Assisted living is a common way for older adults to thrive, get the support they need, and feel like part of a community. However, to get the most from these communities, it's critical to understand the services that your loved one will receive while living there.
We'll discuss some services provided at assisted living centers. Read on to learn what comes with enrollment at most of these locations.
It's first important to note that there are multiple types of care available for seniors.
Memory care is one of the most common. These communities are committed to providing individual care plans for older adults that keep them engaged with the world around them.
Services provided include puzzles, community game nights, and other intellectually stimulating activities. The aim is to prevent the worst impacts of Alzheimer's, dementia, and other memory problems from overtaking the best parts of life.
However, this is far from the only available option. If your loved one requires short-term assistance rather than a long-term stay, respite care might be the right choice.
These programs are meant for people who are recovering from surgery or an illness. They offer rehabilitation and support so that your loved one can recover fully before coming home to live independently again.
Regardless of your choice, you'll get a lot of different assisted living services for the duration of your older loved one's stay.
Because no two people are alike, no two treatment plans can be the same. One senior may struggle with physical tasks and need help performing them despite having a sharp, young mind. Another may be more able-bodied but struggle with dementia and other cognitive issues.
Assisted living communities will talk with you and your loved one about their specific day-to-day challenges. They'll work with everyone involved to devise a plan that meets the senior's specific needs, ensuring the highest possible quality of life.
You and your loved one will have input about daily activities, frequency of exercise, and the services you want to take advantage of.
As people get older, day-to-day tasks become more challenging. Cooking and cleaning are extremely challenging for those with mobility issues. In some cases, bathing and using the bathroom will also prove difficult.
Compassionate nurses and social workers will be around the assisted living community 24/7. They'll help with these everyday tasks so your loved one can remain clean and comfortable.
They'll also help your elderly loved one develop the skills they need to perform some tasks on their own when possible. This can foster a sense of independence. However, if this does not fit into your loved one's care plan, they'll assist in all necessary tasks with compassion and empathy.
Medication management is also a big issue for seniors with cognitive issues or memory problems. Workers can make sure that they take all of their medications on time so they can retain a high quality of life.
Growing older can be scary for many people. It can be isolating, depressing, and anxiety-inducing. Most senior living communities offer talk therapy services.
Therapy may be one-on-one or take place in a group setting. While individual therapy addresses personal needs, group therapy is also great for building connections and understanding with other residents.
Either way, your loved one will have an outlet through which to express their feelings. They also will get tools and resources for stress management and better living from experienced and compassionate mental health experts.
Health monitoring is also available for both mental well-being and physical health.
Over a third of elderly individuals are lonely. This makes sense since over half of those over 60 are at high risk for social isolation. This can be devastating for seniors and lead to issues like depression and hopelessness.
Senior living communities aim to nip these problems in the bud.
Communal meals provide the chance for seniors to socialize with each other and remain engaged with those around them. Activities like bingo and board games nights are a fun thing to look forward to. Communities often also organize craft nights, brain-building exercises, and even things like cooking classes to keep seniors feeling accomplished.
Some community activities also work to keep seniors strong physically. This reduces the risk of future issues with mobility. It also can prevent worsening pain and keep people's strength up.
Exercise groups that teach stretches are a great way to keep your loved one flexible. Dance classes, yoga, and tai chi are also great ways for them to stay moving. Walking around a courtyard gets them outside while moving.
Senior living communities offer these classes and services. Investing in a good community can help you rest assured that your loved one is remaining mobile.
No matter how many stretches or exercises seniors do, it's unlikely that they will ever be as mobile or lithe as they were when young. This is a natural part of life, but it can be frustrating in a world that's built for fast-paced, able-bodied people.
Assisted living communities are specifically built for the seniors who live there. On-site features include things like:
Plus, most senior living spaces have single-floor layouts. This means your loved one won't need to worry about excessive ramps (or worse, stairways). If there is a second floor for activities, large elevators will be available, as will helpful care providers who will help them get there.
Now that you know some services provided at assisted living centers, it's time to choose a top-notch community where your loved one can thrive.
Addington Place of Edwardsville is committed to fostering connections between patients and staff members alike. We have multiple care plans that you can choose from, so contact us to learn more about what each of them offers.