As loved ones get older, younger family members are often faced with a dilemma – is home care or assisted living a better option for seniors? Earlier, most people balked at the idea of assisted living as it was associated with abandonment or shirking their responsibilities. That has changed drastically today as more and more people are realizing the benefits of assisted living and why it is a better option than living at home.
Managed by Trained Professionals
The first and foremost reason to choose assisted living is that these facilities are managed by professionals who have undergone extensive training in understanding the needs and limitations of older individuals. This can make a huge difference as these professionals go out of their way to make sure that each resident get the care, activity, nutrition, and stimulation that they need.
Safe Living Environment
Older family members may need wheelchair-accessible ramps, grab-bars along the walls and in the shower and more. Some may need full time care too. This involves making expensive structural changes and it may also mean somebody has to stay at home 24/7.
Assisted living facilities are designed for older individuals with mobility restrictions. They have a wide range of assistive devices to meet different needs. More importantly, there is always someone who is highly trained looking after your loved one and ensuring they are safe at all times.
Access to Physical Activity and Fitness
Assisted living facilities organize a wide variety of activities and fitness programs with older people in mind. From Zumba and Tai Chi to Yoga and gardening, all of these activities are designed in such a way so as to help seniors stay active and flexible while minimizing the risk of injury. This is something that is difficult to find in any neighborhood or community.
While caregivers may be able to help, time constraints and other professional and personal commitments impose several limitations that are sometimes impossible to overcome.
Opportunities for Socialization
Nothing beats being able to socialize and mingle with other individuals in the same age group. No matter how much grandparents love spending time with their young grandchildren or their grown up children, they still crave the company of friends who are the same age as them. However, it can be difficult to go out and socialize when living at home as seniors dependent on someone to drop and pick them up.
In an assisted living community, everybody is around the same age range. This makes for a great community where it is easy to make friends with other residents without having to depend on anyone. Moreover, there is always someone around to have a meal with, share a joke with or go out for an evening stroll with. You know your loved one will never feel lonely or isolated in a senior living community.
Supervised Nutrition
Seniors who live in assisted living facilities do not have to worry about shopping for groceries or cooking their meals. Every facility has an in-house nutritionist who makes sure that the dietary needs of all residents are met. One of the most remarkable changes that most people see after moving into an assisted living facility is a notable improvement in their health. This means fewer sick days, lower risk of injuries and a much better quality of life.
