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5 Benefits of Assisted Living

As our parents get older, we begin to take notice of actions or instances that are out of the ordinary. 

You might be in the kitchen with a parent as they’re preparing a meal – one they’ve made several times before – when you suddenly notice that it’s not as easy for them as it once was. 

Perhaps you get a call one morning that your parent has fallen while getting dressed and you begin to worry about their safety at home by themselves.

These instances can prompt a type of worry for your folks that you’ve never had before, and you might be struggling with how to handle it.

How do you know when it’s time for assisted living? 

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who can no longer live on their own because they need help with activities associated with daily living, like grooming and bathing. 

These communities are not only dedicated to the care and well-being of their residents, but they maximize independence as much as possible as well. 

Assisted living is an ideal option for older adults who have experienced one or more of the following:

  • Difficulty remembering to take/taking daily medications
  • A fall, regardless of injury
  • Missed meals regularly or they have a hard time preparing meals
  • Bathing or grooming can’t be done easily on their own
  • Social isolation

Seven out of 10 people require assisted living care at some point during their life. The cost associated with assisted living can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to obtain financial assistance. Medicaid in most states helps to cover the cost of assisted living. More detailed information can be found at ConsumerAffairs, including the average costs outlined for each state. 

How Does Assisted Living Work?

When a loved one moves to an assisted living community, they become part of a residential environment with their own apartment. Senior living apartments can be customized to reflect their home, and they are accompanied by common spaces for social gatherings and a host of other amenities that promote engagement with others and healthy well-being. 

Picture a vibrant community of like-minded seniors with a variety of daily and recreational activities to choose from. They have the freedom to go wherever they like, do whatever they like, and if they happen to need assistance with getting ready or getting around, dedicated and certified health professionals are there to help them. 

What Services Does Assisted Living Provide?

A variety of services are included in assisted living care communities designed to keep residents safe, healthy and comfortable. Services vary by community, but a few services offered include:

  • Medication management: If a resident has numerous medications to take daily, this service is to ensure the correct medications get taken at the correct time and at the correct frequency.  
  • Tasks of daily living: These tasks consist of eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, etc.
  • 24-hour emergency response: Clinical staff is on-site 24/7 to ensure that your loved one is always cared for and protected. 
  • Housekeeping and laundry: Making the bed, taking out the trash and doing the laundry are all mundane tasks that can become a nuisance or a hindrance when living alone. Most assisted living communities offer this service so that it is both out of sight and out of mind.

At Greenfield Rehabilitation & Health Care, these services along with social activities, daily fitness programs and restaurant-style dining keep residents consistently active and engaged. Conveniences and amenities such as an on-site beauty salon and barbershop are appreciated by many of our residents so they can always feel and look their best. A full list of our services and assisted living benefits can be viewed at any time. 

5 Common Assisted Living Benefits

Assisted living is a valuable option for a variety of reasons, some of which are outlined below. 

Many people choose assisted living because they can either no longer maintain their own residence or they simply don’t wish to continue keeping up the home. 

Others enter assisted living because they need help with the tasks associated with daily living that hinder their beloved independence. 

Whatever the reason, the benefits reaped below have many people thankful to have assisted living as an option. 

Personalized Care & Hands-on Assistance

At Greenfield Rehabilitation & Health Care, a life history survey is completed upon moving in, followed by an individualized plan designed to fit your needs. The customized plan helps you stay well on track to living the life you want to live. 

Hands-on, professional assistance with daily living tasks ensures your loved one receives the care they need while maintaining their dignity. 

Peace of Mind

The duties associated with assisted living care may be too much for a single caretaker to handle on their own, so knowing that your loved one is in an environment where they’re safe, well taken care of and living a life full of activity is priceless. 

Nutritious Daily Dining

When researching assisted living communities, nutritious daily dining is an important aspect to consider, especially if your loved one needs help preparing meals or needs assistance with the act of eating in general. 

When a community offers daily dining, assisted living residents are escorted to the dining room if necessary and are then provided with delicious, healthy meals three times a day. Most assisted living apartments come equipped with a kitchen, but many residents appreciate the ease of chef-prepared dining. 

Increased Physical Activity

A popular amenity offered by many assisted living communities is a fitness center and/or fitness programs that help residents lead an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Keeping your loved one active is a great way of ensuring that they maintain healthy well-being and strength, which can have a lasting effect on the type of assistance they may need while residing in the community.

Recurring Social Engagement

When seniors live alone, they may adopt a reclusive lifestyle where they don’t go anywhere or see anyone. A major benefit of assisted living is that seniors are always around people. 

Residents are surrounded by the caring staff that helps them with daily living tasks, they’re with other residents at mealtimes and many communities offer regular social events and activities to ensure residents are never bored and have plenty of opportunities to build connections. 

How Greenfield Rehabilitation & Health Care Can Help

Assisted living is a desirable solution for many. It can bring a wealth of value to families in ways separate from simply providing assistance with the tasks of daily living. 

At Greenfield Rehabilitation & Health Care, we offer supreme support in any area our residents need while also nurturing and honoring residents who seek their independence. We want nothing more for our residents than a joy-filled life, and we’re dedicated to helping them achieve that however we can.

If you’d like to discuss assisted living care more in detail or learn more about the services we can offer your loved one, request a personal consultation today.  We’re excited to meet you.