Aging doesn’t have to mean giving up and facility-based living doesn’t have to be the end of the road. In fact, for seniors that need a little support–from skilled nurses or a community of their peers, assisted living is a terrific solution.
There are many options for assisted living, and facilities like our Boynton Beach assisted living facility provide the best of both community and nursing support. Here, many residents live comfortably while maintaining healthy social relationships and an appropriate level of independence in their day-to-day lives.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest benefits of assisted living facilities.
Assisted Living Facilities Offer Community
There are several different levels of elder care communities. While nursing homes are more like clinical settings to provide medical care, assisted living facilities encourage and foster independence. Of course, independence is determined by ability.
By definition, assisted living facilities offer community. Seniors at these centers are in direct contact with other adults in a similar life stage. They have a better opportunity to make genuine connections with friends who understand their unique circumstances.
Some of the community-based activities available in assisted living include:
- Seasonal Crafts
- Holiday Gift Wrapping
- Outings to Movies
- Water Aerobics
- Seated Yoga
- Shopping Trips
- Picnics
- Culture Trips
- Card Games
Assisted living centers also foster independence. For many people in the aging population, driving is no longer an option. Facilities can offer access to transportation for those who wish to venture out into the community but otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to.
Seniors Receive Assistance for Daily Living
Physical decline is a part of the aging process. Sometimes this condition is sped up by medical conditions or injuries. A once active and youthful person may struggle to do routine daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, or getting dressed.
Assisted living facilities offer assistance with self-care and meal preparations. Even elderly people who can still maintain some self-sufficiency will enjoy having access to fully prepared meals and dining halls. These activities also offer social engagement opportunities.
Facilities Promote Active Lifestyle
If feelings of isolation and inactivity contribute to lasting depressive thoughts, assisted living facilities offer a combative approach to that dilemma. Many centers offer classes and activities to keep their members engaged.
From art classes to gardening opportunities and even putting greens, an otherwise isolated older person will find many opportunities to engage in familiar hobbies. Even better, they have a community behind them supporting trying new adventures.
Assisted Living Facilities Support Cognitive Health Stimulation
As noted in previous blogs, the onset of cognitive impairing diseases often contributes to depression. Many of these conditions are progressive, and continued engagement can help. Assisted living facilities often employ staff trained and experienced in Alzheimer’s and related diseases.
Some assisted living facilities specialize in memory care. For elders with varying stages of cognitive decline, the daily activities and skilled staff provide the support that these residents need to live comfortably and safely. Our Boynton Beach assisted living facility is one of many across the country that provide special memory care.
Individualized care and therapy can help keep your loved one stay sharp and possibly slow progression of decline. With trained staff available, someone impacted by cognitive impairment will receive individualized care from familiar and caring staff members.
Medical Assistance and Safety are Available
Still, for those with conditions that do require routine and round-the-clock care, assisted living facilities do serve that need as well. In addition to medical support or assistance with daily living activities, these facilities support older loved ones at their own unique ability level.
Even if someone maintains a mostly self-sufficient lifestyle, assisted living programs can help with medication management in a secure home-like setting. Adjusting the level of care provided is easily achieved. If or when a condition progresses, the staff is already familiar with the member.
Needs will change over time during the process of aging. If an older person lives alone, it may be hard to recognize those changes or too late once they are observed. Assisted living is a safer, more secure setting than aging in place alone.
The Bottom Line on Assisted Living Facilities
As seniors, while you might be concerned that a nursing home is too clinical to feel comfortable, we want you to know that assisted living doesn’t have to feel like a hospital. With a facility that can provide all the amenities of a community designed with the specific needs of older adults, you can enjoy the life you want with the help that you need.
Residents choose assisted living because it allows them to maintain independence while still receiving help, either for medical needs or the daily demands of life that become a little more difficult with age. When you choose a facility that is focused on providing compassionate care, you get a great experience.
