3 Surprising Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities
Many adults need minor assistance with daily life as they approach their senior years, even while maintaining their independence. Despite the desire to remain in their homes, the benefits of residing in an assisted living community far outweigh the advantages of aging in place for some seniors. The idea of relocating to a senior living community can be overwhelming. However, you or an aging loved one can begin a new life chapter and enjoy the benefits of an assisted living community, which are listed below.
Why Consider an Assisted Living Community as an Aging Adult?
1. Help With Daily Tasks
It's not uncommon for older adults to need some assistance with daily tasks. Assisted living communities allow residents to be independent and live as they see fit. However, they also provide services that can make life easier for residents needing them. Some communities offer housekeeping services or provide daily meals to ensure that everyone has access to hot, nutritious meals. Residents can also get help from caregivers who offer bathing and grooming services, medication management, and transportation to doctor appointments.
2. Lot of Activities
Loneliness and social isolation are serious concerns for many aging adults. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, almost 25% of adults over 65 are socially isolated, which increases the risk of developing health issues like heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety.
However, many assisted living communities have daily, weekly, and monthly activities for residents. The activities not only encourage and promote social interactions among people within the same age group, but they also keep residents mentally and physically engaged. Activities may include book clubs, music classes, card game tournaments, communal gardening, and exercise classes.
3. Safe Living Environment
Sometimes, the homes that aging adults lived in when they were younger are unsuitable for seniors. For instance, the house might have stairs that are hard to climb due to mobility issues, or the bathtub might be too high to step in. Instead of spending money renovating the house to accommodate the senior's needs, consider moving into an assisted living community equipped with suitable safety features.
Homes in these communities are designed for optimal accessibility for everyone, including those who use mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs. Bathrooms may include grab bars and walk-in showers to minimize fall risks. These communities also have on-call medical staff to assist with emergencies like falls and other injuries.
If you or a loved one is interested in an assisted living community in Austin, TX, consider Longhorn Village. As one of the area's top-rated retirement communities, they provide many desirable amenities for residents, including discounts on travel packages, memory care, skilled nursing, and spacious apartment homes and villas. View their impressive floorplans and amenities online, or call (512) 382-4664 for more information.