Assisted living communities help seniors stay independent. Almost half of adults ages 65 and older need some help with routine tasks like getting dressed or going to the grocery store. That’s where assisted living facilities can help.
Moving into assisted living may be hard for your loved one, but staff at an assisted living community can give them the care and attention they need. Seniors who move into assisted living are 70% more likely to report a good quality of life. Assisted living helps your loved one keep living the life they want.
How can assisted living enhance your loved one’s quality of life? We’ve highlighted four benefits of assisted living in this blog.
1. Easier Daily Living
One of the reasons people consider assisted living is if their loved one needs help completing daily tasks. Assisted living fulfills a variety of needs and meets seniors where they are. Your loved one may only need help getting to doctor’s appointments or the store. However, they may need assistance with hygiene and personal care. Whatever the case, assisted living can help your loved one continue with daily life. Assisted living nurses are trained to help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and monitoring medication.
Sometimes the effort to maintain one’s home becomes too difficult. Food, housekeeping, and laundry services are included in assisted living. Transportation for your loved one is often included as well. Assisted living takes the burden off of family members and ensures that their loved ones receive personalized care.
2. Nutrition
Our metabolism slows as we get older, and our body loses some of its ability to absorb nutrients. Seniors need more protein and nutrients in their diets to absorb the same amount as they once did. At an assisted living facility, residents are served three balanced meals a day. Healthy snacks are also available between meal times.
Sometimes older adults aren’t able to access food if they have difficulty driving to the store or preparing meals. Seniors are also at a greater risk of isolation than other age groups, and this can cause them to lose interest in cooking and eating. When your loved one moves into assisted living, they won’t have to worry about buying or cooking food for meals. Your loved one’s meals will be prepared for them, so you can be sure they are getting the nutrients they need.
3. Keep Moving & Learning
Assisted living communities can help your loved one stay sharp and keep moving. Your loved one will have access to exercise classes and other fun fitness activities, so they can maintain their mobility, increase their muscle strength, and work on their balance. In assisted living, residents also have the opportunity to attend activities and events. Your loved one’s assisted living community may offer craft days, a book club, educational classes, or guest speakers.
4. Social Engagement
Seniors often miss out on valuable social interactions. These interactions may affect their health. In a study from the University of California San Francisco, researchers found that older adults who identified as lonely had a 59% greater risk of mental decline and a 45% greater risk of death.
Socialization may impact other health risks. Lower levels of interleukin-6 have been associated with positive social well-being. Interleukin-6 is related to Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.
In assisted living, seniors belong to a supportive community. Through activities and events, assisted living facilities foster a space for seniors to build new relationships. Just because your loved one is in assisted living doesn’t mean that friends and family can’t visit! Family visits are always welcome.
The Whole Picture: Senior Happiness
Happiness is a way of feeling and living. Perhaps the biggest key to happiness is having supportive relationships. Staying mentally and physically active also affects our overall well-being. As seniors keep moving and learning, they will continue to grow and may even live longer lives. When your loved one moves into an assisted living community, they will be able to make new connections, explore their interests, and focus on their health.
Do you want to learn more about assisted living?
Our assisted living community in Olive Branch, MS helps senior adults stay active and independent. Contact Culpepper Place today to learn more about the benefits of assisted living for your loved one!
