Making the choice to transition to assisted living can be confusing, scary, and a source of conflicted emotions. It’s a tough decision that the elderly and their adult children must face together. Navigating difficult conversations filled with strong emotions can be enough of a challenge. Let’s take an objective look and talk about the real benefits of choosing a senior living community.
Senior Living Can be a Safe Way to Maintain Independence
Aging isn’t an easy process. The older we become, the less capable we become. Physical and mental faculties begin to fail us as we try to navigate basic self care like cooking meals and taking baths.
The process of aging and the impact on personal safety is different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all category where we can clearly say that a senior is or is not capable of remaining in their home independently. And that variation makes it even more difficult to make the tough call.
But the truth is, safety is the most important consideration. If a senior falls, will they be able to get up or get help? Are they reliably remembering to eat, shower, and follow basic hygiene? If not, is it physical, mental, or emotional? And if there are concerns, to what extent can the other adults in the seniors’ life step in to help? These are all very important questions.
A senior living community or assisted living facility can provide some balance, allowing seniors to access the help they need while still maintaining some independence. This freedom and the option to not be a burden on their adult children is one of the real benefits of moving to a senior living community.
Seniors Can Beat the Blue with a Sense of Belonging
Aging doesn’t mean giving up. Many seniors aged 65 and above enjoy their golden years, form new friendships, and stay in good health. And while some are able to do so from their homes, for many the options for socialization just aren’t there. As such, moving to a senior living community is a good way to connect with other seniors.
It’s more than a physical place, it’s a community of seniors with similar circumstances–all looking for a place to belong. While we all want to belong in our families, the truth is that adult children have busy lives and despite love and good intentions, often do not have enough time to truly devote to the care and socialization that most seniors need.
Depression and worsening cognitive impairment is a serious concern for aging seniors. However, healthy dopamine releases and genuine human connection can help beat the blues and keep the mind healthy, truly allowing seniors to enjoy these golden years.
Structured Activities to Promote Healthy Aging
Another key concern as we age is our willingness to be active. For a variety of reasons, including physical aches and pains as well as the emotional baggage associated with facing our mortality, many seniors simply give up on their will to live productive, happy lives.
A senior living facility can make it a little easier to stay motivated. These facilities often provide structured, accessible opportunities to engage in fitness and mental stimulation. A staffed nutritionist can help seniors ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need to support bodily processes that make aging easier.
Plus, structured schedules ensure quality sleep and stimulation. Fitness classes designed for aging bodies and limited mobility make it easier to stay active. And all of these things combined ease the stress and burden of getting old. Aging is inevitable but suffering through pain and disconnection doesn’t have to be. A senior living facility provides structure that keeps seniors comfortable.
