Reasons to Move to Assisted Living
Assisted living can serve as a valuable transitional option for seniors who require more assistance than their family can provide at home, but do not need 24/7 care.
Below are some reasons why assisted living can be advantageous for seniors in terms of promoting their health and happiness, compared to living at home.
Appropriate Living Environment
When the physical health of seniors starts to decline, families may need to make home modifications and hire in-home care to ensure their safety. These modifications can range from medical alert systems and shower grab-bars to wheelchair-accessible ramps, and the costs can quickly add up. In contrast, assisted living communities are designed to be accessible and promote senior mobility, which can help prevent falls and accidents. These communities also provide access to medical assistance, either through on-site medical staff or proximity to nearby hospitals.
Daily Fitness & Exercise
Retirement and assisted living communities provide a wide variety of fitness and physical therapy programs to keep seniors active and engaged, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba classes, and endurance and strength-building workouts. These programs are tailored to the needs of senior citizens and cater to specific medical conditions. In addition, community gardening clubs can provide exercise and fun to help seniors stay active and release endorphins. Participating in organized group fitness activities can also assist seniors in treating arthritis, improving circulation, and keeping their bodies engaged in healthy ways. The opportunities for physical fitness in assisted living communities surpass what family caregivers can easily provide at home.
Richer Social Life
Loneliness and social isolation have been associated with adverse health outcomes, and many seniors experience isolation due to the following reasons:
- Retirement eliminates socialization opportunities in the work environment.
- Physical ailments or transportation issues make it difficult to meet people for lunch or attend social events.
- Friends and spouses may have passed away.
Assisted living communities offer seniors the opportunity to socialize with peers easily, not only in common areas but also through planned, structured activities like events , field trips, and special celebrations. Assisted living communities inspire seniors to get involved, which can lead to greater happiness and a better quality of life.
Proper & Varied Nutrition
Supervising senior nutrition at home can be a challenging task. Seniors who live alone may find it unappealing to cook for one, and it can be difficult for family caregivers to ensure that their loved ones are consuming adequate nutrients. Unfortunately, many seniors suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to a decline in health and well-being, despite their family’s efforts to keep them healthy. In assisted living communities, residents are provided with three meals a day that are customized to their specific medical conditions, such as diabetes or difficulty swallowing. Some luxury communities even offer gourmet dining options.
Help with Daily Chores
Senior citizens often find housekeeping, yard work, and daily activities to be a burden. Assisted living allows seniors to enjoy their golden years with people of similar age, in addition to taking advantage of assisted living activities and amenities without worrying about the details of living. Family caregivers or hired in-home help are typically responsible for assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating, which can be expensive without the social and activity benefits that come with assisted living. Assisted living provides expert assistance with ADLs, allowing seniors to maintain their independence while engaging in activities that bring them joy and improving their quality of life.