Aging comes with many different challenges. Your health may not be quite what it was and many people experience loneliness in their later years. You may also find that some activities like household chores aren’t as simple as they once were.
But while this can feel quite scary, there is one solution that could help all of these things. Moving into assisted living could be a great option for you; it will bring you into the company of other people your age while providing all the support you need.
Some older people may be resistant to the idea of moving. After living in a family home for so long, moving is a huge undertaking and requires a lot of strength. Here’s what you can expect.
A Private Residence
Assisted living is not the same as living in a nursing home. Nursing facilities usually provide a room with a bathroom, sometimes private and sometimes shared. Assisted living facilities, by contrast are often complete apartments. Options may include one bedroom or two, a bathroom and a separate kitchen and a living area. This allows residents to come and go as they please, and cook their own meals if desired, while having access to assistance as needed.
The residents in assisted living apartments supply their own furnishings. Residents bring their own furniture or buy new. Either way, once settled in and everything is arranged, it’s easy to make your new home feel as comfortable as your old home. Adding pictures and soft furnishings is a good place to start.
All the Help You Need
Assisted living is the perfect balance between care and independence. It offers the opportunity to access the care you need but still have your own space. For example, at assisted living facility, The Parke, you can have a paper delivered with your breakfast. When even the small things are thought of, life can quickly become more comfortable and manageable again.
Assisted living allows you to request help with daily activities in your own home or receive help in the middle of the night if needed. Medical services are also available including access to transportation for doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping. Everything can be arranged right from you residence.
A Community of Peers
Loneliness is a common problem for older people. This is especially true if your house bound or unable to drive to get together with friends or participate in community activities. It’s easy to go days without even talking to anyone when one lives alone. Isolation like this can cause illness and negatively impact one’s quality of life. This is an important reason many choose to move to assisted living facilities.
At an assisted living facility everyone is in the same age group and facing the same issues. It’s easy to make friends because everyone lives so close by and visiting is as easy as popping in for a chat. Communal areas are also a great place to met and chat with friends and neighbors. Think of it like college halls but for the elderly! The facilities often plan activities where it’s easy to make new friends and enjoy yourself. Friendship provides great relief from loneliness and not only improve day-to-day life but your health and longevity as well!
