Assisted Living: A Viable Option for Aging Seniors
Around 800,000 Americans are currently residing in assisted living facilities.
If you've got an aging loved one with increasingly demanding daily needs, assisted living might be the best way to move forward. There are many different types of assisted living depending on your loved one's specific needs, so you need to do your due diligence to find the right situation for them.
In this post, we'll explain a few of the most popular assisted living services for aging seniors. We'll then tell you some of the factors you need to consider when picking senior care, as well as the benefits of doing so.
Your loved one deserves the best from their senior care. Keep reading and we'll make sure you're equipped to make this major life decision alongside them.
Types of Assisted Living
Assisted living exists in different categories to accommodate the wide range of needs that seniors have. Some seniors just need easy living and social life, while others require plenty of medical attention and various amenities.
Independent Living
The simplest form of senior care, independent living, encompasses things like 55+ communities and luxury retirement homes. If your loved one is healthy and active, but doesn't feel equipped to care for their home any longer, independent living is a great choice.
These facilities emphasize the community aspect of senior living. Residents have access to a variety of physical and recreational activities and a bustling social life with their peers.
Assisted Living
When your loved one still maintains their independence but requires help with daily activities, assisted living is there for them. These communities are staffed with compassionate and experienced professionals to help with things like bathing, cleaning, cooking, and taking medications.
Assisted living facilities still emphasize the community aspect of senior life. Residents will still have access to extensive programming and a variety of amenities to boost their social life. Services are tailored to each resident's unique healthcare needs, however.
Nursing and Memory Care
Skilled nursing care is available for those who deal with chronic health conditions and require a lot of care. In addition to the staff members, these facilities work in conjunction with healthcare professionals to monitor residents' health needs.
Memory care offers many of the same services as nursing care, but it's geared toward people with cognitive issues. Roughly 12% of the US senior population suffers from Alzheimer's and dementia. Memory care has specific programs to help people navigate these challenges in a safe and secure environment.
Choosing Senior Living Solutions
Now that you understand the range of senior living solutions, it's time to tell you how to find the best facility for your loved one. There are a variety of tactics you can use, but the following will guarantee your loved one has an easy transition into senior care.
Look at Reviews
The first step is to head online and search for senior living options nearby. In looking at the ratings and reviews from relatives of current and former residents, you can glean important information about the communities around you.
If there are any major red flags about staff or the facility, you'll find out in the reviews. Select 3-5 facilities with sterling reputations and start performing more in-depth research.
Think About Location
Location is important when making the transition to senior living. It'll be an overwhelming process for everyone, so the closer loved ones can be to the facility, the easier it'll be for them to make visits.
Amenities and Programming
Every community has unique amenities for residents. Some will offer beautiful outdoor spaces, while others may have an indoor entertainment room. You'll have to figure out which amenities your loved one values the most and let that guide you.
Socialization is an integral aspect of senior living. Social isolation is shown to increase the risk of dementia by 50% and heart disease by 30%. It can also lead to mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.
A good facility will have a calendar of programs and events for different interests. These programs bring residents together to promote a sense of community and camaraderie.
Health and Nutrition
Physical health should also be a major priority at any facility you choose. In terms of physical health, seniors should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Doing so lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes, and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diet is just as crucial. If your loved one doesn't get the nutrients they need, they can start to lose muscle mass and bone density. In addition to the risks mentioned above, they could injure themselves due to poor nutritional health.
Benefits of Assisted Living Services for Aging Seniors
When you find the perfect facility, it comes with a host of benefits. From maintenance-free living to all-inclusive pricing, the perks of senior living facilities are vast.
Access to Healthcare
Access to healthcare is a big aspect of senior living solutions. Your loved one will have their health closely monitored so they won't have to think about it.
Any issues will be detected early and dealt with accordingly. They'll have their vitamins and medications administered by the facility's staff and regular checkups from physicians and nurses who come by regularly.
Easy Living
Seniors in assisted living don't have to worry about much. They have their needs taken care of, so the stressors of normal life just aren't there.
This gives them the ability to relax and enjoy their time around other seniors. Having a great social life contributes to physical and mental health in a variety of ways.
Peace of Mind
One of the underrated benefits of senior living is the peace of mind it gives everyone involved. Your loved one will be happy and healthy, which puts the minds of family members at ease.
You'll see your loved one happier and healthier than they've felt in years. As long as you choose an accessible facility, you can also pop in for regular visits.
Get Your Loved One the Care They Need ASAP
There's no doubt that assisted living services for aging seniors are the best way to protect an elderly loved one. When you find the perfect facility, the transition can be simple and stress-free.
For those in Prairie Village, Kansas, the top assisted living facility has to be Addington Place of Prairie Village. We offer residents a beautiful facility, compassionate staff, and all of the programs and amenities they could ever want. Contact us today to schedule a tour and get your loved one the care they need ASAP.