Benefits of Assisted Living

Benefits to Assisted Living include the ability for you or your family member to eliminate many of the challenges of daily living, such as yard work, cooking, and cleaning, while replacing them with ways to enjoy life more. Below are listed five benefits adapted from elderalliance.org
Interact with Others
There are many activities scheduled and opportunities to engage with others, so you need never be bored or lonely. Pleasant diversions like musical performances, discussion groups, arts & crafts, movies, and more are regularly offered.
Services and Amenities
Most provide an array of amenities such as fitness centers and common areas. Services include transportation to doctor's appointments, shopping, outings and planned activities. Housekeeping is included and if needed, help cab be provided with personal care such as bathing and dressing.
Dining
Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to prepare healthy, nutritious meals when you are only feeding yourself - and it's even harder if there are physical or other health challenges. A variety of delicious, nutritious meals and snacks are offered to residents every day - all with no dishes to wash afterwards!
Safety and Security
Peace of mind comes with the safety and security features of assisted living, such as non-slip flooring, grab bars, and emergency call systems to summon help, which is always available, 24 hours a day.
Improved Independence
Assisted living improves your independence by allowing someone else to do the tasks of cleaning and maintenance, freeing you to pursue more enjoyable hobbies, activities, and opportunities for socialization. A strong social network has been linked to longer, more enjoyable lives in seniors, and is even thought to have a positive effect on retaining cognitive abilities.
Sherry Asks: Is It Time Now?
A recent attendee to one of my seminars said she was concerned because her parents were declining in their abilities to care for themselves. Her mother had finally come right out and said that she could no longer keep up with the house and the cooking and felt they needed to move to assisted living. Her daughter was not ready to face this, as she was afraid. I reassured her that if her parent was to the point of asking for help, it was her responsibility to help them locate an assisted living place which could help them function better, relax more, worry less, and allow them to enjoy their time together. My advice continues to be that if your parent has come to the conclusion themselves that this would be a positive step for them, support them with your help in finding their new home and keeping yourself focused on the positive aspects of the change - especially how much easier life will be for them. It's harder if they don't suggest it themselves, but when you visit look into the refrigerator to be sure the food is fresh; if possible, look at the checkbook or household accounts to be sure bills are being paid; notice if the yard is looking unkempt - these are the types of signs that indicate a simpler life would be easier. Then work to make it happen. You too will enjoy the security of knowing your loved ones are cared for 24/7.