For many, the holidays are filled with great joy and high spirits. But with changing routines, busy calendars, and seasonal illnesses, it can also be the time when caring for senior family members becomes most difficult. As a result, family caregivers may find themselves considering the next steps in their loved one’s retirement.
Moving from home or an independent community to assisted living is often a tough decision for seniors and family caregivers. But by choosing the right community, seniors can receive the tailored activities of daily living (ADL) support they deserve. While most people know that residential assisted living can do wonders for seniors’ physical health and safety, the benefits continue. How senior care can enrich lives on a social and emotional level is lesser known.
Here are five valuable benefits of residential assisted living that you might have yet to consider.
- 1. A range of mentally stimulating activities to choose from.
A community may offer physical exercise classes like yoga or aerobics, hobby groups like arts and crafts or knitting, and even spiritual or religious groups. Mentally enriching activities like puzzles, quizzes, board games, or specialist therapies, including dance and pet therapy, may also be available for residents. Seniors in residential assisted living have access to a whole host of engaging classes, groups, and activities within the home.
- 2. Opportunities to build social connections every day.
It can be challenging for aging seniors to leave their homes and meet with friends or loved ones, but social relationships remain crucial in maintaining overall well-being. Social isolation in seniors has been linked with an increased risk of a range of physical and mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
Connecting with others is at the heart of residential assisted living. Whether a senior is introverted or extroverted, an assisted living community can provide the opportunities they need to stay socially connected in a way that suits them. Some seniors may enjoy a relaxed morning coffee or a chat over the dinner table, and others might opt to engage in numerous social groups and activities.
- 3. On-site amenities and support with travel.
With reduced mobility, many seniors find getting out to appointments to be much more difficult or time-consuming. Some residential assisted living facilities have a range of useful on-site amenities. For example, a community may have a beauty or hair salon, visiting healthcare professionals, a library, or a theatre. For off-site appointments and commitments, many eldercare facilities also have dedicated transportation services (these may be included in a care plan or available at an additional cost).
- 4. Carefully tailored nutrition plans.
Seniors can face various challenges and barriers that ultimately prevent them from getting the nutrition they need later. Seniors with reduced mobility may have a reduced appetite, struggle to get to the grocery store or be unable to stand to prepare meals. Others may have difficulties with chewing and swallowing. Unfortunately, poor nutrition can leave seniors vulnerable to various health complications, including fatigue, infections, falls, depression and anxiety.
Every aspect of meal preparation in residential assisted living is taken care of. Menus are typically reviewed by a dietician and designed to support the specific nutritional needs of seniors while also considering individual residents’ dietary needs. In most communities, residents are served three meals and snacks daily in a communal dining area. Residents with difficulties with eating can receive tailored support from caregivers while being encouraged to remain as independent as possible.
- 5. Special events for residents and their families to enjoy.
Residential assisted living facilities know the importance of community, so they host various social events and opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it’s a special occasion or the chance for loved ones to get involved in a class or group, families can make new treasured memories free from the stress caregiving can evoke. During the holidays, many residential assisted living facilities host seasonal parties and events for families to enjoy together. These events can also be an excellent opportunity for family caregivers to meet others with a shared experience.
As 2022 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year and think about your loved one’s senior care plan in the future. Considering residential assisted living options early on will grant you the time to research thoroughly. In turn, you will be better equipped to find a perfect senior living community in Hendersonville that meets your relative’s every need and desire.
To discover even more of the benefits a residential assisted living home can provide you or a senior loved one, get in touch to arrange a guided tour.