The decision to move to an assisted living community can be a difficult choice for older adults and their families. Assisted living is a great intermediate step for seniors who need more help than their families can provide at home, but families often put off the assisted living search until it becomes an urgent need.
The truth is, moving to an assisted living community can be one of the best decisions to make for an older adult’s health, safety, and quality of life. When it comes to finding quality care for yourself or a loved one, there’s no sense in delaying the search. Here are four great reasons to start researching assisted living options today.
Better peace of mind
While many older adults want to live at home for as long as possible, their home environment might not suit their changing health needs. Moving to an assisted living community can ease worries about safety and security, offering a better peace of mind for older adults and their families. In assisted living, dedicated care staff works with each resident to create a daily routine that’s customized to fit their unique health needs and help them accomplish activities such as grooming, dressing, and medication management. And with 24-hour on-site security and emergency alert systems, families can rest assured knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and secure environment.
A maintenance-free retirement
Moving to an assisted living community also means seniors can experience a relaxing and maintenance-free lifestyle well into their retirement. With on-site services and amenities like housekeeping, landscaping, dining options, and transportation, assisted living residents have the time and freedom to do what makes them happy instead of worrying about home maintenance.
Daily social and educational activities
One of the greatest benefits of moving to assisted living is the daily opportunity for social and educational enrichment. Most assisted living communities offer scheduled activities for residents each day, including classes, clubs, and off-site dining and entertainment excursions. Assisted living facilities also have central community spaces so families can visit with loved ones in a comfortable setting.
Time to evaluate options
Getting an early start on the search assisted living options gives you and your family plenty of time to evaluate your choices. Many families find that continuing care retirement communities can accommodate their loved one’s current and future care needs. In these communities, older adults can easily transition from independent living options to assisted living, all on the same campus. In fact, independent living residents often receive priority registration for assisted living facilities in retirement communities. This way, even if your older relative isn’t ready for assisted living, they can prepare for the next step.
