Growing older comes with its unique set of challenges. For some older adults, it might mean having trouble getting dressed in the morning. For others, preparing meals may feel overwhelming and exhausting. And some seniors may experience a sense of loneliness or isolation which can negatively impact their mental health.

If your loved one is struggling to live on their own, an assisted living community is a great option thanks to the perks of maintenance-free living, easy access to amenities, and around-the-clock care when they need it.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is a form of residential care that supports and assists older adults who need help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and bathing, while still encouraging independence. Residents typically live in a private or semi-private apartment, and caregivers are available 24/7 to help as needed. In addition to offering support with daily routines, assisted living communities offer a wide variety of services and amenities, such as scheduled transportation, healthy dining options, housekeeping services, and social activities.

Here is a look at some ways assisted living can improve quality of life for older adults:

Support for daily living

Assisted living can help your loved one when they need extra support completing daily tasks. Whether it’s going to doctor’s appointments, assistance with personal care, or help preparing meals, assisted living can take the burden off family members and ensure loved ones receive the personalized care they need to live a fulfilling life. On-site caregivers and staff are trained to help with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, bathing, and medication management.

Safe and secure living environment

A main concern for older adults living at home is safety. The risk of falls and accidents increases with age, and living alone can exacerbate these risks. Assisted living communities prioritize residents’ safety by offering security systems, emergency call systems, and professional staff available 24/7. Living spaces are also designed with seniors’ needs in mind, reducing fall risks and promoting accessibility and mobility.

Encourages social connections

People of all ages need healthy social interactions to keep them emotionally and mentally fit. This is especially true for seniors who are prone to depression and isolation.  The best assisted living communities actively work to foster meaningful relationships between residents through shared meals, social events, and on-site activities.

Promotes active lifestyle

For seniors, staying physically active is important for a healthy life. Assisted living communities make exercise accessible for seniors who may feel unsteady on their feet or lack motivation to get moving on their own. Many communities offer a wide-range of low-impact fitness classes so that residents can maintain their mobility, increase their muscle strength, and work on their balance.

New learning opportunities

Research shows that when older adults learn a new skill, they are healthier, happier, and have a lower risk for dementia. Assisted living communities make it easy to pick up a new hobby or pursue old passions. Residents can choose from a variety of life-enriching activities such as book clubs, educational courses, craft days, and more to stay sharp and mentally engaged.

Nutritious dining

Proper nutrition is vital for an older adult’s well-being. Senior living communities prioritize their dining programs by offering personalized meal plans created to accommodate dietary restrictions, preferences, and any medical conditions.

Your search for assisted living starts here.

Today’s senior living communities focus on personalized care and support that allows seniors to age comfortably in an environment that supports their unique needs, preferences, and overall quality of life. If your loved one is considering assisted living, it is important to research your options carefully and choose a community that meets their requirements.

If you live in the Chicagoland area, there are local advisors available to help you every step of the way. At Senior Living Experts, we offer free services to families looking for the right long-term care community for their loved one. Our process includes:

• Discovery
  We gather information necessary for proper placement, including your needs, location, and budget.
• Recommendations
  We get to know your needs and preferences before using our deep knowledge of senior communities and industry connections to narrow down your options.
• Tours
  Your advisor will accompany you on tours so your search can be as thorough as possible.
• Follow-ups
  Following your loved one’s move, we will continuously check in to make sure everything is going well.

Connect with an advisor today to learn more about our services.