Three Benefits Of Assisted Living Facilities For Seniors
People often ask how they’ll know that their loved one needs to live in an assisted living facility. This issue is complex, and the answer isn’t easy. For one thing, it’s important to remember that you can’t just make this decision on your own. There will be no forcing a senior citizen in an assisted living facility! In some cases, it’s true that senior citizens are medically incapable of making their own decisions, often due to a condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia. And that in itself should be a deciding factor — if your loved one is unable to make their own decisions, then it may be time to consider senior assisted living facilities. You’ll also make the decision with their doctor’s input, most likely. Not only do doctors know enough to make general recommendations about when to consider senior assisted living facilities — many geriatric doctors also know about which retirement centers near you are best. As a caretaker, you should also take your own needs into account. We all want to take good care of our loved ones; but most of us aren’t qualified to do so. If caring for your loved one is taking a severe emotional toll on you, then it probably isn’t the best situation for you or them. In that case, it’s probably time to consider senior communities. Below, we’ll look into some of the benefits of senior assisted living facilities — perhaps that will help you make a choice.
1. Seniors Receive Help With Basic Needs
The limitations of seniors in assisted living facilities vary depending on their ages, medical conditions, and much more. Some are quite independent, only needing help with certain issues. Many seniors choose to check into assisted living facilities almost in a preventative manner. Others need a lot of help — and they might not want that help to come from friends and family. It should be easy to understand why. Though seniors shouldn’t feel embarrassed about their limitations, they often do. It can be easier to accept help from a professional who will approach things in a kind but clinical manner. This also afford the senior citizen in question some level of privacy that they wouldn’t have with a loved one. It’s estimated that four out of 10 resident in senior assisted living facilities need help with basic daily activities, with the most common being dressing and bathing. They deserve the dignity of getting that help in a professional environment, should they want it.
2. Medical Staff Are On Hand
Most assisted living facilities have a doctor on staff or easily reachable at all times. Aside from that, nurses will be employed to keep a constant eye on the residents’ medical needs. This is extremely important, as most senior citizens do have some kind of medical conditions that need monitoring. It’s believed that over three-fourths of residents in retirement centers have at least two of the 10 most common chronic conditions. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and high blood pressure. These shouldn’t be taken lightly. No matter how much you know about caring for your loved one, you probably aren’t a medical professional — and even if you are, there’s a big difference between treating a patient and treating a loved one. Senior assisted living facilities help safeguard your loved one’s health in this way, and ensure that they are receiving the best possible care.
3. The Social Aspect Is Great
Most residents of senior assisted living facilities are around the same age and have had similar life experiences. It can be difficult for them to get out and make friends in a normal environment, and the social events hosted by retirement centers allow them to get out there and engage in regular activities. It’s believed that the happiest retirees engage in three to four activities regularly, while the least happy engage in only one or two. These activities will keep your loved one more focused, and in general much more content.
