Is Assisted Living the Right Choice for You?
February 8, 2023How Assisted Living Helps Seniors Who are Battling Depression
April 11, 2023If you or an older loved one in your life is considering a move to an assisted living community, it can be overwhelming to imagine such a significant change in lifestyle. It can very much feel like the end of an era, because you are saying goodbye to a family home and letting go of decades worth of personal belongings. It’s also the start of a brand new and exciting adventure and an opportunity for new life experiences!
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are exactly what the name implies – custom designed communities built to meet the physical and emotional needs of active seniors, providing a range of services that include independent living, assistance with daily activities, memory care, and access to 24/7 support. This means that seniors can continue to reside within the same community as long as they wish, even if their needs change over time.
It may surprise you to learn that assisted living communities provide a wide range of amenities, including housekeeping, laundry services, communal dining options, exercise classes, day trips, volunteer opportunities, outdoor walking trails, putt putt and other regularly scheduled events that help seniors stay active and engaged with members of their community. Residents are provided assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility, and continence when they need it.
Assisted living communities offer seniors so much more than just a “retire in place” option. A true community experience allows them to build new relationships and enjoy new adventures, while receiving specialized care services that enable them to live as independently as possible and enjoy their “golden years” to the best of their ability.
What Benefits Do Assisted Living Communities Offer to Seniors?
By the time a person reaches the age of 65, they have likely dedicated their entire life to their career and their family. When they retire, they deserve to do so in a way that enhances both their physical and mental well-being. Assisted living communities provide seniors with a communal living experience that combines regular social interaction, the opportunity to lead a productive lifestyle, and the safety and support they need to live independently, even if they need a little extra assistance.
Goodbye boredom!
The fact of the matter is, after a lifetime of being constantly on the go, seniors find themselves with a lot more time on their hands after retirement. Assisted living communities provide a wide range of activities to keep residents engaged and stave off boredom. These activities can include music and movie nights, communal gardens, art and music classes, card tournaments, board games, and book clubs. This helps residents avoid boredom and helps keep their minds active and stimulated.
Safety is a top priority.
Safety is one of the top reasons why seniors and their loved ones consider assisted living. Seniors living alone are often at risk of accidents, such as falls, without immediate access to assistance. However, in an assisted living community, seniors can get help quickly when they need it, because trained care staff and nurses are always available to provide medical care as needed.
Brain power.
Assisted living facilities provide seniors with plenty of opportunities for mental stimulation, which can help prevent cognitive decline in seniors. These include resources and brain games designed to slow cognitive decline, academic activities such as guest speakers and arts and crafts with local schools, and technology assistance.
Healthy meals, communal dining experiences.
Assisted living communities provide all-inclusive dining options with healthy, balanced meals created by on-site dieticians and chefs. They are familiar with special diets and cater to seniors’ nutritional needs. This removes the burden of meal preparation from seniors and ensures they receive the necessary nutrition.
Let’s get going!
Assisted living communities offer opportunities for physical activities, including on-site classes designed to cater to every skill level and ability. This helps seniors maintain good health, enhance cognitive function, and provides an excellent social outlet. Activity coordinators ensure seniors exercise safely and are there to provide supervision during classes.
Conclusion
Assisted living offers so much more for seniors than meets the eye. It’s not just a place for Grandma who can no longer live safely at home on her own. It’s a place filled with friends, fun, support, care, and activities that allow seniors to enjoy their remaining years in an inviting, home-like communal environment.
Terrace Ridge 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. Contact us today to schedule a tour.