Whatever age we are, deciding where to live is a major decision. However, as we get older, we have concerns besides square footage and desirable neighborhoods. With 16.5% of people over 50 needing help with activities of daily living, many of us are also looking for a little support.
Thankfully, there are many assisted living options that give seniors independence and the extra help they need. But how can you know whether assisted living for seniors is the right choice for you? And how can you choose the right community?
In this post, we'll explore the answer together, helping you feel confident you're making the right choice.
When you start searching for senior housing, the terminology can be very confusing. There's assisted living, independent living, memory care - the list goes on! So, what exactly is assisted living?
Assisted living refers to a community that provides private accommodations with some personal care. It is suitable for older adults who need some help with the activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents may need assistance with some or all of the following:
As we saw at the outset of the article, it is very common to need some help with one or more of these ADLs as we get older. Assisted living communities have staff on hand 24 hours a day to take care of residents' needs.
One major bonus for seniors choosing assisted living is that they no longer have to maintain their own homes. Imagine living in a beautiful home but never worrying about calling a plumber or an electrician! The friendly maintenance staff on site takes care of everything.
The grounds crew ensure that the gardens and communal areas look their best all year round. There are no more lawns to mow or plants to pot. Just sit back and enjoy all their hard work!
Although the caretakers at assisted living communities are well-trained to assist, they do not have medical training. There are no doctors or nurses on hand. Therefore, if you have a serious, long-term medical condition that requires nursing care, assisted living may not be right for you.
However, the staff at assisted living communities are very interested in residents' health and well-being. They help them access regular doctor appointments and health check-ups. Residents' care plans are adjusted according to the direction of medical professionals to provide the right level of support.
If you can answer yes to the following questions, it's time to start weighing up assisted living options:
Now, all that is left is to find the right one!
Different people value different amenities in their assisted living communities. Some factors for assisted living to consider include:
Here are a few factors to think about when deciding whether an assisted living community is right for you.
Most of us want to grow older living close to our friends and family. So, when choosing an assisted living community, be sure to consider that. However, even if you are far away from your loved ones, some assisted living communities can still help you stay close to them.
For example, some communities provide guest accommodation. This means there is no need to give up entertaining your family in your own home just because you have moved to an assisted living community. They can relax in comfort while spending quality time with you.
Location is the single biggest factor to get right when choosing a community to live in. Ask yourself, am I close to friends and family, or does the community provide guest accommodation?
Sadly, a study in the journal Healthcare reports that many elderly Americans living alone in the community struggle with loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Yet, living in an assisted living community offers many opportunities to get together with like-minded people. These can include:
However, this does not mean you have to be with others constantly. You have your own private home to call your own. So when you need some alone time, all you have to do is head home and enjoy your creature comforts.
Be sure to investigate the types of entertainment on the activities calendar. Are there activities that you could enjoy each week?
To live our best lives, we need to stay fit and strong. Many assisted living communities have a daily schedule of fitness and wellness activities that make staying healthy fun. Options may include chair workouts and games suitable for seniors of all levels of fitness.
Be sure to check that the community you're considering offers the wellness and exercise programs you need to stay in shape.
As we age, we may be more prone to falls and other accidents. Knowing that there is sufficient staff on hand to keep us safe can be reassuring. You also need to know that no outsiders can gain unauthorized access to your home.
As you explore a community, ask about staffing levels and security arrangements for peace of mind.
Just because there are many assisted living options does not mean they are all equal. At Morada Southridge, we give you more than just a home. We provide a community full of like-minded people and great entertainment.
We have a full activities calendar with options like dominos, trivia, puzzles, and more. There are also wellness facilities to help you stay in great shape, not to mention our dining options.
Are you ready to experience life at Morada Southridge for yourself? Contact us today to schedule a personal tour.