Accepting that you need help caring for your loved one can be difficult. However, enrolling your loved one in an assisted living facility is prudent, especially when they have an underlying medical condition. If you’re wondering whether or not to move your loved one to an assisted living community, read on for five benefits.
Nutritious meals
As your loved one ages, cooking often becomes a burden. This results in reliance on pre-packed food to prevent the hassle of meal preparation or going to the grocery store to cook three meals a day, leading to improper nutrition, and you may notice sudden changes in weight in your loved one. Moving your elderly parent to an assisted living community lets them enjoy three nutritious meals a day made by talented chefs. Whether your loved one is diabetic or vegan, assisted living facilities provide a complete dining program that accommodates every resident’s needs. Your senior family member is guaranteed a tasteful and healthy diet.
Safety and security
Safety and security are a concern for seniors who wish to keep living independently in their homes. Thanks to the decline in mobility and balance among older adults, even a slight misstep could result in a fall. Assisted living facilities like Longhouse provide a secure, safe and comfortable environment to enable your loved one to maintain a quality life. The following are safety and security measures present in assisted living communities:
- Assistive devices such as handlebars and walkers for older adults with mobility problems
- 24/7 caregivers presence and supervision
- CCTV cameras and accessible emergency buttons
- Escort and transportation services for outings and doctor appointments
Prevents social isolation
According to research by the Harvard School of Public Health, seniors with an active social life have a slower memory decline rate. The loss of spouses, family friends, and close friends cause seniors to isolate themselves and increase immense feelings of loneliness, which could lead to depression. Assisted living facilities offer a community where seniors can constantly interact with friends and staff to avoid isolation. They also provide various social activities that trigger participation, allowing your loved one to maintain an active social life. Below are ways assisted living communities prevent social isolation:
- Running social activities like dancing programs, movie nights, book clubs, game nights, and field trips for seniors.
- Hosting family days
- Building common areas like dining halls and outdoor spaces to allow seniors to meet and interact
- Running voluntary activities
Personalised care
An assisted living facility focuses on individual health needs, preferences, and experiences. The staff dedicates time to knowing and understanding each client, then creating an environment tailored to their needs. This includes monitoring behavior and mood, administering medication, and providing 24/7 care.
Peace of mind
The safety and well-being of your loved one can be a constant source of worry, especially when they develop mobility issues, have trouble managing their medication, and cannot maintain proper hygiene. This worsens when you travel a lot or have to work, leaving your elderly parents on their own. By enrolling your loved ones in an assisted living facility, you are confident that their daily needs are being met, giving you peace of mind.
Endnote
Although you may want to keep taking care of your elderly parents, some aspects of their mental, social and physical health can be challenging to handle. Move your older loved one to a reputable assisted living facility today to enjoy the above benefits.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
