10 Ways Assisted Living Communities Enhance the Senior Lifestyle

In 2022, the average life expectancy rate in the US isestimated to be 79.05 years, which is an increase of 0.08% from 2021. With advances in healthcare, mental health support systems, and access to financial planning tools, people are expected to live longer. That being said, their aspirations for a high-quality lifestyle don't just fade with age.

Access to the community, support services, emotional and physical wellness, and having an active social life boosts the quality of life in one's senior years. There is an entire life span of experiences that one can enjoy past the traditional retirement age. At the same time, seniors value their independence and want to maintain their identity. One of the ecosystems that enable seniors to continue thriving in this way is assisted living communities.

Assisted Living: The Basics

Assisted living communities are a home away from home. These residential communities are developed to provide seniors with a safe, secure, supportive living environment. This means that the residents in the facility receive help with a host of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). At the same time, they can maintain their independence. This hybrid model has come to be known as assisted living and has become very popular since its implementation.

The communities come well-equipped to meet the needs of seniors. However, the offering does not only meet purely functional needs such as caregiving and laundry services. The bigger aim of assisted living communities is to integrate seniors into a supportive, vibrant community where they do not feel isolated. The whole ecosystem is designed to help seniors foster connections with others in the community and to be engaged through a host of daily living activities.

Today, all of the states in the US require assisted living facilities to have a license from the relevant state agency. This license ensures that facilities meet safety, security, and quality of living standards.

Here are some of the key social, physical, mental health, and family benefits of moving into an assisted living community for seniors and their loved ones:

1. Being Socially Engaged

No matter what age we are, community and friendships nourish us. However, they say that it is more challenging to make new friends as we grow older. Assisted living communities encourage residents to foster connections and be an active part of the community. One can attend various activities ranging from group activities, book clubs, group meetings, weekly socials, and community walks.

Residents interact with like-minded individuals, share meals, and bond over shared interests. The facility is designed with several communal spaces where residents can meet and socialize at leisure.

The benefits of socialization are many - improved mental health, better physical health, reduced chances of conditions like dementia, and a higher happiness quotient. Many lasting friendships have emerged through assisted living communities. As they say, good company is priceless.

2. Assistance with Daily Activities

Like any other demographic, seniors need to perform a large number of daily physical activities. This can range from cleaning one's home and bathing to home repairs and tending to their gardens. But seniors vary in their ability to perform these duties based on the level of their health and desire to perform them independently. An assisted living facility offers continuous access to support for all daily living activities based on the needs of residents. The staff is highly trained and well-equipped with the necessary skills, empathy, and engagement skills to help meet the needs of residents without any friction. This support ecosystem means more free time for residents who can focus on enjoying their golden years at leisure instead of stressing about home maintenance and daily chores. They can pursue passions and enjoy hassle-free days.

3. Healthcare Support

Seniors have a wide range of unique healthcare needs - from taking insulin shots and therapy to routine check-ups and first aid. An assisted care facility enables all kinds of healthcare and medical requirements, such as 24/7 nursing care, behavior monitoring, medication management, and fitness regimes. It offers a comprehensive plan to support seniors with all their healthcare needs.

Assisted living communities, typically, have access to wellness programs and unique needs like memory care. These may include a range of indoor and outdoor activities such as yoga, walks, and other exercise classes. The facilities may also have their in-house hospital or foster partnerships with hospitals in the vicinity. Such an ecosystem motivates seniors to stay physically fit and enjoy the benefits of doing it as a community.

4. Safety and Security

Safety and security are two key concerns for senior citizens. When living alone, they may feel vulnerable to external safety risks. However, basic activities such as driving or cooking a meal at home could be a safety hazard. By its very design though, assisted living facilities prioritize the safety and security of their residents through infrastructure that facilitates responses to accidents, has secure community access, and includes apartments designed with safety features such as an emergency call button. Through compliance with safety protocols and key training and skills, the staff can respond to any problems efficiently.

6. Fun Mealtimes

Access to proper meals designed to meet the nutrition needs of its residents is a key offering of assisted living facilities. Nutrition is an important aspect of physical and mental well-being, especially for senior citizens with diverse dietary needs. In assisted living communities, residents don't need to worry about their meals for the day. A staff of chefs and nutrition experts plan and deliver all meals round-the-clock. However, mealtimes are not just about eating food. They are times when the community meets and socializes over a meal. Conversations and company are as essential as the food on the table, and mealtimes can therefore be both a fun and social experience while also being a nutritious one that residents do not have to worry about preparing themselves.

7. Well-Equipped Housing

The apartments within the communities are well-designed and equipped with all the latest gadgets for self-sufficient living. These can include accessible showers, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, large screen TVs, a full-size fridge, kitchenettes, and well-lit hallways. If a senior decides to have a pet, the apartments are well-equipped to accommodate their furry companions. The flats may also have a gardening patch based on the resident's interests.

8. Resident Amenities

There are several activities that seniors may enjoy participating in on their own. These can range from visiting a beauty salon to attending a church service on Sunday. Assisted living communities try to offer similar amenities to any city or town, from business and juice bars to entertainment centers. These amenities provide a holistic living experience to the community and motivate them to continue living their very best lives post-retirement. Support with mobility is another essential service that enables seniors to live fulfilling lives. Whether it is transportation within the campus or traveling externally, the facility helps plan and execute all mobility needs.

9. Living with Independence

One of a senior’s essential privileges in an assisted living community is independence. Assistance is provided as per real needs. Seniors can continue to live independently in their apartments, knowing that support is available anytime. This is a key differentiator between assisted living communities, nursing homes, and other types of facilities for senior citizens. The power of choice enables residents to live with a sense of purpose, autonomy, and independence.

10. Stress-Free Living

As the needs of seniors increased, often their family members doubled up as caregivers. They might choose jobs that enable more flexibility to honor their caregiving responsibilities. Despite the best intentions, family members are not equipped with the training and skills to support seniors in all their needs. On the other hand, many seniors prefer living independently, as they get to make independent decisions. However, both scenarios may not be conducive to stress-free living for both seniors and their families. Assisted living facilities have created an opportunity for senior citizens and caregivers in their families to live without worry. Seniors in assisted living facilities can have their family members visit them in the privacy of their own homes within the community. This creates a win-win for both parties.

The Takeaway

Interestingly, assisted living communities come at a lower cost than nursing homes. This is because seniors do not always need 24/7 medical care. They need a safe, secure space that is designed to be accessible to all their needs. Here they can live a life of dignity, cultivate life-long friendships, pursue their passions, and enjoy their golden years at leisure.

Head toBrookfield Senior Livingto learn how we can help you get the most out of your post-retirement years. The residents have numerous advantages here when it comes to health and wellbeing.Contact us today to learn more!