As you begin your search for additional support services for yourself or an older loved one, it may be helpful to understand the various options available to you.
Along with many other life-enhancing benefits, residents in assisted living communities receive support that’s tailored to their needs. If you’re thinking about assisted living for yourself or someone you love, it’s completely normal to have questions along the way. In this blog, we’ll discuss the many excellent benefits of assisted living, how to know if it’s right for you or someone you love, and when to make the move.
What Are the Advantages of Assisted Living?
Moving into an assisted living community can bring up a lot of emotions for everyone involved. But it also marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with fresh experiences and new moments to look forward to each day.
Many families ask, “What is assisted living like?” and “What does assisted living provide?” While the answers can vary depending on the community, there are some key benefits of assisted living that your family member might enjoy, including:
24/7 Caregiver Access
Supporting an aging parent can be a deeply fulfilling journey. However, the day-to-day demands of caregiving can take a toll on anyone. In assisted living, professionally trained caregivers are always nearby to provide the right assistance for each resident’s specific needs. This means your loved one can spend their day as they wish, knowing a caring employee is always nearby if they need assistance.
Safer Living Environment
Most assisted living communities are thoughtfully designed to help keep residents safe. You’ll typically find apartments with safety features like wide, well-lit hallways, mobility aids, grab handles, and more to make them less challenging to navigate for older residents. Additionally, caregivers are always nearby to assist, even at night, which adds an extra layer of safety.
Personalized Support Plan
The many benefits of assisted living can be enjoyed by individuals with different needs. Perhaps Mom still enjoys cooking but needs help cleaning up afterward. Or, maybe Dad manages his daily routine just fine but feels more at ease knowing someone is there to help with his medication schedule. These little choices can help make a big difference in how your loved one feels each day.
Access to Health Care Services
Some assisted living communities partner with health care providers to offer on-site medical assistance for residents. If a resident has an ongoing health condition, they may be able to access important health care services without leaving the community. That said, assisted living may not suit someone requiring comprehensive medical assistance.
Health and Wellness Programs
Most assisted living communities offer plenty of planned activities and programs to enhance residents’ health and well-being. These can include balance classes, brain games, music therapy sessions, and more that your family member can enjoy.
Peace of Mind for Family Caregivers
One of the most significant advantages of assisted living isn’t just for your loved one. It’s for you, too. As a family caregiver, you’ve done so much to support your aging parent. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own. With trained employees nearby 24/7, you can breathe a little easier knowing your parent is in good hands. Instead of rushing over after work to help Mom with dinner, you can visit simply to enjoy time together.
Healthy and Nutritious Culinary Options
Most assisted living communities provide healthy and nutritious culinary options to accommodate residents with varying tastes and preferences. You’ll find plenty of flavorful and nutritious chef-prepared meals, typically designed by dietitians who understand the specific nutritional requirements of older adults. Meals and snacks are often served by friendly employees in a restaurant-style setting, turning mealtimes into something your loved one can truly look forward to.
Opportunities to Meet New Friends
Moving to assisted living doesn’t mean leaving friendships behind. It often means making new ones. Whether it’s chatting over morning coffee, joining a game night, or simply taking a walk with a neighbor, your loved one will have plenty of chances to meet people who share their interests.
Life Enrichment Opportunities
Most assisted living communities offer a wide variety of fun and engaging activities tailored to different interests and abilities. These experiences can bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy to each day, helping your loved one enjoy life in ways that truly matter to them.
These might include:
- Art and craft classes
- Music and dance sessions
- Gardening clubs
- Group outings to local parks or events
- Book discussions or storytelling circles
Transportation Services
Sometimes, the natural limitations of aging make it challenging for older adults to drive safely. Many communities provide in-house transportation services to help residents run errands, get to doctor’s appointments, or attend community events. If Dad no longer drives, he won’t have to miss his specialty doctors visits or Sunday lunch outings.
