Families looking for extra care and assistance for their loved ones should consider assisted living as a great option. The staff offers round-the-clock support with eating, bathing, dressing, and medication management.
In addition to health care services, residents take pleasure in a host of social and recreational activities. Furthermore, they know that assistance is only a phone call away.
Socialization
Assisted living communities strive to offer residents meaningful socialization experiences in order to promote their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Often this involves creating connections between neighbors and caregivers for seniors to enrich their daily life.
Seniors living alone or those whose lives have been disrupted by illness may be more vulnerable to loneliness and isolation than others. Therefore, having a regular socialization plan in place can reduce depression risks and minimize anxiety levels.
Socialization is the process of indoctrinating members into a group’s norms, values, beliefs and behaviors. It has three primary purposes: teaching impulse control and developing conscience, preparing individuals for specific social roles and cultivating shared sources of meaning and value.
Health Care
Assisted living facilities typically offer a range of health care services, such as 24-hour personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and medication management. These are designed to help seniors maintain their independence and privacy while providing them with the security they require.
Additionally, many assisted living facilities provide a range of social and recreational activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle. These may include social events, music/dance groups, trips to movies or concerts, exercise programs and more.
Assisted living residents typically cover these services out of their own resources or with assistance from long-term care insurance and Medicaid. Some states also offer home and community-based waivers that can assist low-income individuals in affording assisted living.
Medication Management
Administering the appropriate medication at the correct time is essential for your loved one’s optimal level of health. Unfortunately, many elderly individuals suffer from memory loss or are confused about their medication instructions.
Medication management services are available in assisted living and can help seniors remember to take their medications on time each day. Furthermore, these services help prevent drug interactions and side effects which could lead to serious health complications.
Medication management services are an integral part of senior care, helping to reduce medical emergencies in nursing homes and senior homes. Studies have even found that seniors who don’t take their medications correctly have a 26% greater likelihood of visiting an emergency room than those who do.
Transportation
Assisted living residents sometimes require transportation for doctor’s appointments and other necessary trips around town. Fortunately, many assisted living communities provide this service.
These services typically consist of an assisted living van or bus that can be utilized for errands and trips outside the facility. Some may even provide private rides for specific tasks or events.
In addition to scheduled transportation, there are also on-demand rides that can be ordered directly from a smartphone. Companies like Lyft and Uber provide cars at your location within minutes.
Peace of Mind
Assisted living offers many advantages to seniors and their families, but one of the most valuable is peace of mind.
For many older adults, having the freedom to socialize without worrying about housework or maintenance tasks can be a huge blessing, particularly those who may experience difficulty with these responsibilities due to illness or aging.
Seniors may benefit from socializing with peers who share the same stage of life, which may help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Assisted living communities also ensure safety by installing fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, security systems, emergency preparedness plans, and staff trained in disaster assistance for seniors. This level of protection helps seniors feel at home in their new environment while making transitioning into assisted living much smoother for all parties involved.