A person’s supporting cast can include family members, friends, or neighbors. They might offer social and practical support in any number of ways: dropping by for social visits, doing favors, running errands, arranging in-home services, attending medical appointments, doing housekeeping tasks, or providing personal care (to name just a few). It’s easy to underestimate just how important this type of “informal” support can be.
How assisted living communities improve quality of life
Quality of life if you’re the person moving to assisted living
If you’re a senior, you may be reluctant to leave your current home, even if health issues have caused problems for you recently. And you may be concerned that a move to assisted living will lead to a loss of control over your life.
But here’s the thing: a move to assisted living will mean you no longer have to worry about home upkeep, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance. If you need help with bathing, dressing, or managing your medications, it’s there for you without having to rely on the goodwill of family or the sometimes unpredictable schedules of home care providers.
Check out our free e-book,
Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.
With all these worries looked after, your days could well become more enjoyable.
In fact, many people who move to assisted living are often surprised by how their lives improve. After moving to assisted living, they’re able to become more active by taking advantage of interesting activities onsite.
In retrospect, many assisted living residents realize that they became socially isolated in their old homes. They find it easier to make new friends in assisted living because they’re surrounded by people with similar experiences and interests.
They enjoy the daily restaurant-style meals and appreciate not having to cook for themselves. They also value the easy access to transportation and onsite health services.
All these benefits can help to significantly improve your quality of life.
Quality of life if you’re supporting the person who’s moving to assisted living
If you’re the primary caregiver for an aging family member, you may be taking a significant amount of time away from other commitments in your life. You may feel overstretched, even exhausted. And you realize that your caregiving responsibilities are only likely to grow as you continue to support your loved one in their own home.
But as much time as you spend on caregiving tasks, you can’t be with your loved one 24/7. Chances are you’re concerned for their safety when you’re not around. The worry may be costing you sleep at night.
But if they move to assisted living, you’re not under the same pressure. You can rely on the staff at the assisted living community to meet your loved one’s needs. You’re reassured that someone is checking in on them throughout the day. Your worry lessens and you sleep better. Not only that, you don’t have to focus so much on being a caregiver. You can go back to being a son, daughter, etc.
To learn more, read our free ebook, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.