Housekeeping Services
Keeping up with household chores can start to become burdensome as we age. Most assisted living communities include regular housekeeping services to help make life more comfortable and enjoyable for residents.
Community employees typically handle things like:
- Dusting and vacuuming
- Doing laundry
- Bathroom and kitchen cleaning
- Changing bed sheets
- Wiping down surfaces
All-Inclusive Cost
One of the most notable benefits of assisted living is the all-inclusive cost, which can make budgeting easier and help families avoid surprise expenses. Many assisted living communities offer an all-inclusive monthly rate. This usually covers accommodation, meals and snacks, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), housekeeping, and more. Some offer à la carte options, letting you adjust your loved one’s support services as needed without paying for what they don’t use.
Is Assisted Living the Right Fit for You or a Loved One?
Despite all the meaningful perks it offers, moving to assisted living is a big decision, and it’s completely normal to have mixed feelings about it.
Here are some examples of who may benefit most from assisted living:
Seniors Who Need Help With Activities of Daily Living
It’s normal for aging parents to need a little extra help with their daily routine as they grow older. This might include activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, using the bathroom, or getting dressed. Assisted living can provide personalized support for these needs while helping residents maintain as much independence as possible.
People With Early-Stage Memory Loss
If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia or memory loss, an assisted living community can offer the extra support they need to live a meaningful life. Trained employees can help with things like medication reminders, staying on track with daily routines, and mealtimes. Many communities also offer brain-boosting activities like music therapy, puzzles, and brain games to help slow the symptoms of cognitive decline.
Individuals With Mobility Issues
Seniors with mobility issues may have trouble getting around the house safely without making certain modifications. Most N are comfortable to move around in, even for residents who use mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Many also include helpful safety features, including grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wider hallways for safer movement. Plus, caregivers are always nearby to offer a helping hand, whether a resident needs help getting out of bed or moving from one room to another.
Older Adults Who Feel Isolated or Lonely
Staying socially connected is important at any age. If your loved one lives alone, they may be more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Assisted living can offer a strong sense of community and plenty of chances to make new friends.
Seniors Tired of Home Upkeep
Keeping up with laundry, grocery shopping, yard work, or cleaning the bathroom can become burdensome for seniors, especially those with limited mobility or ongoing health conditions. In assisted living, caring employees handle housekeeping, meal prep, and general maintenance so residents can spend more time doing the things they enjoy.
For some seniors, the idea of leaving a family home can feel overwhelming. Others may worry about affording assisted living costs or feel that seeking additional support means giving up their independence. Family members might also have different opinions. One sibling may feel it’s time to bring in extra support, while another might be hesitant about such a big change.
These feelings are all valid. That’s why it’s so important to have a conversation and carefully weigh the pros and cons of assisted living before making a decision.
How to Know When It’s Time for Assisted Living
Even if you’re fairly sure assisted living could be a good fit, deciding when to move isn’t always easy. Maybe you or your loved one feels nervous about change, unsure about giving up routines, or not quite ready to say goodbye to the family home.
On the other hand, there may also be growing signs that extra support is truly needed. If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time, the checklist below can help you make a confident and informed decision about your loved one’s support.
| Category | Sign or Concern |
|---|---|
| Health and Safety |
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| Daily Routine |
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| Emotional & Social |
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| Family and Caregiver Stress |
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| Readiness for Support |
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FAQs About Assisted Living
Whether you’re considering assisted living for yourself or an older loved one, it’s natural to have questions.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions families ask during this stage of the journey:
StoryPoint Group Is Here for You and Your Loved One
At StoryPoint Group communities, we understand the tough challenges families face when trying to find the best support for their loved ones. You’re not alone. We’re here to help guide you and your family member every step of the way.
If you or someone you love could benefit from assisted living or a different support service, we’re here to help you take the next step.
To learn more, call us today at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour at a StoryPoint Group community near you. We can’t wait to get to know you!
