As people get older, it’s entirely normal for their families to start worrying about how safe their living arrangements are. Questions like, should my elderly parents live with me, or should my mom move into sheltered accommodation?, often crop up.
While many elderly people find it hard to accept, there are benefits to moving into sheltered accommodation or assisted living units.
Benefits of assisted living
One of the most significant advantages of assisted living facilities is that they will often help prevent trips to the emergency room by offering resources and assistance for managing health issues. In addition, nurses can help coordinate emergency care in a timely manner, giving residents and family members peace of mind.
Other preventative measures include:
Managed medication
Medication management services can help ensure that residents are taking their medications correctly. This is especially important with older people who may have difficulty remembering to take their medication as instructed. These services also address the problem of residents’ hoarding and hiding medications, which poses a significant danger, particularly when it encompasses a sedative.
Management of diabetes and other chronic conditions
Diabetes and other chronic illnesses can lead to hospital visits if a resident isn’t able to manage their condition properly. Most facilities will schedule regular reviews of residents’ medications and blood sugar to ensure they are properly administered.
General fitness programs
Remaining active is key to having a good quality of life. Seniors who stay active are also less likely to have falls. Care providers can provide structured fitness programs or design activities for residents to follow on their own or in fully supervised fitness centers.
Assistance with daily activities
Often elderly people find daily activities like cooking and cleaning challenging. However, some sort of daily activity is important for maintaining health and wellbeing. This can include regular exercise, access to a computer, safe use of a treadmill or other exercise equipment, and house cleaning.
Good nutrition 24/7
Good nutrition is vital to remain healthy and active. Assisted living facilities can help residents by providing good quality food and plenty of healthy snacks. This is often provided 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Socialization and companionship
Socialization is vital to mental health, but as people age, they tend to become more socially isolated. Assisted living facilities can provide a wide range of social events, including educational lectures, religious services, games nights, and dinner parties. Residents are encouraged to take part in these events to help overcome social isolation.
Brain fitness programs
The brain is constantly changing with age, so it stands to reason that training the brain through brain fitness exercises will be helpful for elderly people. Whether the individual is experiencing mild cognitive issues or more challenging mental deterioration, daily exercise and mental stimulation will help reduce stress, provide a strong social network and help to provide a sense of purpose.
In summary, assisted living facilities offer a safe, clean and welcoming environment for elderly residents. Many of them also provide services that can help prevent emergency room visits and manage residents’ health issues.
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