Adult children caring for their aging parents can feel like they’re walking on eggshells. Anxiety may arise when your loved one stops driving, forgets to take their medications, or falls at home.
Living alone increases the risk of isolation and mental decline. Assisted living communities offer daily routines that promote stability and security and plenty of opportunities for socialization and friendship.
Socialization
Friendships and regular socialization improve quality of life. They also help prevent stress and anxiety. Seniors who feel isolated are more likely to neglect self-care and even experience physical health issues like pain.
Assisted living provides a friendly community that makes it easier for seniors to build relationships and maintain a healthy lifestyle. From game nights and weekly outings to the movies to various classes on knitting and gardening, seniors can learn something new, meet people and enjoy their lives.
If your loved one resists moving into assisted living, like at villasatsanbernardino.com, center your approach around their happiness and well-being. Instead of telling them they “have to” move, encourage them to take a tour and let them decide for themselves.
Sense of Community
Sense of community (SOC) is the emotional connection, identification, and fulfillment with members of a social group. The term was introduced by the community psychologist Seymour Sarason in 1974.
Assisted living offers a true sense of community to seniors. Residents become familiar with the staff and each other quickly, and many form strong friendships with their peers. This makes the transition to a new chapter in life easier for everyone involved.
The communities also provide transport for shopping trips, doctor’s appointments, and other activities. This helps with mobility and eliminates the need for family members to drive their elderly loved ones around. This allows relatives to rest easy knowing their relative is in good hands and making the most of a great life. They can also visit often, knowing their loved one is cared for in a home-like environment.
Personal Care
The lack of companionship and socialization that comes with living alone can lead to depression and isolation in seniors. Assisted living communities work hard to promote community among residents and help seniors live their best lives.
This can include helping with bathing and grooming, taking medications, or ensuring they eat well. Many communities even offer personal care aides for those requiring extra support.
Additionally, on-site healthcare is another perk that helps seniors stay healthy and happy. With easy access to physical therapy, a nurse, and mental health services, your loved ones can be sure to receive the proper medical attention they need. It also reduces family caregiver stress. This is because it allows them to balance their own lives and the needs of their loved ones.
Safety
If you’re caring for an elderly loved one and you find yourself worrying about their safety at home, assisted living may be the answer. These communities are designed with the safety of seniors in mind: stairs are typically eliminated, hallways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and grab and pull bars are placed throughout.
Plus, your loved ones won’t have to worry about home maintenance anymore – things like heavy cleaning, cooking, shopping for food or supplies, shoveling the snow, and maintaining a yard are all handled by them. This can help them to avoid depression, which is very common in older adults. Regular interaction with staff and other residents also helps prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. Assisted living also offers on-site therapy and psychiatric consultations if needed.
Health Care
You know your loved one better than anyone, and deciding when they might need help beyond what you can offer is hard. If your elderly relative is frequently falling or experiencing health complications that affect their ability to cook and clean safely, it’s time to consider assisted living.
Unlike independent living, which usually only offers meals included in the monthly fee, many assisted living communities offer on-site healthcare services. At Grand Oaks, residents benefit from access to the renowned Johns Hopkins Wellness Program and 24-hour nursing care. Most states also have home and community-based waiver programs that help low-income seniors afford assisted living. Contact your state Medicaid resource to learn more about the options available in your area.