For many families, pitching in to help a senior loved one starts small. It might be dropping off a few groceries, picking up prescriptions or shoveling the snow off the front porch. As those tasks add up or when an older loved one begins to require assistance of a more personal nature, families often begin to explore their options for senior care. One solution that frequently comes up is moving to an assisted living community.
These thoughtfully designed communities combine privacy and independence with support from around-the-clock caregivers. Residents in an assisted living community can receive help with medication management, personal care and assistance to/from the bathroom. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation are all included, too.
One of the most popular features of assisted living is the wide variety of activities and events that are available to residents each day. They often include gardening, art classes, game nights, exercise programs, book clubs and more. It all adds up to a good quality of life for an aging loved one.
Live Well in an Assisted Living Community
There’s plenty of research to confirm that loneliness and isolation have a detrimental impact on a senior’s mental and physical well-being. Older adults who live alone or in an environment that doesn’t allow them to connect with others are at increased risk for depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more.
When a loved one makes the transition to an assisted living community, they will find their quality of life is supported in a variety of ways:
- Opportunities to socialize: Regular social interaction is one of the keys to successful aging. At an assisted living community, your loved one will have both informal and formal ways to connect with neighbors. They can choose from a myriad of scheduled activities intended to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.
- Focus on health and wellness: Most people know how important it is to stay physically fit and active as they age, but they might not be sure how to do that. Through American Senior Communities’ New Energy Wellness Program, a plan is created to meet each resident’s specific fitness needs. Residents have access to a gym with exercise equipment, as well as classes such as tai chi, chair yoga and stretching.
- Safe environment: Assisted living communities offer a safe, secure environment designed to promote greater resident accessibility and mobility. That can be difficult and expensive to achieve in a private home. For example, if your loved one is beginning to struggle with getting around their house, the safety modifications needed can be costly. But failing to do anything can result in a fall, the leading cause of disability among older adults.
- Support with daily living activities: Daily chores can be a burden for seniors, whether it is cleaning the bathroom, running the vacuum, or getting clothes for the day organized. Even showering and grooming can become a challenge. At ASC, should a resident need assistance, even during the middle of the night, caregivers are available to help 24/7.
Schedule a Visit to ASC to Learn More
To learn more American Senior Communities or to find a location near you visit ASCCare.com.
