Have you ever wondered how easy life would be if you had someone to take care of the small things for you? That wondering becomes more pronounced as you enter your senior years, and normal tasks like cleaning become a chore that feels like going into battle with your joints.
That’s why senior living communities can be a breath of fresh air. But what is assisted living, and is it right for you? Let’s take a look.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is the middle ground between full-time care support and independent living. In other words, it’s there for those who need help with small everyday tasks but still want to live an active and independent life.
Senior care services might include help with such things as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
Assisted living means having private accommodation inside a wider community. That means residents have access to a safe and enriching environment, with communal spaces and a wide range of activities and amenities on offer.
This mix of active living and care support is perfect for seniors who want to live a full retirement while navigating some of the complexities that can come with age, like mobility restrictions.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Making a significant change in life is often daunting, and you might feel hesitant. However, there are many advantages to being found in an assisted living community. Here are some of the notable benefits.
Daily Tasks Are Becoming More Difficult
If everyday tasks like bathing and housekeeping become more of an uphill struggle, it could be time to make that switch. Limits to what you can do can leave you feeling frustrated and dependent on the help of friends and family. Assisted living helps you regain that independence, with the proper support when needed.
Safety Concerns
When you become less mobile, you are at risk of hazards like a fall.
For example, daily chores like house cleaning can become challenging and more hazardous if you struggle with your balance or have joint problems. That can worsen if you live alone and can’t alert the emergency services if you become injured or incapacitated.
Assisted living provides a safe environment where you will have professional teams to take care of you and your living space so that you can relax and enjoy your retirement.
Social Isolation
Living alone comes with risks that can magnify in old age, with seniors vulnerable to loneliness and depression. It’s why many seniors opt for senior living communities, where they can form friendships with like-minded peers and enjoy an active lifestyle with the many group workshops, community events, and outings available.
Caregiver Burnout
When seniors become less active and need more daily assistance, it often falls to one or two family members to help. This can lead to burnout, especially for family members who have other life demands like busy jobs or young children.
Assisted living takes the pressure off families and helps them return to spending quality time with their loved ones instead.
The Desire for More Structure
A senior living community helps create a structure for the day, which can be crucial in retirement.
Assisted living removes dull tasks like housekeeping and frees up your time to fill your daily calendar with fun and engaging activities like fitness, cultural workshops, or fun quiz nights. That’s vital for health and well-being in later years.
Assisted Living: What to Expect
All assisted living communities are different, so it’s always best to tour one in person before choosing elder support options. Here are some of the services and amenities you might find on that tour:
Personalized Care
When you move into assisted living, a professional team will set out your personalized care plan covering tasks like grooming, dressing, washing, and medication. That will outline what support you need daily, ensuring you have everything you need from day one.
Dining
Communities like ours offer a central dining area where you can enjoy a delicious meal in pleasant and sociable surroundings. Our meals are nutritionally balanced and tailored to a person’s dietary needs.
Housekeeping and Maintenance
Community teams will handle the cleaning and repairing tasks for your apartment and shared areas like lounges and gardens. It means you can enjoy pristine, safe surroundings, relax, and not worry about chores.
Social Events
Residents can participate in a wide variety of on-site activities, with the occasional group outings to nearby destinations, too.
In our community, there are activities that suit all tastes and abilities, helping you stay active and engaged. That also extends to health and wellness so that you can keep your mind and body in great shape, too, whether that’s through a weekly yoga class or joining a spiritual group event.
How to Find the Best Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living is a long-term lifestyle change, so you must take the time to do your research and think about your needs. That’s what will help you find the perfect fit. Here are some factors you might want to consider in your research:
- Specialist teams who can handle your personalized care needs
- Daily activities that suit your lifestyle and preferences
- Location and proximity to friends and family
- Health and wellness support
- Dining options that cater to your tastes and dietary preferences
- Costs and your assisted living budget
- Private living apartments in terms of space, comfort, and practicality
How you weigh these factors will depend on your personal preferences. However, it’s crucial to tour communities and speak to staff, as this will give you the best indication of a home that feels warm, friendly, and safe.
Vista Shores Assisted Living: Finding a Lifestyle That Fits Your Needs
So, what is assisted living? It’s a chance to create a new and more fun lifestyle where you can focus on activities, hobbies, and family, and someone else is there to help you with the support you need.
Why not see for yourself how our Summerhouse Vista Shores assisted living community can be the perfect retirement destination for you? Our friendly and caring environment makes it a welcoming home for all our residents.
