Benefits of Assisted Living: Security, Care, Activities, and More!

Slowing down, becoming less active, and needing assistance with the most basic things are some of the perks of aging and becoming a senior citizen.

While these aren't always easy to accept, there are ways to ensure proper care. 

Although you might think you are in the best position to care for your aging loved ones, the benefits of assisted living don't only take the stress off you but provide an excellent way for older people to enjoy their final years.

According to the Health and Human Services (HHS), six in ten senior citizens 65 years and above will require assisted living services. 

It's important to understand that this type of care has more benefits than negatives. Some undisputable benefits of using assisted living facilities include:

Comfortable and Community-like Living

Any senior moving to an assisted living facility doesn't mean you're automatically trading your elderly's comfort from extra care. On the contrary, most care homes provide comfort and a peaceful environment similar to the one they are familiar with at home.

There's even a care step higher that personal homes might lack—the sense of community. Most assisted living facilities have no segregation or separate living of senior citizens. Of course, they each have unique resting places, but there's also the space to get together.

The community in care homes fosters a sense of belonging through peer support and shared moments, creating lasting friendships and closeness among the home's residents.

A Secure Environment

An average senior is more vulnerable to the risks of physical assaults or scams. For this reason, care homes provide an environment that distances them from many of these threats.

To prevent unauthorized access to your loved ones, most assisted living facilities provide 24/7 security measures to keep every resident safe. 

Some of these unique features include:

• Alarms and surveillance

The entrances and exits of these care homes are highly secured to prevent residents from wandering off or stopping unidentified individuals who might pose a threat from getting in. 

Alarm systems usually notify caregivers when there are threats to the homes or residents. Moreover, they take extra measures by implementing surveillance cameras to monitor movements in the home's environment.

• Fire safety measures

Unlike most personal homes, assisted living facilities adhere to local safety regulations. For instance, there are standard protocols like fire alarms, emergency exits, and regular fire drills should there be an outbreak. 

• Disaster-prepared environment

Most care homes have also prepared emergency protocols to protect their residents even during natural disasters.

For instance, leaving a senior at home during a tornado, earthquake, or hurricane can be life-threatening. However, in an assisted living space, there are always hands-on staff to help the elderly find safety.

Unique Care Features

In care homes, assisted living benefits vary between residents. One resident might require more care and support based on their level of independence.

Generally, the safety and wellness of every senior in these homes are important. Most assisted homes have standard care features that promote better living quality for the residents.

• Emergency response systems

A fast and efficient way to call for help can save or cost a life in a care home. As a crucial element of these homes, residents have ways to call for help should they need the assistance of trained staff.

Pull cords, wearable alert systems, and call buttons are always available for seniors to use. Compared with leaving aging loved ones at home, care homes provide easier ways for residents to reach out for help.

• Fall prevention

Falling is probably one of the greatest risks seniors face. Their bones are weak, and they lack stamina. To prevent falls like these, assisted living homes have certain features that make falling much harder.

For instance, handrails are common in these homes. Moreover, enhanced lighting, quality furniture, and even non-slip flooring surround every facility.

• Well-trained staff

You might not have sufficient healthcare training, but the average care homes do. Workers and staff in assisted living facilities have comprehensive training in emergency care, basic first aid, and CPR.

Moreover, the staff in these facilities also attend to medication management; from ensuring proper dosage for residents under medication to watching seniors for potential health threats, medical personnel are always available.

Intellectual Stimulation

As people age, the tendency for neurological disorders like dementia and amnesia becomes more prominent. Moving seniors to a care home offers them the chance to engage in activities that can assist in lowering the risks of these disorders and any cognitive decline.

These activities have a wide range of what they can cover, and some of the ways care homes can combat cognitive decline include:

• Through games

It might seem unorthodox, but games can make the brain active by slowing down the deterioration. Plus, they help improve memory, creativity, cognitive function, problem-solving, and, most of all, prevent boredom.

• Through arts and academic activities

Other ways assisted living facilities help stimulate seniors' intellectual minds is through arts and academic activities. Some homes invite guest teachers to talk on topics relating to history or crafts to keep them occupied.

Constant Wellness Activities

Care homes try to provide activities that foster wellness for proper body functioning and thorough physical health. Although these activities can seem stressful and physically draining for any senior, they help strengthen bones, regain muscle tone, and reduce the risk of falls.

Some of the activities seniors are most likely engaged in include:

• Supervised exercises

These aren't regular strenuous push-ups or sit-ups. Instead, the health practitioners and coordinators teach safe body stretching exercises like yoga to keep seniors' bodies in perfect shape.

These exercises are unique to each resident and based on physical capabilities. For those with less energy, other workout routines will likely be their exercise components.

• Specialized classes

You might spend extra regularly when trying to find convenient classes; however, most care facilities have this feature incorporated into their services.

Nutritious Dining Options

What does assisted living provide? A chance at healthy eating!

When highlighting the pros and cons of assisted living, you should know that, on average, the positives outweigh the not-so-great attributes.

For food choices and healthy eating, assisted living does a thoroughly fine job at it! The benefits of eating nutritiously as a senior play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The right meal plan can supply the body with a variety of nutrients that prevent certain illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Some of the other essential benefits it provides include:

• Increasing energy levels
• Enhancing the immune system
• Improving cognitive functioning

Final Words

The impact and benefits of assisted living are undeniable; from providing security to specialized care, exercises, and a healthy nutritional plan. 

It's advisable to trust care homes with fragile seniors, especially if you are unable to provide and maintain all the needed care yourself, your best bet is an assisted living facility. 

The truth is that assisted living facilities understand the different types of care and will determine the best approach for your loved one.

A pro tip before visiting one would be to write out all your loved one's hobbies, interests, and special health needs before placing them in a care home. That way, it keeps the care providers informed on how to handle your loved one's needs appropriately.