As we get older, our physical and mental health starts to decline. When this happens, it becomes increasingly more difficult to live alone and do things independently.
The exact challenges each senior faces will be completely unique depending on their personal circumstances. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that are safer, and more convenient than living at home. Assisted living is one of the more common options for seniors who are unable to live alone at home.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is one of many types of senior care options available.
Every person ages differently. Some may experience a more rapid decline in their mental and physical health and require more help than others. Every type of senior care facility is designed differently to address different age-related challenges.
Assisted living facilities are designed to promote independence in seniors while offering all supportive care. They are meant for seniors who can manage to do most things by themselves but need help with some of everyday activities such as bathing, cooking, administration of medicines or dressing. Residents of assisted living facilities also enjoy nutritious meals and plenty of socialization opportunities with others who are around the same age. This itself can eliminate the feelings of loneliness and despair that many seniors experience when they are alone.
One of the biggest challenges many people face is determining which senior living facility is right for them.
Is An Assisted Living Facility Right For You?
Do you need help with the activities of daily living?
- Can you bathe, dress, and comb your hair by yourself or do you need help with these activities?
- Do you hesitate to have a daily bath because you’re afraid of slipping and falling on the wet floor?
Personal hygiene and grooming are important. If you cannot manage these aspects of personal care by yourself, an assisted living facility can help bridge that gap.
Do you feel lonely or isolated at home?
Loneliness and isolation are detrimental to anyone’s health and happiness. Unfortunately, it’s a common phenomenon among seniors who live alone at home.
The opportunity to socialize with others of the same age is the single biggest benefit of assisted living communities even for those who have no other physical restrictions.
Do you worry for your safety?
Getting out of bed, having a shower or even walking up stairs to the bedroom can be fraught with risks for the elderly. Even scarier is the thought of falling down and not being able to get up with no one around to help.
In assisted living residences, help is available 24 x 7. You never have to worry about safety issues.
Are you tired of maintaining a home?
From laundry and vacuuming to grocery shopping and cooking, maintaining a home is hard work at any age. This gets even harder as you get older. More often than not, this results in missed meals and a messy home, which creates other health risks.
In an assisted living community, you’d enjoy the best of both worlds – a homely environment without the chores.
Is transportation an issue?
If driving your own vehicle and taking public transportation have become difficult for you, you may find yourself forced to stay home. This can cause you to become even more isolated and lonely, leading to feelings of depression. This is a problem you’d never face in an assisted living facility that offers transportation to residents.
If you answered yes to one of the questions above, it may be time to consider assisted living.
