Quality of life means different things to different seniors. However, it can be described as feeling healthy, not limited by one’s physical condition, having the ability to manage on their own and retain dignity and not feel like a burden, having close relations that make them feel supported, feeling at peace and secure, experiencing spirituality and not feeling restricted by financial constraints.
Assisted living communities can improve a senior’s living standards, including medication management, socialization, ensuring safety, and providing multiple amenities and support for their comfort and happiness. This article outlines six ways assisted living can improve a senior’s quality of life.
1. Support for daily tasks
Assisted living communities such as Riverview Retirement Community offer support for daily routine tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, laundry, meal preparations, and more. Seniors don’t have to worry about cooking or tidying up in an assisted living facility. They’ll get round-the-clock support to keep living independently for as long as possible. Your loved one will live maintenance-free with all the assisted living services they might need.
2. Reduced loneliness
If older adults live alone or have limited interactions with others, they might feel abandoned, resulting in loneliness, hopelessness, and depression. This can negatively impact their overall health. Assisted living facilities provide various opportunities for seniors to connect and interact with others, preventing isolation.
3. Medication management
Seniors suffering from memory loss may find it challenging to remember when to take their medication or forget that they already took it, resulting in a life-threatening situation. Moreover, poor or weak eyesight can make it hard for older adults to read prescriptions accurately, causing an under or over-dose. Assisted living communities have medication management systems to help seniors by alerting them when it’s for their medication.
These systems can also give any necessary instructions, including taking medicines with food or water. Assisted living facilities may also have trained staff in charge of members’ medications.
4. Recreational opportunities
Inactivity in seniors causes physical ailments and can negatively impact mental health. Recreational activities help improve the elderly’s physical and emotional health, overall well-being, and cognitive function. They can engage in exercise programs like yoga, walks, dancing, swimming, aerobics, tai chi, and obstacle courses. They can also participate in activities challenging their memory and mind and others to boost their imagination and creativity, improving their cognitive function. Interactions with others during group recreational activities enable them to live a fulfilling social life.
5. More social connections
Ideal assisted living communities are always working towards fostering meaningful and lasting relationships between seniors through shared programs, meals, and opportunities. With many seniors living close together, interacting and enjoying shared activities, it’s easier for an older adult to make friendships.
6. Safe living environment
The risks of falls increase with age, and their consequences may be devastating, including fatal injuries and minor inconveniences. An assisted living community will have strict measures and prevention programs to help seniors who have experienced falls before. Their infrastructure is safe and senior-friendly, with easy access to prevent falls and injuries. They also have emergency buttons installed should the seniors need help.
Endnote
Good quality of life is essential for older adults to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Consider enrolling your senior loved one in an assisted living facility for improved quality of life.
