If you or a loved one is considering moving into an assisted living facility, it’s essential to be aware of its many benefits.
Social isolation is a significant cause of depression in seniors, so a community environment is ideal for meeting new people. In Assisted living facilities, it offers a variety of social activities to promote participation and foster friendships.
Socialization
Socialization in assisted living programs improves mental health and prevents isolation. It also encourages learning and can help seniors develop and maintain their cognitive abilities. It helps to lower blood pressure and boosts the immune system by reducing stress and promoting positive emotions.
The joy shared during card games, the companionship of a group art class, and connections forged at meals can all promote a sense of community among seniors and nurture their emotional well-being. This is important because research has found that social frailty predicts physical frailty and reduces quality of life. It’s also predictive of a higher risk of a dementia diagnosis.
Moreover, it can also lead to an early death. This is why many senior care communities focus on offering a rich social environment for their residents.
Health Care
Assisted living programs assist with daily tasks like bathing, showering, dressing, mobility, eating, toileting, and maintaining good hygiene. Depending on the facility, seniors may pay a monthly rental fee for their private apartment and an additional fee to cover their required hourly care.
Residents also have access to medical services through an on-site doctor or nurse. In addition, many assisted living communities have on-site nutritionists who create meals to promote health and well-being.
If you think your loved one may benefit from assisted living, the National Center for Assisted Living recommends that you tour multiple facilities, like villasatsanbernardino.com, to compare prices and services. Make sure to visit at mealtime and talk to staff members about their experience working with seniors. It would help if you also asked about financial options to ensure your loved one can afford this long-term option.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation, or meal prep, is the act of planning and preparing meals in advance. Assisted living communities must follow specific food and diet requirements for their residents. For example, adult homes must serve three hot meals daily and one evening snack that meets the National Academy of Nutrition Board’s recommendations.
Besides providing nutritious meals, Assisted Living Communities also offer cultural programs such as lectures on various topics. Ultimately, this improves quality of life by making it easier for seniors to socialize and engage with the community. Additionally, meals are crafted by talented executive chefs explicitly designed for senior health. They are tasty, too! Moreover, elegant dining rooms encourage dining with friends, so dinner becomes an event rather than a solo meal.
Transportation
Assisted living communities provide scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and other locations. This eliminates the need to own a car and deal with its associated expenses and maintenance.
A lack of reliable transportation can also create a barrier to medical care, leading to rescheduled or missed appointments. This can have serious health consequences, as noted in a recent study by Samina T. Syed, Ben S. Gerber, and Lisa K. Sharp.
In addition to transportation services, many assisted living facilities offer different classes and activities adapted for seniors of all physical skill levels. This can help boost seniors’ sense of independence while giving them a reason to leave the house and enjoy life. Depending on a person’s circumstances, Medicaid programs may assist with the cost of an assisted living residence.
Personal Care
Assisted living programs help with basic daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, transferring to and from a bed or chair, mobility, eating, and toileting. Symptoms that suggest your loved one may need this type of care include frequent falls, infrequent bathing or neglecting to shower or dress, weight loss or gains, and a lack of self-care.
Residents can receive help with medication management through an on-site nurse or aide, and some communities offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and receiving the care they need.
Assisted living communities also often have cultural programs. One program matches seniors with younger generations for mentorships over five weeks, and another offers a six-week curriculum of lectures on topics chosen by the community.
