As our parents age, it can become increasingly difficult for our parents to maintain their independence. Assisted living facilities provide the perfect solution for elderly parents who need help with activities of daily living, but don’t want to or need to move into a nursing home.
There are many benefits of assisted living for elderly parent and their children. Assisted living can help improve a parent’s overall well-being by providing them with the following:
A safe and secure environment:
Assisted living facilities are designed to promote safety and security. This is especially important for elderly parents who may be at risk of falling or experiencing other accidents or who may be vulnerable to other risks associated with an elderly person living alone.
Provide a safe neighborhood
Since many assisted living communities are located in nice, clean neighborhoods, this is a great place for older adults and their families to live without worrying about crime. Many of these facilities are secure, so you can rest assured that your loved ones will be protected from harm. It’s also important for seniors to feel safe when they know their surroundings.
Social interaction and support
One of the main goals of assisted living is to promote social interaction and support. This is important for elderly parents who may be isolated and lonely. Assisted living facilities provide opportunities for socialization through activities, events, and another programming.
Access to care
Assisted living facilities have staff on hand 24 hours a day to provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and other needs. This is important for elderly parents who may need help with activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Improved physical health
Getting enough physical activity is critical for older people who wish to maintain their mobility and general health. In assisted living, seniors can benefit from joining fitness sessions, taking walking trips around the neighborhood, or simply playing games with other residents during activities in order to obtain a sufficient quantity of daily activity.
People of all ages need to socialize. Activities that bring people together can be really good for them. This is especially true for the elderly because it can be harder to keep their motor skills strong as they get older. Menus and cooking decisions can be more challenging as we age.Enjoying restaurant style dining three meals a daycan definitely go a long way toward relieving stress around mealtime.
It’s crucial to develop healthy eating habits early on in life and to continue them inassisted living down the road. Avoid the cakes and cookies and instead, gravitate toward entrees that include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats (such as fish or poultry).
Peace of mind
Assisted living can provide peace of mind for both elderly parent and their children. Knowing that there is someone available to help with activities of daily living can take a load off of the family– especially adult children who are still involved in their careers.
If you’re considering assisted living for your elderly parent, be sure to tour a few facilities to find the perfect fit. Pay attention to the staff, the amenities, and the overall atmosphere of the facility. Assisted living can be a great option for promoting a parent’s overall well-being. It can literally provide your family member with a new lease on life.
Takeaway
The benefits to your loved ones are well worth any cost you end up paying, even if senior living facilities appear to be expensive at first sight. In addition to all of the extra care and attention they will get, it’s also a great location for elderly parents to retire rather than returning home where they may have difficulty finding privacy or feeling safe. So, while deciding how you might assist your parent through their transition from one phase of life to the next, consider what sort of assisted living facility would be best for them and then schedule a visit.