Assisted Living – Is It Time?
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December 14, 2022The short (and simple) answer is yes! Many people fear getting older. We’ve been conditioned to equate aging with hearing and eyesight loss, falling, and Alzheimer’s disease. An elderly family member calls you by the wrong name at a family get together, and everyone rolls their eyes and whispers, ““It must be dementia!”
Mild Cognitive Impairment – What is it?
As adults age into their “golden years” a lot of attention is placed on Alzheimer’s disease when signs of memory loss appear. Other memory and cognitive issues that might be at play, however. One of the most common forms of memory loss is Mild Cognitive Impairment (or MCI).
As cognitive skills decline and memory loss begins to impact daily living, many senior adults experience MCI. Seniors who are experiencing MCI may have issues finding words, or get confused with familiar names and faces. They may begin to feel overwhelmed when being tasked with decision making or complicated responsibilities. Another dangerous effect of MCI is forgetting or improperly taking prescription medicines.
People often confuse MCI as being the first stages of Alzheimer’s. The fact is, however, that many seniors with MCI will never actually develop dementia. The memory loss associated with MCI can remain stable for years, and cognitive impairment may even improve over time.
Assisted Living Can Help Improve Mild Cognitive Impairment
Seniors who are affected by MCI often are able to live at home with assistance. In an assisted living community, however, many seniors improve over time and even thrive. The reason is that an assisted living community provides support services and programs designed specifically to enhance cognitive skills and promote overall brain health. The goal of these services and programs is to slow down cognitive decline and improve memory.
Sometimes, seniors with MCI self-isolate and avoid social situations because they are embarrassed by their memory loss. The result is often loneliness and depression, which can result in accelerated cognitive decline. The Communal living environment of an assisted living facility goes a long way in helping seniors with cognitive issues connect with others and engage socially through scheduled group activities, group therapy sessions, communal meal times, and more.
Years of research has shown that actively engaging in social activities is one of the best ways to slow the progression of memory loss and cognitive decline. The socialization gained through communal living offers a great many benefits to aging seniors suffering with memory loss. It helps ensure the senior is never alone, Caregivers are always available for companionship and assistance with day to day needs, should the senior require it. Even with the best of intentions, at-home caregivers can’t offer the same level of community engagement and care as a fully staffed assisted living community can.
In addition to providing lots of opportunities for social engagement, many assisted living communities offer healthy meal plans, exercise classes that promote heart and brain health, and medication management to ensure prescribed medication is taken properly.
Conclusion
Taking part in social activities is inspiring for seniors and keeps their minds active and engaged. The social environment found in an assisted living community encourages seniors to find new hobbies and learn new things, which can actually boost brain function and enhance memory and cognition.
Terrace Ridge Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Residents may range from being very independent to being physically and/or memory challenged.
Our community is truly unique. From the parlor entrance to outdoor exercise walkways, everything is carefully planned for our residents and their families. Comfort and convenience was designed into our spacious resident rooms, living areas located throughout the community, and the inviting dining room. We’ve incorporated the very best planning in providing a community that has a very special feeling. Once you visit, you’ll immediately recognize that everything has been done to enhance the quality of life for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more.