Maintaining Independence – How Assisted Living Empowers Seniors
Loss of independence is a massive source of anxiety for older adults and their families. By choosing assisted living, seniors can receive the care they need without losing their sense of self. Assisted living can be an excellent option for families with limited resources and can often be covered by long-term care insurance or Medicaid.
Sense of Self
As aging progresses, many people feel their independence is gradually being removed. For some, this may come with the onset of memory loss, but for others, it can be more obvious—like when they start to feel overwhelmed by their housework or lose the ability to drive. This is why many seniors turn to assisted living when it’s time to downsize their homes and seek help with daily tasks.
By moving into a senior living community, your loved one can have their own space while still having access to the amenities and on-site activities. They can have restaurant-style dining, attend scheduled physical therapy sessions, and go to doctor appointments—all of which can be very helpful for maintaining their health.
The best part is that your loved ones will also be able to socialize with their peers and make new friends—which can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. This can also relieve the burden of care from family members, often at risk for burnout.
Health
Moving to assisted living in Orlando allows many seniors to receive the help they need without giving up their homes and lifestyles. Additionally, it enables their family members to take a much-needed break from providing care for them, which can lessen caregiver burnout and improve their health. A rich social schedule is often part of a senior living community’s offering. Residents can join in on activities like game nights, devotions, karaoke, holiday parties, and trips.
These social connections can also defend against cognitive decline, as research suggests that staying engaged intellectually and socially helps prevent dementia. Living alone can be profoundly isolating. Your loved one might be worried about a fall, whether there is an intruder, or how they’ll get to their doctor’s appointment. These worries can lead to anxiety-related pacing or repetitive behaviors. Assisted living provides a place where your loved ones can socialize with their peers, know their staff by name, and feel a sense of belonging.
Socialization
Seniors must maintain a sense of belonging and social interaction. Depression and other medical conditions can result from isolation. In assisted living, your loved one will be in a community with plenty of opportunities to connect with others.
Senior living facilities provide members with various social activities, including book clubs, guest lectures, and group exercise sessions. These classes will keep your loved one physically active while stimulating their minds by introducing them to new ideas and diverse experiences. These experiences can increase the number of neurons that send messages to the brain, which helps improve memory and thinking.
Ultimately, these experiences can help your loved one develop new friendships and build meaningful connections. This will give them a sense of purpose and well-being that can boost their confidence and self-worth. Plus, it will allow them to get out and enjoy their favorite hobbies in a comfortable and friendly setting.
Personal Care
In addition to helping with the basics, such as bathing and dressing, assisted living helps with daily chores, including cooking and grocery shopping. This reduces the stress of managing these tasks at home for many seniors and allows them to enjoy a more comfortable life. It can also help with social engagement, one of the most significant issues facing seniors who live alone.
Communities offer a range of activities that ward off loneliness, and staff members will speak with new residents about their passions and interests to find programming they’ll enjoy. Physical health is another primary concern. For example, a senior who lives at home may feel unsafe walking around the neighborhood or worry about getting to a yoga class or other physical activity.
In an assisted living community, these concerns are addressed with transportation to events and outings. This gives seniors a sense of independence while also taking some pressure off family caregivers. It also supports a healthy lifestyle for seniors, which can help prevent dementia.
