How Assisted Living Supports Healthy Senior Living
Healthy senior living is essential to an older adult’s quality of life. Making good choices about diet, exercise, and doctor’s visits can increase longevity. It also makes those extra years more comfortable and enjoyable.
Our bodies change as we age. Many people face challenges like chronic health problems and frailty. Even those who are otherwise healthy will experience a decline in strength and stamina. That doesn’t mean we can’t live life to the fullest. It just means that we have to adjust our lifestyle to accommodate those new limitations.
Assisted living gives seniors a way to retain as much of their independence as they can while living safely and comfortably.
An Arizona assisted living community could provide the services and support you or your loved one needs to thrive. How does this housing option support healthy senior living?
All of a Senior’s Basic Needs Are Met Every Day
Assisted living addresses all basic needs every day. Seniors have rooms or apartments to live in as well as staff on hand to help them. The level of care provided is based on the needs of the individual. Facilities can provide support with:
- Grooming
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Dining
- Mobility
That means seniors who are still capable of handling most things on their own can continue to do so. They can retain their sense of independence as much as possible. When their care requirements increase someone will be there to provide support, so their basic needs are always met.
Assisted living communities like Vista Living Senior Care also offer dementia care. This service provides more monitoring and structure for seniors with cognitive decline. Memory care improves the lives of seniors with dementia.
Nutritious Food Keeps Seniors Going as They Age
Food is necessary to sustain life. We must eat every day – it’s something we often take for granted. However, what happens when someone has mobility, dexterity, or health issues and can no longer obtain and prepare food like they used to?
The change may be small at first. It can mean limiting meal options or skipping meals. It can mean choosing quicker and easier but less healthy foods that aren’t good for long-term health.
Assisted living handles meal preparation for residents. Every senior in the community is served three homecooked meals every day, often with snacks when desired.
Recipes are created based on the nutritional needs of seniors. No one goes hungry because they can’t make it to the grocery store or cook like they did when they were younger. Eating well improves physical and mental health. It’s one of the basic building blocks for a healthy life.
Coordinate with Care Providers Outside of Assisted Living
Seniors need to keep in touch with their care providers to maintain their health and wellness. Assisted living is designed to help by coordinating with care providers. Many facilities will make appointments and provide transportation when needed.
Some facilities also have care providers come to them to administer service. Speak to staff to find out what services are provided for check-ups and regular care provider visits.
Assisted Living Staff Handles the Housework
Aging in place means that a home must be maintained. Consider all the things that need to be done in an average week to keep a household going. There’s dishwashing, laundry, grocery shopping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and other chores. Then there are the bigger things, like home maintenance and lawn care.
Mobile seniors may be able to handle some of these things now, but over time those chores could become more of a burden. Some tasks can be hazardous and increase the risk of a fall injury.
Assisted living staff handles all housework and maintenance for residents. Someone is there to make sure that the air conditioning and heating work and to keep living spaces clean and hygienic. Seniors can enjoy a hassle-free, chore-free life in assisted living.
Medication Management Prevents Under or Overdosing
Most people find that they need to take more medications as they get older. Following doctor’s orders is important to ensure that medications do what they need to do.
Medication management is a common service found in assisted living facilities. Staff will prepare and administer medications on time for seniors. Don’t worry about whether your loved one missed a dose or took too many because they lost track.
Taking medications as directed is necessary for healthy senior living.
Promotes an Active Senior Lifestyle
Active seniors tend to be fitter, healthier, and happier. Even those who require mobility aids can still stay active.
Assisted living accommodates the mobility needs of seniors. Many host workout classes that include seated exercises for people who may have an elevated fall risk or who cannot stand on their own.
Unfortunately, more than 80% of adults in the U.S. do not meet the guidelines for physical activity as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And about 40% of people over age 75 are completely inactive. Assisted living can help improve those statistics by giving seniors more motivation to move and engage with the world around them.
Built-in Socializing for Seniors
Humans are social creatures. That doesn’t change as we get older. Seniors also need social interaction to stay mentally healthy. Medical problems and mobility limitations become obstacles between seniors and their social circles.
Assisted living gives residents many opportunities to socialize in a safe environment. They can make friends and join groups of their peers. Most facilities host events, groups, clubs, and classes to encourage socialization.
More than one in 10 seniors experience depression. Social isolation is one of the biggest causes of depression in older adults. Mental health is important on its own, but it is also closely tied to physical wellness.
The social benefits of living in an assisted living community are many. A move into assisted living could help a loved one overcome social isolation and depression.
Reduces Strain on Family Caregivers
When a parent or grandparent needs support, their families often step in to help. This is a beautiful example of the love shared among family members.
Caring for a relative can put a lot of strain on those responsible for their wellbeing. It can lead to burnout as family members try to juggle senior care and their jobs, children, and other responsibilities.
Taking care of another person requires significant time and energy. As a person ages, their care needs will likely increase, putting more pressure on loved ones. Most families do not have someone who is professionally trained to handle this type of caregiving, which can make the process even more challenging.
Assisted living alleviates the pressure by supplying daily care in a safe place. Loved ones can handle their personal responsibilities without feeling guilt or worry for an aging family member. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing that reduces stress and improves relationships between seniors and their loved ones.
