The thought of moving from a family home into an assisted living community can be difficult for any senior to consider. Having worked so hard and made so many memories in a home can make moving on seem like a sad experience. But the end of one chapter is often the beginning of another great chapter. And that’s definitely the case when moving to assisted living.
When is it time to move on from your family home? When does someone know they’re ready to consider taking advantage of the benefits of assisted living? Several telltale signs make it clear that quality of life would improve substantially by moving to assisted living.
Is It Time for Assisted Living?
A family home may bring fond memories of the past, but it could be making life more difficult in the present. The chores required for home maintenance can become too much of a burden. Even if someone is no longer doing yardwork or climbing ladders, the basic tasks of doing laundry, cooking and cleaning can become tiresome.
There’s also the need to stay organized at home. Paying the bills properly, keeping important documents orderly, and staying protected from telephone and online scams can be increasingly difficult for seniors. This can interfere with a person’s peace of mind and cause family members to worry.
Then there’s the possibility of isolation. Having to spend more time alone than someone would like is not merely unpleasant. It can lead to real health issues. A lack of opportunity to socialize has been shown to increase a person’s risk of heart disease, dementia and even mortality.
What Is There to Look Forward To?
One of the great benefits of assisted living? Independence! Imagine a life free of housework, yardwork, and all the other burdens that come with owning a home. And more free time means more fun! Try new things! Pick up an old hobby or find a new one, or two!
Assisted living residents can focus on getting the most out of life because they know there’s a team of caring professionals providing assistance with daily tasks and looking out for their health and happiness. After a lifetime of hard work and obligation, seniors deserve to be able to focus on fun.
No More Isolation
Along with all that free time comes the opportunity to socialize. An assisted living community understands that quality of life starts with being able to make the most out of each and every day. A wide range of organized activities will be available to choose from, with both enjoyment and health in mind. Daily recreation, exercise classes, art classes, game clubs, group walks and regular transportation all contribute to a more fulfilling day than one spent alone at home.
There’s also the simple happiness that’s found in feeling connected with a community and being surrounded by like-minded friends who are in the same life stage.
Peace of Mind
One of the greatest benefits of assisted living is so simple and yet so important: peace of mind, for both residents and the family members who care about them. Instead of being alone, isolated and having to be entirely self-sufficient, they’ll receive assistance with daily living from people who care; people who they’ll get to know and who’ll become their friends.
There’s also the peace of mind that comes with knowing that medical care is always just moments away. Access to a qualified care staff, transportation to doctors’ visits, and help with daily medication management are all in place. This takes the pressure off the residents, who are then able to focus on what they want to do and how they want to spend their time.
Heritage Assisted Living
Heritage Senior Living communities are dedicated to the whole-person well-being of our residents. We focus on the needs of each and every resident while paying special attention to their independence, individuality and dignity. We provide them with the very best benefits of assisted living.
If you want to learn more about how you or your loved one could thrive in a Heritage assisted living community, contact us.
