Living Life to the Fullest at Assisted Living Communities
Old age often means asking for help now and then to lead a comfortable life. However, admitting that you need help doesn’t always come easy. That’s why active assisted living communities are so good! They are designed to promote independence and activity.
Also, assisted living is just that – it assists. Aside from getting help from daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, dressing, transportation, and bathing; you also get help with medication management. All these things together contribute to a healthier, more active, and fulfilled lifestyle.
What is Senior Living Communities Lifestyle?
A typical day at a senior living community may start with a group hike across the street or in nature. After that, it could move to a volunteer trip at a local museum, hospital, or school that might be a few blocks away. It could easily end with a musical concert or a game of poker.
Most residents actively participate in programs and organized group activities. They may also be members of different committees and clubs. These activities are designed to promote an active lifestyle and a sense of fulfillment during later years of life.
It allows residents to make healthy choices. If you are a religious person, you could even enroll in one of the retirement communities for religious people.
What Are Residents Really Like?
Residents at a typical active senior living community can come from all walks of life. They may be small business owners, nurses, teachers, CEOs, housewives, musicians, engineers, lawyers, college professors, etc.
Being surrounded by people from such diverse backgrounds is a wonderful conversation starter. It gives you endless things to talk about and build strong connections over.
Benefits of an Active Senior Living Community
Opportunities for Staying Physically Active
Most seniors understand the importance of staying physically active but they don’t know where to start. An assisted living facility gives you access to necessary tools like yoga and aerobics classes. You can also partake in tai chi with personal trainers. In this way, the opportunities for staying fit are endless and more easily accessible.
Safety and Supervision
These facilities are designed to promote the mobility of the residents. If you have trouble with movement or getting around the house, you may need certain home modifications to ensure safety. Assisted living communities already take care of these things. Plus, in case of any falls or accidents, help is always readily available.
Help with Housekeeping
With no-maintenance, one-floor, apartment-style living, you no longer have to worry about many daily activities. There’s no need to worry about cleaning or any of the troubles of housekeeping and maintenance.
Peace of Mind for Everyone
Knowing that you are in a safe and supervised environment gives everyone much-needed peace of mind. Your family members can rest assured about your wellbeing and happiness.
Opportunities for Socialization
Socialization at old age is cruel for healthy aging. And, assisted living communities offer you plenty of opportunities for socialization. There are always some social events or activities happening. It wards off that feeling of isolation and depression.
Being surrounded by peers going through similar situations gives you a sense of connectedness. Many pet friendly communities for seniors even allow keeping pets like cats and dogs for added companionship.
Attributes of Assisted Living Communities
Staff Responsiveness
An ideal assisted living community takes the health and wellbeing of its residents seriously. They are concerned about maintaining their dignity, respect, and individuality. To that end, senior communities maintain staff that is willing to offer help at all times. They respond to questions politely, engage with residents on a personal level, and show love and appreciation.
Restful, Peaceful Nights
Assisted living communities ensure a peaceful, noise-free environment so you can get uninterrupted sleep and enjoy restful nights.
Access to High-Quality, Nutritious Meals
Food is about so much more than just survival. It’s a source of enjoyment and an opportunity for socialization. Durig old years of your life, you get to have more time to appreciate finer things in life including food. At a quality assisted living community, you can expect highly nutritious meals and food. Many facilities even offer chef-prepared meals with a restaurant-style dining experience.
A Strong Sense of Community
Most people are apprehensive and fearful about leaving their current living conditions and moving to an unknown space. But, generally, the opposite happens. People discover many opportunities for interaction, socialization, and developing a strong sense of community. It gives them an outlet for a more fulfilled living.
Expect things like –
- Day outings and trips
- Cards, games, and other recreational activities
- Enrichment programs
- Programs for religious people
- Access to workout equipment and wellness classes
- Spiritual enrichment programs
- Cultural activities and events
- Pet therapy visits
What to Look for in an Assisted Living Community?
If you’re in that initial research phase, we suggest checking out this list curated by National Caregivers Library. It will tell you about things to consider regarding the retirement years and ways to improve your quality of life.
It’s always good to go through the list and think through this transitional phase. Talk things over with your caregiver and loved ones; while keeping the quality of life and personal interest a top priority.