Do you or an older loved one experience increasing challenges with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing or continence? If so, know that it’s a common scenario among older Americans. A study published on Nature.com shows that seven in ten adults 65 and over require continuous help for at least two ADLs they’ve lost the ability to perform.
The good news is that compassionate care through assisted living is available for seniors who need help with ADLs.
But what is assisted living, anyway? What services does it provide, and how does it benefit seniors?
The compassionate team of experts at Sabine Place Assisted Living, our senior living community in Orange, TX, has answered all those questions in this comprehensive guide. Please read on.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a senior housing option that provides care and supportive services to older adults who need help with ADLs but can still do other tasks independently.
Performing ADLs without help from others is a vital measure of independence. Anyone can experience ADL loss (for example, because of an injury or non-age-related illness). However, seniors are at a higher risk due to numerous physiological changes that advancing age brings.
What Elderly Care Services Do Assisted Senior Living Communities Provide?
Providing daily living assistance tailored to each resident’s unique needs and preferences is the heart of assisted living. Here are some examples of what you or your older loved one can expect when you choose our Orange, TX, assisted living community, Sabine Place Assisted Living, as your next home.
Bathing and Grooming Assistance
Bathing and grooming are vital ADLs for seniors because they help:
- Maintain optimal personal hygiene
- Minimize the risk of skin infections
- Manage skin conditions
- Lower the risk of germs spreading
- Raise self-esteem and confidence for being and feeling clean and well-groomed
- Contribute to a better self-image and positive social interactions
The problem is that some seniors may have difficulties bathing and grooming because they may:
- Have limited or restricted physical abilities, which can occur due to muscle weakness or mobility issues
- Feel anxious or afraid of slipping and falling while showering or bathing
- Experience sensory changes, like a diminished sense of smell
Our assisted living community’s personal care team is available 24/7 to help our older residents with bathing and grooming. Our compassionate, supportive services aid our residents to stay on top of their hygiene. At the same time, our attentiveness helps reduce bathroom safety risks (like slips and falls).
Clothing Selection and Dressing
Clothing selection and dressing assistance are paramount to senior health and well-being since:
- They help ensure older adults wear clothes appropriate to the season (e.g., cool clothes in the summer and warm outfits in the winter)
- They can minimize the risk of falls due to ill-fitting footwear or oversized clothing
- They allow older adults to feel good about their appearance, boosting their moods and self-esteem
When seniors feel great about their looks, they’re more likely to socialize and participate in fun events and activities that promote physical health and connectedness.
Chef-Prepared Meals
Malnutrition isn’t always about eating too little. Even people who eat three times a day can still be at risk of malnutrition if their diet contains too many or too few nutrients. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, it’s a common problem among older adults, with up to 50% requiring hospitalization due to this condition.
While anyone may develop malnutrition, seniors are among the most susceptible because aging can lead to:
- An impaired taste and smell
- Inefficient digestive functions
- Reduced appetite
- Mobility issues making food preparation difficult
Our assisted living community helps seniors maintain optimal nutrition by preparing nutritious, well-balanced daily meals. We’re proud of our talented culinary experts, who create these delectable yet healthy dishes.
So, at Sabine Place Assisted Living, our residents no longer have to worry about daily food prep. However, they can still enjoy cooking occasionally, as their apartment homes have compact kitchens with refrigerators and freezers as part of their senior living amenities and perks.
Medication Management
Medication management strategies help people take their medicines safely. It is especially crucial for seniors who take multiple prescriptions. An article published by Johns Hopkins Medicines says that around one-third of U.S. adults in their 60s and 70s take at least five medications regularly.
At Sabine Place Assisted Living, our personal care services include medication management through:
- Detailed medication records
- Medication reminders
- Medicine administration
How Does Assisted Living Benefit Seniors?
Assisted living benefits seniors by ensuring they get the support they need when they need it while allowing them to maintain some semblance of independence.
An example is when older adults need help with bathing. Seniors who experience issues with their balance or gait:
- Are at risk of slipping and falling
- May sustain severe injuries
- May require hospitalization or restrict their movements
By allowing personal care providers to help them bathe, older adults are more likely to avoid such incidents. As a result, they can reduce threats to their independence.
All the services and amenities offered by assisted living communities (such as nutritious meals and medication management) also benefit older adults by keeping them safe, healthy, and autonomous.
At Sabine Place Assisted Living, we prioritize physical and social health and well-being with our exclusive senior programs. We offer many events and activities that let our residents:
- Get moving with morning exercises, dancing, and walking clubs
- Have fun with bingo, cards, and board games
- Socialize and make new friends
- Learn new things with educational programs
Ready to Explore Our Community’s Many Perks and Pros?
And there you have it: the guide answering the question, “What is assisted living?” Now you know it’s a community that provides personalized care and supportive services to older adults who need extra help with ADLs. More than that, it’s a warm, caring environment that fosters independence, physical health, and social connectedness.
So, if you or a loved one needs compassionate care and support, look no further than Sabine Place Assisted Living, our pet-friendly senior community in Orange, TX. We look forward to meeting you and showing you the difference we make in our older residents’ lives.
Reach out today to schedule your visit. We’d love to give you a tour and help you discover why area residents choose us for their senior living needs.
