Assisted living offers many benefits for aging adults. It provides safety, shelter, and security in a setting that’s senior-friendly. However, residents aren’t the only ones that have something to gain. Their loved ones also enjoy many benefits that make life easier and more peaceful while caring for an elderly parent or grandparent.
Today’s assisted living communities are lively places that take a more holistic approach to senior care. Rather than focusing solely on medical needs and health, these facilities also address mental and emotional wellbeing. They encourage socialization and engagement with the world.
Many assisted living communities offer groups, classes, clubs, and entertainment throughout each month. These are provided on-site so residents can easily attend or participate with minimal effort and at no risk to their safety.
Some also organize trips off-site to restaurants, shops, attractions, and more. These excursions help seniors feel connected to their local communities and give them more to look forward to and enjoy.
While the emphasis is on the needs of seniors, assisted living also has benefits for their families. Taking care of an aging loved one at home isn’t easy. Most residences are not designed for seniors, who may need walkers or wheelchairs, or face mobility limitations. There may also be fears about medical emergencies or, in cases of dementia, wandering.
All of these concerns can take a toll on family members tasked with taking care of a senior relative. Assisted living makes life better for all involved by providing a safer alternative to aging in place.
Vista Living Senior Care provides support for residents and their families. Find out how our assisted living homes help loved ones lower stress and enjoy more of the time spent with their aging parent or grandparent.
Assisted Living is Safer for Seniors Than Staying at Home
We often don’t realize how hazardous the average household can be for an aging person who has health conditions or diminished mobility. Low-sitting furniture, rugs, power cords, and pets can all become tripping hazards.
A fall injury is a big risk for an older adult. Our bones are more vulnerable to breaking as we age. We also take longer to recover when ill or injured. A fall can lead to further complications and lengthy hospital stays. The best way to handle this problem is through prevention.
Assisted living facilities are designed with senior safety as a priority. They have wider doorways and hallways that allow wheelchairs and walkers to pass through. They use safety equipment like railings and non-slip mats and keep staff close by. All of this is built-in so you don’t have to spend a small fortune to modify your home.
Many also have advanced security systems to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable elderly residents.
Families can rest easy knowing that their senior loved one is in a safe, comfortable place that will protect them from many of the dangers that come with living alone.
Assisted Living Scales with the Growing Needs of Seniors
Families face challenges as an aging parent or grandparent’s care needs increase. As we age, we will likely need more assistance and attention. It can become difficult to balance personal responsibilities like a full-time job or children while also tackling senior care.
Assisted living communities ensure that residents receive the level of support they need. Facilities like Vista Living can scale services as required. If a resident begins having trouble walking or needs assistance with grooming or dining, we make sure they get help.
Families don’t have to worry about who will shoulder the growing burden and their loved ones can continue to thrive. If you notice that caring for your mom or dad is becoming too much, it may be time to learn how to discuss assisted living with a parent.
Assisted Living Makes Budgeting Easier for Everyone
Finances can be a touchy subject for some seniors. Balancing accounts and keeping up with monthly bills can become difficult as a person ages. This is especially true for older adults facing cognitive decline.
If left without support, a senior could end up falling behind on payments or misusing funds. Seniors are also a higher risk population for scams.
Assisted living comes with an easy monthly fee that covers all your loved one’s expenses. They won’t have to make separate utility payments or budget for grocery shopping. All these things are provided in one convenient payment.
Families can skip the headache of helping a loved one manage their household finances every month. They will also breathe easier knowing that their loved one is less likely to be a victim of financial fraud.
Assisted Living Addresses All Basic Needs Every Day
Older adults may face obstacles that they aren’t prepared to share with their loved ones. They may try to keep doing things the way they always have. Eventually, they may not be able to handle basic needs like chores, cooking, and grooming on their own.
Your loved one may be struggling if you notice:
- An unexplained change in weight
- Body odor and a lack of personal hygiene
- A home that is dirty, disorganized, or in disrepair
- Lack of food and other basic supplies in the home
- Mail piling up that isn’t opened
- Senior starts to isolate from others
Any of these changes indicate that your loved one needs more support. Assisted living covers all of this and more. Families can ensure that their aging loved one doesn’t fall behind on necessities, even as their daily needs increase.
Assisted living makes it possible to do this without forcing a family member to take on the responsibility.
Assisted Living Improves Quality Time with Seniors
Taking care of a senior loved one can take an emotional toll. It can turn a visit with a parent or grandparent into a job. Overworked caregivers may begin to feel resentful, anxious, or depressed. This can affect their interactions with their loved ones.
Assisted living handles the difficult tasks so that families can spend quality time together. Instead of visiting to cook, clean, or bathe, they can instead do something fun and enjoyable, making memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Accessing these services is even easier as more assisted living homes open their doors to seniors. Vista Living expanded assisted living and memory care services to Paradise Valley, Arizona last year.
If you are looking for assisted living in Arizona, check out Vista Living Senior Care now to learn more about availability in Paradise Valley or one of our other locations.
Assisted living holds many benefits for seniors and their families. Give your aging parent or grandparent a safe place to live that will make them comfortable while they enjoy life to the fullest.
