First and foremost: Assisted living is not the same as a nursing home or constant-care medical facility.
It is easy for the two to become confused for some people, but the fact is, there are major differences. People in assisted living facilities generally have fewer or less complex medical needs and experience more personal freedoms than people who are in nursing homes. Assisted living can promote better health and happiness not only for the elderly person or couple but for their families as well.
Here are some of the benefits that elderly people and their families can experience when the elderly person has moved into an assisted living facility:
Improved Physical Activities, Social Environment, and Personally Safe Environment
Many assisted living facilities have a variety of facilities available such as walking tracks, fitness classes, and gyms, as well as trained health and wellness specialists on staff who can help seniors get more active or assist seniors who may need to be more active.
These same types of environments also provide numerous social activities, from game night to movie night, book clubs, and everything in-between.
Many seniors who felt isolated when in their homes suddenly feel better when they are located where they can socialize with other people in their age bracket who share similar interests.
Personal safety is enhanced as well because many assisted living facilities and the communities they serve have accessible amenities in every room or apartment, which helps those who may need these types of environments to get around.
Chef-Created, Nutritious Meals
As people age, they may not be able to eat what they once could, and those with mouth and teeth problems may not get the nutrition they need. In an assisted living facility, residents are treated to chef-created, nutritious meals that have been designed not only by a licensed chef but a licensed nutritionist as well. These professionals work together to develop creative menus that offer a variety of meals, keeping in mind the age of the residents.
All foods are prepared fresh on-site, and many meals are either catered in a dining area or may be brought to a resident’s room or apartment within the facility.
Housekeeping Services
These facilities also have housekeeping staff so all chores are taken care of. Residents don’t need to worry about vacuuming, mopping, or walking up and down stairs for laundry facilities. Knowing that there is someone taking care of things helps reduce their stress levels considerably.
Intellectual Stimulation
Many seniors who move into assisted living facilities find that they are suddenly in an intellectually stimulating environment through social activities, friendly neighbors and staff, and doctors and medics who work with residents. The social interaction is certainly much more than they might find available when living on their own, in their own homes.
Staff at the facility can also help with intellectually stimulating activities such as talking and visiting with residents, working with those who may be experiencing early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, and being available to residents when they need any additional assistance.
An assisted living facility provides all the comforts of home with a safe environment, nutritious meals, and care staff who help when needed and who are always available. All of these factors go a long way toward helping residents stay healthy and happy.
