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.
Assisted Living Guide
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?
Defining Assisted Living for Seniors
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:
- Getting around, including walking, getting out of bed, and climbing stairs
- Maintaining personal hygiene and grooming
- Going to the bathroom
- Dressing
- Eating
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.
Worry-free Housing
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!
What Assisted Living Doesn’t Provide
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.
Is Assisted Living Suitable for Me?
If you can answer yes to the following questions, it’s time to start weighing up assisted living options:
- I want to live in my own home but I don’t want to maintain it
- I need a little extra support with some ADLs, but do not need nursing care
- I want to be part of a vibrant community
Now, all that is left is to find the right one!
Choosing the Best Assisted Living Options
Different people value different amenities in their assisted living communities. Some factors for assisted living to consider include:
- Proximity to friends and family
- Housekeeping services
- Laundry services
- Community excursions
- Wellness programs
- Daily activities and entertainment
Here are a few factors to think about when deciding whether an assisted living community is right for you.
Location, Location, Location
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?
Social and Recreational Activities
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:
- Games
- Religious activities
- Puzzles
- Movies and matinees
- Live performances or activities
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?
Wellness and Fitness
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.
Safety and Security
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.
Explore Assisted Living Options at Morada Southridge
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.
