Assisted living has many benefits for seniors. Some, like personalized care plans and 24-hour caregiver assistance, are expected. Other things — like shopping excursions and on-site entertainment — may come as a surprise. As you tour assisted living communities, be sure to look at the unique benefits that each community offers. For instance, many communities tailor their activity calendars to suit the interests of the seniors who live there. Some communities may have on-site amenities that offer clear benefits — an indoor pool, for example — that others don’t. Be sure to keep in mind which benefits will most interest your loved one before choosing a community to call home.
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One of the key assisted living benefits is help with activities of daily living (ADLs). This can mean anything from occasional assistance getting dressed to daily help bathing. Many assisted living communities offer different levels of care, designed to make sure that each senior gets the help they need without losing their independence. To make sure that each senior’s needs are met, communities assess care needs for new residents up-front and then on a regular basis thereafter.
Health-related benefits of assisted living communities include:
While seniors may need the most help during the day, caregivers at assisted living communities are available 24/7. For instance, if your loved one needs help to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, they can easily get the assistance they need.
It’s important to note, though, that most communities have fewer caregivers available at night than during the day. Some communities rely on technology to help supervise residents overnight, such as a medical alert pendant or emergency pull cords.
After retirement, seniors may be overwhelmed by free time. These extra hours can be used to pursue passions or pick up new hobbies. One of the top benefits of assisted living is a number of activities that appeal to all walks of life. Consider these pursuits available at most of our partner assisted living communities:
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Mental stimulation may lower the risk of dementia and long-term cognitive decline. Opportunities for lifelong learning are among the many benefits of assisted living communities. From lending libraries and language lessons to woodworking shops and religious services, there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to stay engaged. Assisted living communities often offer the following supportive services for residents:
In addition to on-site activities, many communities organize group outings or excursions that residents look forward to, like:
Most communities base their outings on residents’ interests, and seniors can participate whenever they’d like. Note, though, that outings may cost extra.
In addition to care, assisted living residents can receive help with daily household chores. This can be a relief for families who worry about all the work that goes into maintaining a home. Assisted living communities typically provide the following types of on-site services:
Keeping seniors healthy and safe stands out as one of the main assisted living benefits that spurs caregivers to seek a new home for their loved one. Some safety-related advantages of assisted living facilities include:
Seniors living alone may be more vulnerable to security risks. Here are just some of the increased security features assisted living communities provide:
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Elderly adults have unique nutrition needs, which can be quite a challenge to meet for seniors living at home. The task of preparing healthy, balanced meals may be the responsibility of family members, meal delivery services, or seniors themselves. Here’s what residents can typically expect in assisted living communities in terms of meal planning:
A lack of exercise can lead to physical and mental decline. Keeping seniors active can benefit muscle and bone health and reduce the likelihood of falls. Physical activity keeps aging adults healthy longer, improves cognitive function, and is a great social outlet. Some physical benefits of assisted living include:
Desirable and useful features are unique to each assisted living community. Look for specific amenities that are important to your loved one, like a swimming pool or other features. You may find some unexpected amenities that appeal to your parent during your search. Keep in mind that some amenities may affect your overall monthly bill. Luxury assisted living communities, for example, offer fresh architectural designs and specialty features that come with an increased cost.
Across A Place for Mom’s partner communities, you’ll find a variety of amenities such as:[01]
As you consider your options, keep in mind that using some amenities may cost extra if they come with a service charge.
If you think your family member could benefit from assisted living, reach out to one of A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors. They can help you understand what kind of care your loved one needs and help you find a community that’s a great fit. Best of all, this service is free to use.
Key Takeaways
A Place for Mom. (2024). Proprietary data: Care and amenities by market.
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