Maintaining independence is seen as increasingly important for people as they grow older, and one of the biggest fears of older adults is the loss of this independence. One way to maintain independence whilst receiving help with daily activities is through assisted living, which provides necessary care and support to residents so that they may enjoy a balanced level of independence.
There are about one-fifth of U.S. adults aged 85 and above who require or are currently receiving help with performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Let us learn more about assisted living.
Assisted Living: What Does It Provide?
Adults living in assisted living communities will receive personalized care as part of their residential setting. It also provides amenities and activities that can promote social interactions and a healthy lifestyle. This accommodation is recommended for older adults who require a greater level of support, which can be determined through a prior health assessment.
Assisted living comes with a variety of services, the most common of which include ADLs such as dressing, grooming, and going to the bathroom, as well as medication management. In addition, meals, laundry, and housekeeping will be taken care of, and social activities and transportation are usually included as well. To make living as comfortable as possible, residents are encouraged to bring along personal items to decorate the place with!
There will be a team on duty around the clock to support and care for residents, as well as ensure their safety. Some assisted living communities, also include memory care services for adults who struggle with memory-related illnesses like dementia. The layout of these communities is typically easily navigated, and extra safety measures are in place to reduce wandering. Personalized meals according to the nutritional needs of the resident may also be taken into account.
However, it is important to note that the assisted living community team is not the same as skilled nursing medical professionals. In a nursing home, residents usually require specific medical care to be provided by trained personnel for either the short or long-term.
Why Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are similar to independent living communities; both help older adults live their best life by providing the same types of opportunities for social interactions and lifestyle perks. Assisted living communities also offer unique programs that cater to residents that require assisted living.
These services aim to increase the quality of life of older adults who are still able to live independently albeit needing some help with ADLs. They are also good for relieving some of the stress on the older adult’s loved ones, who may be their main caregiver.
If you notice that your aging loved ones are showing signs of needing assistance, including:
- Reduced capability in moving around the house
- Struggles with meal preparation or nutrition
- Forgetting to take medications
- Difficulties in taking care of household chores
- Increased feelings of isolation
It may be time to consider assisted living. The main aim of assisted living is to ensure that the needs of your loved ones are met so that they can enjoy life to the fullest.
