As some individuals get older, they may require additional support and care to ensure their well-being and quality of life. Several readers may count their loved ones among those that will require this assistance to maintain their quality of life as the years go by.
To prepare your loved one for their next steps, consider assisted living accommodations—an excellent option for older adults who need assistance with daily activities but still wish to maintain independence and privacy.
Some retirement communities provide assisted living accommodations, offering a range of options to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences. For people living in Canada, there are many avenues for assisted living in Ontario.
Here is a guide to help your loved one get comfortable with assisted living accommodations.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is an excellent option for older adults who require daily assistance but not the 24-hour care provided by Long Term Care residences.
Assisted living is the next care level from Independent Supportive Living and includes other required daily assistance, such as unscheduled care. Examples of services could include:
- 24-hour emergency response system
- On-site nursing staff
- Medication management
- Daily meals and snacks
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry services
- Social and recreational activities
- Transportation services
Benefits of assisted living.
Deciding when your loved one needs care can be a tricky subject to navigate. Thankfully, transitioning to an assisted care community can help ease stress for yourself and your loved one.
Assisted care residences are designed to make older adults feel welcomed and comfortable. Let’s discuss the many benefits of assisted living.
Personalized care.
Assisted living is all about the individual and their needs. As individuals age, research shows that the needs of older adults are only sometimes met in their current living arrangements. At an assisted living home, however, residents can sit back and relax because their experience can often be tailored to suit all their unique needs and preferences.
From individual health needs to personal preferences, assisted living will help your loved one feel right at home as soon as they arrive and should accommodate a certain level of increased care needs over time.
Daily assistance.
We may need help with daily activities like laundry, transportation, bathing, dressing, and housekeeping as we age.
No need to worry because assisted living homes can take away the stress of daily chores, so your loved one can spend retirement doing the activities they enjoy.
Just like home.
Assisted care communities are built to meet the needs of older adults. They will have many familiar features like communal areas, private rooms and bathrooms, outdoor settings, and more.
Access to healthcare.
Assisted living residences are an excellent option for those needing access to primary healthcare because there are often on-site healthcare programs. Assisted care homes also provide services like medication administration.
Security and safety.
In an assisted living residence, older adults are surrounded by other residents and staff.
In emergencies, many people will always be around to help your loved one immediately, taking the uncertainty out of any potential scary occurrence.
Sense of community.
One of the best elements of assisted living homes is their sense of community. Older adults will be able to delve into an active social life, which is proven to reduce the rate of depression and memory loss, and increase the quality of life, according to the National Seniors Council.
Assisted living communities often facilitate events such as physical activities, art classes, and social occasions. This is an excellent way for your loved one to get involved in healthy pastimes for the mind and body.
Independence.
While assisted living offers services tailored to the needs of the individual, it also prioritizes an older adult’s independence and privacy. These homes are built to care for specific needs and are person-first.
Yes, there will be access to support for daily activities like housekeeping, laundry, meal service, and bathing, but your loved one’s time is still their own—they can work on their hobbies or participate in social events.
Free time.
Like the independence component, assisted care homes will take care of daily chores so your loved one can focus on themselves—it is an excellent opportunity to prioritize their interests and hobbies.
Dining services.
Assisted living homes can provide nutrient-dense meals that are healthy and delicious. Take the worry out of meal time, and encourage your loved one to enjoy a tasty meal without the hassle of cooking and clean-up.
Peace of mind.
Caring for an older adult can admittedly come with challenges. From caregiver stress to health complications and financial strain, moving to assisted care benefits your loved one and can alleviate stress for you, the caregiver.
You can take comfort in the fact that your loved one will be in a safe, healthy, and happy environment.
Accommodations.
Since assisted living accommodations are designed for older adults’ needs and preferences, suites provide a comfortable and safe living space, with access to a wide range of amenities and services that can help seniors maintain an individual’s independence and quality of life.
Plus, staff at assisted living homes will provide the highest quality of care and support for their residents, focusing on personalized care and attention.
They work closely with residents and their families to develop care plans that meet their unique needs and preferences, ensuring that each resident receives the necessary support they need to maintain their independence and well-being.
It is best to schedule a visit with different homes that you and your loved one are interested in. This can help them feel more comfortable and will help familiarize themselves with their new home.
Endnote.
Assisted living accommodations are comfortable and welcoming and can be the natural next step for many older adults. These living options will offer the best balance for daily care and independence.
Assisted care communities provide the opportunity for freedom, independence, and community. Older adults can focus on their interests and hobbies without interruption or the need to perform daily chores.
Assisted care homes are places to grow, relax, live simply, and be comfortable—they are the best next step for many older adults.
