senior housing doesn’t mean life has to be boring. The right facility will provide a long list of reasons for residents to come together and socialize. Spending time with peers creates opportunities to make friends, which help reduces the risk of isolation and depression.
- Medication Management Services
Many seniors find that they need more medications as they get older. This may not be a problem at first, but over time it can become difficult to monitor doses. Missing a dose or taking too much can cause serious health problems.
Assisted living facilities offer medication management services that handle all of this for you or your loved one. Medications are administered on time and in the right dosage every day. It’s safer and gives loved ones peace of mind.
- Laundry and Housekeeping Services
Common tasks can become difficult for seniors, especially those with health conditions or increased frailty.
Most assisted living facilities include housekeeping and laundry in their monthly fees. Someone will wash clothing and ensure that each resident has a clean, hygienic place to live. Seniors who live alone and experience diminished capability are more likely to have problems with grooming, cleanliness, and general self-care.
- Transportation for Appointments and Fun
Some seniors lose their ability to drive. They must rely on others to run errands and go to appointments.
Assisted living communities usually provide a transportation service. They will coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure that residents get to appointments and receive the care they need from their preferred doctors. Some also schedule group trips to local attractions, entertainment venues, restaurants, and businesses.
Living in a senior community doesn’t mean you have to be stuck there. Loved ones can also pick up residents to take them to family events and more.
- Meal Plans and Nutrition Monitoring
Diet is essential to good health at any age. Most assisted living communities provide three meals a day plus snacks. The right place will offer a delicious menu with healthy recipes. They also serve options for different dietary needs, like those who are diabetic, have allergies, or require gluten-free meals.
Talk to the assisted living facility you are considering to ask for a copy of their menu. You should also discuss dietary needs to ensure that they can accommodate them before you or a loved one moves in.
- Built-in Security and Safety
The elderly are considered a vulnerable population. That’s because they are at a higher risk in the event of a disaster or emergency. They are more likely to suffer disproportionately compared to younger people.
They are also more vulnerable to crime than other age groups because many are socially isolated, depend on public transport, and have predictable behavior patterns.
Assisted living communities have built-in security and safety for seniors. Many require visitors to check in, with locked doors that prevent the general public from wandering inside. A good facility will also have adequate lighting inside and outside of all buildings and may also use additional safety measures like security cameras and monitoring. They tend to have staff on-site 24 hours a day, so residents are never alone.
Find the Right Assisted Living Community in Scottsdale, Arizona
Pinnacle Peak Assisted Living Home provides compassionate care for seniors. Visit our website or contact us now to learn more about moving into our residential home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
