Senior Living in Edwardsville: Comprehensive Care Plan
Quality of life is important at any age but becomes even more essential as we get older. Quality of life for the elderly comprises four components - need fulfillment, life satisfaction, well-being, and a sense of purpose. Unfortunately, only about 30% of seniors have a high quality of life.
One of the ways you can improve senior living in Edwardsville for your elderly loved ones is by creating a comprehensive care plan. Taking the time to understand what your loved one requires will ensure their needs and wants are met.
This blog will cover the ways elderly care plans benefit seniors in Edwardsville. We'll also discuss how to use this plan when exploring senior housing options.
What's an Elderly Care Plan?
A senior care plan is a customized plan that's designed to meet the unique preferences and needs of a mature adult. This comprehensive plan is tailored to every aspect of their life, including the following needs:
- Emotional
- Social
- Physical
This plan includes input from a wide range of people. This can include:
- The individual
- Family members
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Healthcare providers
The goal of a care plan is to create a tailored and flexible plan that reflects the person's current health status, medical history, and personal preferences. Many services can be included in this type of plan, such as:
- Medication management
- Level of care
- Senior living options
- Social activities
- Physical therapy
- Medical treatment
Many senior living communities create these plans with residents, especially if they don't have them already. Executing a care plan ensures that the senior receives the best care available.
What's great about these plans is that they can be adjusted over time as the senior's needs change. Senior living communities conduct regular assessments to monitor the elderly's well-being and health, making changes as needed.
Key Components of a Senior Care Plan
There are many facets included in a senior care plan. You need to look at every aspect of the individual to ensure their needs are addressed.
Senior Living Options
The first step in creating a care plan is to evaluate where the senior is currently living. It may be time for them to move into a long-term care community where they have more supportive care. What's great about these types of communities is that they offer multiple levels of care based on the individual's needs, such as:
- Memory care
- Respite care
Memory care communities are designed for those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. These communities are more secure than other types of senior living options. All the doors are locked and many have outdoor areas within a supervised and secure area.
Many people serve as the primary caregivers for their loved ones. That may be something that you've determined is the right choice for your loved one's senior care plan.
However, there may come a time when you may need to take a break to take care of yourself or for another reason. You can have your loved one stay in an Edwardsville assisted living community for a short period.
Another reason you might want to explore respite care is that your loved one is recovering from an illness, injury, or surgical procedure. They can stay in a respite care community while they recover, ensuring they don't have any setbacks.
Healthy and Nutritious Meals
Nutrition is a key component of any senior care plan. Healthy nutrition is about eating a balanced diet so your body gets the right amount of nutrients. Nutrients are substances found in various foods that our bodies need so they can grow and function.
While good nutrition is important at any age, it becomes essential the older we get. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for some elders to eat healthily. Some of the reasons they might run into hurdles with their diet include:
- Challenges with getting around or living alone
- Medications can change your appetite or how food tastes
- Problems with swallowing or chewing food
A senior health plan should take into account the dietary habits and preferences of the individual. It should address what they're lacking and areas they can improve to ensure they're getting adequate nutrition.
Senior care communities have trained chefs on staff who are experienced in creating tasty yet nutritious meals for their elderly residents. They can also make accommodations in how the food is prepared to ensure everyone can eat it.
Physical and Mental Wellness
Physical exercise should be another component of a senior care plan. Regular exercise and other activities can improve their physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of staying active for seniors include:
- Strengthen bones and muscles
- Improve their flexibility and mobility
- Manage weight
- Boost their immune system
What's great about senior living communities is they offer many types of exercise classes. These classes can be tailored to fit the physical limitations of each resident.
Mental health isn't something that should be overlooked when creating a care plan. It's important to create a social and physical environment that supports their well-being and allows them to do what's important to them.
Social Engagement
Finding opportunities for your loved ones to socialize can improve their mental health and give their cognitive function a boost. They can partake in numerous activities, including:
- Classes
- Clubs
- Walking groups
- Local events
- Workshops
Senior living communities curate activity calendars that give residents all types of things to take part in. Residents can pick and choose what appeals to them, ensuring their days are filled with stimulating activities. They'll have the opportunity to explore new hobbies while nurturing old ones.
Improve Your Life With Senior Living in Edwardsville
It's important to take the time to create a comprehensive care plan for the seniors in your life. You want to ensure every aspect of their person is being addressed and cared for. Developing a plan of attack for their health and well-being will improve their quality of life.
If you're looking for senior living in Edwardsville, look no further than Addington Place of Edwardsville. We offer many levels of care, such as memory and respite care. Reach out to our office today to schedule a tour of our senior care services and community.