When is it time for Assisted Living?
Across America, many families are overwhelmed by this question. It can be a difficult decision to make, as the desire for independence can make conversations difficult and signs can be easily missed. Yet it’s an important one for you and your loved one.
Therefore, it is important to be fully informed about Assisted Living and understand the purpose that it serves. More than one million Americans live in Assisted Living communities across America. These communities provide functions central to their daily lives, allowing each day to be enjoyed.
At Sagora Senior Living, Assisted Living communities provide compassionate care that focuses on each resident’s individual needs. We deliver personal and medical care in a highly social setting, one in which residents enjoy a high standard of living and have all their needs met.
Given the complexity of the factors surrounding such a large decision, understanding what to look for when asking “is it time for Assisted Living?” can assist in preparation for the conversation. Luckily, the subject has been thoroughly researched, leading to the identification of several signs to look for.
- Isolated Lifestyle
Social Isolation has tremendous negative effects on mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many seniors battle isolation due to decreased mobility and other factors beyond their control. This consistently leads to declines in health outcomes in addition to depression.
Humans are social creatures that desire to be around like-minded individuals. At Sagora Senior Living, Assisted Living residents experience a wide variety of programs and outings in socially oriented communities where they can make new friends and forge new experiences.
- Concerns about falling and residential upkeep
One out of every four adults falls each year, leading to an estimated $50 billion worth of medical costs. Falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and procedures that may limit mobility. Residences can become hazardous if they have excessively steep stairs, uneven floors or narrow hallways. Therefore, it’s imperative that seniors live in a safe environment specifically designed with safety in mind.
Decreased mobility can also lead to other issues with residential upkeep. Rooms may become more cluttered and an inability to clean could lead to a lower quality of life. At many Assisted Living communities, housekeeping services are provided, giving residents more time to enjoy their favorite activities.
- Chronic Illness
Many adult Americans suffer from chronic illnesses. While these illnesses can sometimes be managed for a while, they often result in an individual needing care. Assisted Living communities offer 24-hour, on-call medical assistance as well as highly trained associates that can aid residents when needed.
Chronic illness often results in a reliance on medications, some of which have to be taken at specific times each day. It is imperative that these medications are taken daily, at the right time. Assisted Living communities offer medication management services, ensuring that these medications are taken properly.
- Inability to Cook or Properly Use Household Appliances
Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves having difficulty with daily tasks like cooking, doing laundry and grooming. An inability to provide for oneself can encompass one, or all of those factors.
Cooking is incredibly important to independence. If an adult has difficulty cooking, it could lead to malnourishment. Additionally, the inability to properly use household appliances like a stove or an oven can pose a safety risk. At Sagora Senior Living, Assisted Living communities serve three restaurant-quality meals daily, giving residents delicious and nutritious options to choose from.
- Poor personal hygiene
Poor personal hygiene can encompass many different things, from wearing unclean clothes to not practicing proper grooming. Both are signs that an individual is having trouble practicing daily activities. These issues can lead to more poor outcomes down the line, so it is important to address them.
Assisted Living communities can help with laundry and grooming, improving quality of life and helping with hygiene – ensuring a better future for your loved one.
More than one million Americans live in Assisted Living communities, enjoying social, comfortable lives with special care to meet their needs. Sagora Senior Living takes it a step further, with quality cuisine, beautiful communities and tenured associates providing specialized care.
Life at Sagora Senior Living communities is vibrant and comfortable. They’ll love making new friends and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having your loved one in a safe environment.
Come see the Sagora difference for yourself by visiting your local Sagora Senior Living community!