Assisted living facilities have gotten a bad reputation. Fortunately, government regulations, advances in technology, and a reinforced commitment to community members and their families, have considerably advanced safety standards and quality of care in long-term care facilities. There are many factors to consider before moving a loved one into an assisted living facility. It is important to ensure your loved one is properly taken care of. Assisted living facilities offer many benefits and ensure seniors are taken care of.
Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities
Safety
Assisted living facilities are set up to offer a safe and comfortable environment for seniors. Communities employ certified nursing assistants to assist community members. They ensure community members are taking their medications, help them with minor ailments, and assist with other healthcare needs. Additionally, most assisted living facilities have alerting systems in rooms, allowing seniors to request help if needed.
Meals
It is a common misconception that all assisted living facilities have bland and unhealthy food. In today’s assisted living facilities, seniors enjoy a gourmet dining experience. Communities employ professionally-trained chefs who incorporate fresh and flavorful ingredients into community members diets. Additionally, assisted living facilities assure seniors receive proper nutrition and supplements if necessary.
Newly Discovered Free Time
As homeowners, seniors can be taken advantage of by dishonest contractors and repair people. Assisted living facilities take care of cleaning, cooking and home maintenance and repairs. Leaving seniors without any burdens or hassles to deal with. With their newly discovered free time, assisted living facilities to help seniors, catch up on reading lists, find new hobbies, socialize, or invest more time into a lifetime interest.
Socialization
Seniors living alone are at a higher risk for social isolation and increased feelings of loneliness and depression. In assisted living, seniors live in a community atmosphere with friends and staff supporting participation in social events. Seniors can play cards, listen to music, exercise, have snacks, take part in community events and see in-person entertainment. Additionally, assisted living facilities offer diverse activity calendars that offer members the chance to take a new hobby or join a fitness class. Even seniors who claim they would hate assisted living, discover they enjoy the social interaction and make new friends quickly.
There is no one-size-fits-all package with assisted living facilities. Every senior in communities has his or her own set of individual traits, personality and medical needs. Senior living facilities can ensure that your family member is getting the support that he or she needs and continues to thrive socially. If you’re ready to start looking for an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to take a tour and stay for a meal at one of our tremendous communities.
