One of the reasons your loved one might be resistant to assisted living is that they don’t know what to expect. There are many positives to assisted living that can transform a person’s quality of life that your loved one should be aware of.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a form of elderly care that supports residents with daily activities such as cleaning and cooking while still giving the person the independence they need. In most assisted living facilities, your loved one will live in apartment-style housing within an elderly community. What is offered at each assisted living facility varies from place to place. Still, many can help with taking medication, offering physical activities, and a chance for your loved one to socialize with others in the community.
Why Your Loved One Might Need It
When a person gets older, daily life for them might get more challenging. Activities that a person once could do independently become almost impossible due to physical or cognitive limitations. A caretaker might also feel overwhelmed with taking care of their loved one due to the enormous responsibility and level of dedication required.
The Difference Between Assisted Living and Other Types of Programs
It’s common to confuse assisted living with other forms of elder care, such as nursing home programs or hospice. Assisted living is usually for those at a life stage where it isn’t safe to be alone or who needs assistance with household chores, preparing healthy meals, etc. A person in an assisted living program doesn’t need as much one-on-one care as a person does at a nursing home, and it isn’t a form of end-of-life care such as hospice.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Your loved one might feel apprehensive about assisted living either because they aren’t prepared to make a significant change or view it negatively. They might be in denial about the level of care they need and their limitations. However, it’s important to understand that assisted living isn’t a bad thing. It can be a fantastic experience for your loved ones that effectively promotes independence.
They Can Focus On Other Things
The support of assisted living means that there’s less for your loved one to worry about and remember to do. Whether your loved one doesn’t have the energy to finish tasks such as cleaning the house, completing the laundry, or preparing meals, there’s less they need to balance. Your loved one can focus on enjoying their life. There’s less stress they need to deal with as everything is taken care of and provided.
It Is Easier to Make New Friends
A common experience for people when they get older is isolation. This situation can be a reality if your loved one recently lost their spouse or if they are unable to leave the house due to limited mobility or an inability to drive. An assisted living community makes meeting new people more accessible and socializing more often. Many assisted living facilities have community events that serve as opportunities to meet new people.
There Are Plenty of Activities
Boredom and inactivity can be unhealthy in the later stages of life. Staying physically and cognitively active can slow down the progression of illnesses and their toll on the body and brain. Having things to do can also raise the mood of your loved one. Planning activities in advance gives your loved one something to look forward to.
They Have Better Access to Resources
One significant benefit that assisted living offers is access to resources that might otherwise not be available to your loved one. Some assisted living facilities offer transportation to appointments and church services. Other resources can include mobile dentists and weekly doctor visits that make care more convenient.
Independence and Safety
Those in this stage of life are prone to accidents that can become a major safety issue, especially if your loved one lives alone. Accidents also have a higher chance of being more severe. A slight fall that your loved one might have quickly recovered from could result in a broken hip. Cuts or bruises from more minor accidents might take longer to heal. Assisted living allows your loved ones to safely live alone in their own apartment without the fear that something might happen to them while no one is there to help them.
While it might feel like this extra support takes away their independence, it actually gives it back. A person doesn’t have to worry about relying on a relative to monitor their every move and can live independently without the fear that they are being a burden. They have the support they need and don’t need to worry that they are overwhelming their resources.
If your loved one is beginning to need help around the house in their older age or it is starting to be dangerous for them to live alone, it might be time to consider assisted living. There are many benefits to this form of living. Your loved ones might be unsure at first, but once they learn about the great things of residing in an assisted living setting, it won’t take them long to be on board. It is entirely understandable if you don’t feel you can take care of your loved one yourself. Those who work in assisted living are trained to give your loved ones the best possible care and assistance. Your loved one can live a more peaceful and comfortable life through assisted living. Please call (512) 243-5852 today to learn more about our assisted living program.