We all want to help the older adults in our family stay safe, healthy, and happy. Finding ways to do so can be challenging as a senior begins to require our assistance. Start learning more about the different types of senior care and which one might best fit a loved one’s needs.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living community is the best of two worlds. It is a senior housing option that allows an older adult to maintain their independence while still having the assistance they need nearby. Assisted living communities are designed for adults who need help performing the activities of daily living. It might be assistance with bathing and grooming or a helping hand managing their medication schedule. Although communities have staff on-site 24 hours a day, the goal of an assisted living community is to keep residents as independent as possible. Every assisted living community has a unique personality and offers different levels of care, services, and amenities. Some are more upscale and formal, while others have a casual, relaxed environment.

The Benefits of Moving to an Assisted Living Community

Research shows just how important where you choose to live matters during retirement. From wellness programs to a thoughtfully-designed environment, here’s how assisted living communities help older adults live their best quality of life.

• Opportunities for socialization: Isolation has been identified as a health risk for older adults. It contributes to health conditions ranging from depression to high blood pressure. When an older adult moves to an assisted living community, they have opportunities to participate in planned life enrichment activities and informal gatherings. Both can help seniors stay actively engaged with life.

• Abundant wellness programs: Assisted living communities offer a wide range of resident health and wellness programs every day. They give older adults opportunities to engage in fitness programs and wellness classes. From chair yoga and swimming to meditation and Pilates, most communities have activities planned to engage the body, mind, and spirit on-site—no transportation required!

• Well-balanced meals: It isn’t uncommon for older adults to rely on convenience foods and fast food. Preparing healthy meals for one or two people can be time-consuming and expensive. Some seniors may have given up driving, making trips to the grocery store more difficult. Assisted living communities have dining services programs that offer well-balanced meals and snacks. Many residents enjoy companionship and socializing in the community dining room during mealtimes.

• Independence plus support: The older a person gets, the more they may fear losing their independence. But with aging come physical changes that sometimes make living alone risky. A move to an assisted living community is often the best of both worlds. Seniors have the support they need to stay safely independent in their own suite or private apartment.

• Safety features: Unlike older homes that may have laundry rooms in the basement, outdated bathrooms, and many steps, assisted living communities are designed with safety in mind. Safety benefits include grab bars, handrails, emergency call systems, step-free showers, and staff on-site around the clock.

• Transportation services: Another benefit assisted living communities offer is transportation. Most communities provide or coordinate transportation services to get residents to and from medical appointments. Scheduled outings to area attractions, shopping centers, events, and restaurants also include transportation.

• Health management: Assisted living communities also have systems in place for fall prevention, weight monitoring, and chronic health condition management. Medication management support is also offered to ensure residents stay safely on-track with their medications.