6 Ways Birmingham, AL Assisted Living Help With ADLs

Our bodies slowing down as we age is a bit of a misconception. In reality, our bodies will keep on going and going. Aging family members are living longer than ever before and need more help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing themselves, toileting, feeding, and walking.

Fortunately, Birmingham, AL assisted living is available to family members in their golden years who need assistance with these daily tasks. Perhaps someone in your life needs help with any of the following activities of daily living (ADLs). You should consider an assisted living community near you.

1. Dressing

Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential, regardless of age or physical condition. The right clothing can help you stay warm in winter, cool in summer, and protected from rain or sunburn.

Perhaps you’re not sure how best to dress when it comes time to put on clothes each day or if doing so is difficult because of Parkinson’s Disease or dementia. Contact an assisted living community near Birmingham that offers 24/7 care services so that one of their team members can assist with getting dressed each morning (and possibly throughout the day).

2. Toilet Trips

Toileting is one of the most critical activities of daily living. If you or your loved one has bowel or bladder trouble, assisted living staff can help with this task. They assist with bowel and bladder care and changing undergarments if needed.

3. Feeding

Assisted living is the perfect option for adults in their golden years who need help with their daily activities. This can include anything from getting dressed to bathing and even eating.

Assisted living providers will work with you and your loved one when it comes to feeding. That way, you know you or your loved one can get the proper nutrition, hydration, chewing, and swallowing food.

4. Walking

Walking is the most basic of all ADLs and is also one of the best ways to improve your health and wellness. Walking can be done indoors or outdoors, alone or with a partner, and, at any time of day!

Walking is easy for everyone to do regardless of age or ability level. It doesn’t require special equipment other than good shoes that properly support your feet. If you’re starting with walking to improve your physical abilities, try doing simple stretches first before heading out into public spaces like parks.

A dedicated team of caregivers will assist with daily tasks such as dressing appropriately for weather conditions (e.g., putting on rain gear). They can also get you or your loved one out of bed safely without falling over or injuring yourself during transfer between surfaces like chairs and couches versus beds.

5. Gait and Balance Assessment

A gait and balance assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that assesses your ability to walk, stand, sit, and lie down. It also measures any risk of falling. The goal is to determine if you need assistance with activities such as walking or getting out of bed and whether you could benefit from physical therapy or other forms of treatment.

If you need help with these tasks but can still take care of yourself independently at home (with help from family members), assisted living may not be necessary. However, perhaps your condition has progressed beyond what family members can handle on their own or there are safety concerns. Assisted living communities provide around-the-clock supervision by team members trained to help.

6. Exercise or Stretching Program

Interacting with others is vital for mental health. It helps with memory and can even lead to improved physical health. Socialization also enables you to feel better about yourself, which can impact your mood, relationships, and more.

Senior-friendly independent living communities are great places for people who need assistance with daily activities but still want independence and privacy. ALFs help with socialization by providing activities for their clients, such as bingo or movie nights in their community rooms.

If you want personalized attention from staff members at your local ALF, consider joining clubs like book clubs or other interests. Everyone shares the same book or activity and discusses it afterward over your meals!