You might have noticed your loved ones having issues with their shopping lately. You initially thought it wasn’t a big deal — except it could be.
Difficulty shopping is a common self-proclaimed problem among older adults. A combination of physical impairment and comorbid conditions makes the task a hassle.
Shopping is just one problem your parents have had lately. The conversation might be tough, but it’s probably time to discuss senior living. But you know they’re not interested in hearing about assisted living communities.
It’s up to you to drive home the impact of assisted living on seniors’ lifestyles. They may associate “assisted living” with “nursing home care” and you have to clarify the difference.
Moving to assisted living can seem like an intimidating and unnecessary challenge. Below are a few talking points to encourage and smooth the transition.
Hands-on Assistance
So you’ve noticed that shopping is hard for your mom. But she’s had trouble getting dressed and with housekeeping too. These are scenarios where assisted living senior care can help.
These communities provide varying levels of help depending on how much support each person needs. The staff can help with walking, dressing, bathing, hygiene, housekeeping, transport, and shopping.
They’re trained to aid residents without seeming intrusive. Your parents can have help, without feeling patronized. Assisted living often offers memory care or support for memory-related ailments.
Independent Senior Living
There’s often confusion between nursing home care and assisted living. While assisted living offers advanced senior care, it’s for active people needing help with daily tasks.
An older adult can have dementia and still be relatively self-reliant. Even younger people with diabetes and vision problems lead active lives.
Assisted living allows older adults to live independently, with help when needed. Your loved ones can lead autonomous lives surrounded by supportive caregivers and neighbors.
Nursing care is for people who need long-term medical care. The level of medical aid is higher than in assisted living communities.
Assessable Healthcare
Assisted living does offer extensive healthcare, despite not being a nursing home. Some seniors need 24-hour nursing care. Staff are on hand to ensure their mental and physical well-being.
For example, the Conservatory at Champion Forest, TX, has a fitness program. It’s a health program helping Champion Forest residents with social and physical health.
Their trained team leads people through aerobic and strength exercises. Assisted living communities also offer medication management.
Medication management is when caretakers give residents their medications and plan how and when they’re taken. They ensure minimal risk with medicines and that they’re used efficiently.
These onsite services complement the other medical care your loved one receives. Transportation to doctors’ appointments is another part of your parent’s healthcare plan.
Comfortable Residential Settings
The point of assisted living communities is to have a relaxing, homey place for older adults to stay. The care center should look and feel like they’re home. Residents can often choose room layouts of their choice.
There are various room layouts and they’re typically comfortable and luxurious. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and walk-in showers are some of what to expect from places like the Conservatory.
You can usually find beauty salons, chapel services, and catered dining. The latter of which will accommodate dietary needs. If your loved one can find it at home, it should be in their new assisted living community.
Nutritional Dining Options
Illness-related loss of appetite is common among older adults with certain conditions. Unfortunately, the resulting malnutrition often goes unaddressed due to many issues, such as an inability to reach the store.
Trained culinary teams create assisted living meals specifically for senior health and nutrition. We mentioned how these meals are made to accommodate individual resident needs.
This is true, but they don’t sacrifice taste for health. These are diverse, healthy, good food options rotating often enough that your loved one will never have the same thing twice.
Social Activities and Engagement
There is growing evidence showing hobbies can slow cognitive decline. These hobbies can be done solo, or they can be done with a group. These tasks should combine physical and mental engagement.
There is no shortage of physically and mentally engaging activities your loved one can do in their assisted living community. They can take part in book clubs, weekly socials, and gardening.
Your parents should find no shortage of fun things to do. They may find activities they already enjoy or discover a new hobby.
Added Safety and Security
Do you remember how this whole article started with shopping? Well, part of why it’s such a hassle is driving to the store. Driving can become difficult and dangerous for your older loved ones.
Cooking and showering also become riskier for older adults. Having them stay in an assisted living community lowers accidents drastically. They’ll take safety precautions and have a community designed to mitigate mishaps.
Many apartments have safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Staff are trained on what to do during inclement weather or fires. There is ample responsive care and monitoring for memory care residents.
Peace of Mind
Being a caretaker can be stressful. You love your parents but juggle caring for them with your life. Assisted living communities ensure your loved ones are happy, healthy, and safe.
You can rest easy knowing they’re well cared for in a comfortable place, surrounded by friendly staff and residents. The peace of mind is invaluable to you and your parents.
The Invaluable Impact of Assisted Living on Seniors’ Lifestyles
The impact of assisted living on seniors’ lifestyles cannot be understated. It offers both you and your loved ones immense peace of mind.
The Conservatory at Champion Forest, TX, delivers what this article discusses and more. The Discovery Senior Living family of communities has over 30 years of experience providing top-notch senior care.
Residents can access our fitness program, dining program, housekeeping, and concierge services. We offer plenty of recreational activities to keep your loved ones active and luxury room and board.
Reach out so we can begin the enrollment process. Don’t hesitate to ask about our veteran’s enrollment program.
