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Friendship, Food, and Peace of Mind: 5 Top Assisted Living Benefits

Activities for Seniors

Friendship, Food, and Peace of Mind: 5 Top Assisted Living Benefits

Adapted from Claire Samuels

No more boredom

Many assisted living communities offer activities that appeal to all walks of life, such as:

  • Movie nights offer classic entertainment with old favorite films, popcorn, and snacks.
  • Communal gardens, spend time outside.
  • Art and music classes are meant to teach new skills and encourage creativity.
  • Book clubs to promote discussions between friends.

 The help when they need it

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 incontinence care.

If an adult is independent when they move in but needs more care as they age, assistance is available on-site and can be quickly arranged. Health-related benefits of assisted living communities include:

  • Caregiver aid, from bathing to escorting residents to dining areas and activities.
  • Medication management to keep track of prescriptions.
  • Transportation to doctor’s appointments and some on-site medical services.
  • On-call nurses or trained staff to respond to emergencies.

Intellectual stimulation

Mental stimulation may lower the risk of long-term cognitive decline. Opportunities for life-long learning are among the many benefits of assisted living facilities.

  • Communities have access to stimulating resources and brain games designed to slow cognitive decline.
  • Guest lecturers and local professors may come to speak about popular topics, like art history or flower arranging, at assisted living communities.
  • Computer rooms and personal tablets are often available, and community staff can help seniors develop technical skills.

Safety and security for seniors

Keeping seniors healthy and safe stands out as one of the main assisted living benefits that spur caregivers to seek a new home for their loved ones. Security-related benefits of assisted living facilities include:

  • Minimized fall risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors 65 and older. Assisted living communities are designed for accessibility and mobility, with ramps, flat thresholds, and hallway hand railings. Raised toilets, specially designed walk-in showers, and grab bars in bathrooms also reduce the likelihood of falls.
  • Security. Older adults are often targets for break-ins and scams. Senior living communities utilize security companies and alarm systems to provide peace of mind.
  • Disaster preparation. Older adults aging in place are responsible for checking smoke detectors, installing carbon monoxide alarms, and replacing fire extinguishers. In an emergency — like a tornado, earthquake, or fire — they might have to find safety on their own. Assisted living communities to have disaster plans and staff prepared to help seniors in emergencies.
  • On-call staff. Emergency call buttons in assisted living apartment communities are used to notify the team in case of falls or injuries. This means seniors don’t have to worry about struggling to contact help or waiting to be found after a medical event at home.

 A healthier lifestyle without the effort

 Living at home, preparing healthy, balanced meals, and organizing transportation to fitness classes or physical therapy fall to seniors or family members. However, many assisted living benefits improve senior health, such as:

Dining services, which provide flavor and nutrition

All-inclusive dining takes the guesswork out of cooking healthy meals, and it saves seniors and family members from the stress of specialized diets. Assisted living communities offer dietitian-approved meals for diabetic diets, high cholesterol, etc. Meals incorporate the entire food pyramid, including essential vitamins for seniors.

On-site exercise classes, which offer a variety and fitness

Assisted living communities in offering supervised, safe exercise programs for seniors of all abilities. Physical activity keeps aging adults healthy longer, improves cognitive function, and is a great social outlet.

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