Assisted living facilities provide care tailored specifically to each resident’s unique needs.
Assisted living provides help with personal care, meals and transportation needs as well as activities and socialization opportunities.
Personal Care
Many senior residents living in assisted living require assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and grooming as well as medication administration, eating and toileting.
As there are more residential long-term care options than ever before, personal care homes and assisted living communities have become popular choices for senior care.
Both residence options provide seniors with a safe space to reside when they cannot safely do so on their own. Furthermore, both options provide social and recreational activities as well as delectable dining options that meet seniors’ individual preferences.
While assisted living and personal care share some similarities, there are also distinct distinctions that older adults and their families should understand before making their choice. For instance, Pennsylvania has separate licensing requirements for personal care homes versus assisted living facilities as well as regulations about living units and bathrooms per facility type.
Meal Preparation
Eating nutritious meals is vital to senior wellbeing, and as their caregiver it is your duty to ensure they receive it. You may choose to cook at home or hire a meal prep service; either way ensuring their senior receives adequate nourishment will keep them feeling their best and healthy!
As we get older, our appetites and strength and mobility diminish – making it more challenging than ever to consume a nutritious and balanced diet.
Seniors often require extra assistance feeding themselves; they may experience difficulty chewing or swallowing and become dehydrated from malnutrition.
Assisted living communities strive to provide residents with meals that are balanced, nutritional and of sufficient quantity and content. This requires planning and preparation by an experienced dietary manager or food service manager with appropriate licensing.
Transportation
Reliable transportation helps older adults remain engaged and active members of the community, which may help delay memory loss, decrease social isolation, and boost both physical and mental health.
Assisted living facilities often offer regular scheduled bus and town car service to nearby shopping, medical offices, church services and church events. While this trip should typically be covered in your monthly rate for assisted living, it’s a good idea to inquire as there may be additional costs related to transportation services.
Friendly and professional shuttle drivers ensure seniors feel at ease on trips, ensuring they arrive at their destinations safely. Access to transportation services also helps seniors keep their minds active by encouraging new interests to bloom.
Socialization
Socialization can help older adults find a sense of belonging, as it helps foster the feeling. Furthermore, it may reduce depression which is one of the leading causes of isolation among seniors.
Socialization offers not only mental benefits, but can also enhance overall health and wellness for seniors. Seniors who engage regularly are more likely to maintain strong cognitive performance and avoid dementia symptoms altogether.
Enhance healthy eating habits to promote higher quality of life for seniors. Furthermore, this can also prevent physical pain, lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.
There may be challenges that prevent seniors from living an active social life, including family moving away, friends passing away or transportation issues.