Modern assisted living is an active and vibrant alternative for seniors who need daily help but want to retain their independence. In fact, assisted living’s quality of life can be far better than many seniors may realize. Here’s why!
Ways assisted living improves the quality of life of older adults
Guilt-free care
Seniors who have to depend on the support of family and friends to help them with daily tasks often suffer feelings of guilt if they suspect they are a burden. This can cause them to avoid mentioning when they need more care simply because they don’t want to bother the people they love. But assisted living includes all the care needed and none of the guilt. Each resident is able to get as little or as much care when they need it so they can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying life.
Privacy is a priority
One of the many things many seniors remember about visiting grandma in the nursing home, is the lack of privacy, something that detracted greatly from quality of life. In the past rooms were small and clinical and residents had very little privacy, which is essential to living with dignity. Now, however, top assisted living communities like The Lodge at Stephens Lake make privacy a priority. Residents can choose from different size apartments and can expect their privacy to be respected by other residents and staff. But privacy is just one of the many ways quality of life in assisted living has improved so check out our blog, “More Like ‘Home:’ Today’s Assisted Living Options Are Much Different than Traditional Nursing Homes” for more.
Nutrition is a big deal
It’s a fact that seniors often suffer from poor nutrition as it becomes harder and harder to get to the grocery store, cook healthy meals and manage all the cleanup involved. In fact, according to the acl.gov article, “Combatting Senior Malnutrition,” an estimated 50% of American seniors are malnourished making it an unseen epidemic. Over time many may just eat what’s easiest like processed foods and snacks, rather than getting all the fresh food they need to maintain their mental and physical well-being.
In luxury assisted living communities, well-balanced chef-prepared meals are the norm and residents can choose either formal or casual dining options or even invite friends and family in for a celebration. Just this one quality of life improvement you’ll find in assisted living can make a big difference in overall health, longevity and happiness.
Social opportunities abound
Another key asset of assisted living is socialization. While it may not seem that important when younger, seniors who are isolated and lonely often suffer from a variety of health problems which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article “Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions,” include increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and even premature death.
In assisted living, every day offers fun opportunities to meet new friends, participate in activities and events, and join clubs and interest groups with residents of like mind. There is literally never a dull moment in assisted living so residents can pick and choose what they want to do and who they want to share it with.
Amenities galore
Just because a senior needs a little help doesn’t mean they are done living, instead many want to seek out ways to continue flourishing as they age. Toward that end, assisted living provides onsite amenities that make it easy for seniors to look, feel and become the best they can be. For example, exercise classes, therapy services, hair salons and barbershops, movie theaters, ongoing games, arts and crafts and classes, and off-site excursions to local venues like museums and special events all add up to make life fun and fulfilling.
In addition, assisted living also includes full-service maintenance and repair services as well as housekeeping and laundry which free up plenty of time for residents to engage in activities without having to worry about chores that are hard to do. For a look at what assisted living’s quality of life is all about, our blog, “Sneak Peek: See How Senior Living Residents Spend Their Day” takes you inside for a look.
Find out all that we have to offer at The Lodge at Stephens Lake: contact us today to schedule a tour.