What is Assisted Living
If you or a loved one is starting to need more attention with daily activities, looking into Assisted Living options is a good idea.
Assisted Living centers help senior citizens with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, getting to the bathroom, doing laundry, and traveling to appointments. Sometimes older people are more than capable of living on their own, but need a little help with reaching something up high or enjoy the company of having other people around instead of living alone.
Other Options
There are so many different terms that are used surrounding the idea of facilities for seniors, it’s hard to tell them apart. You might have heard of residential care, congregate care, board and care, adult group homes, adult care homes, alternative care facilities, sheltered housing, nursing homes, and senior communities. Some of these terms have different meanings, but most are used interchangeably with Assisted Living centers.
Nursing homes are typically for those who need constant attention from registered nurses because of their medical needs. Senior communities are groups of houses, an apartment or condo complex, or a gated community that is specifically for those over a certain age. This is the opposite end of the spectrum because seniors have their own homes and take care of themselves, but wish to be surrounded by peaceful neighbors in the same phase of life. Assisted Living is in the middle of the spectrum of care. They are not able to do daily tasks on their own like driving, cooking, lifting, or going up and down stairs, but they are still able to live on their own for the most part.
Benefits
When living in Assisted Living, you have access to help whenever you need it, but don’t feel stifled by constant presence of others. You’re able to do activities with others like crafts, exercise, games, and visiting local attractions. You never need to worry about your safety because the facility is under 24 hour protection, and if you ever fall or get hurt someone can help within minutes. Assisted Living centers help coordinate your medical care with your providers, so they can take you to appointments, help you with your medications, and help with dietary restrictions. At Assisted Living centers, you’re able to enjoy a high quality of life without having to worry about all bothersome things you had to do on your own like cleaning and laundry.
Ease the Transition
If you’ve chosen to move to an assisted living center, there are are a few things you can do to make the move easier. Start packing early so that you can put a lot of thought into what you’re taking, where you’ll store what you’re not taking, and what to get rid of. Having to rush that process can be stressful and you may regret some decisions you made when you were emotional. Do a lot of research on what your assisted living center offers so that you know what to expect. Try to get out of your room as much as possible when you move, so that you can get to know other people and see get familiar with the facility.
Assisted Living helps so much with daily life, and it can make a huge difference in the health and well-being of you or your loved one.
