Assisted living offers many benefits for friends and family of seniors, as well as residents themselves. It provides a safe and comfortable home-like environment, with staff members there to make sure their needs are seen and met. It also helps relieve the stress that can come with caring for a loved one at home, which is often linked to poor eating habits, health complications, and financial strain.
What is the best age to move to assisted living?
Smaller Assisted living communities create a more intimate setting, with a sense of community and camaraderie among staff and residents. This can be especially beneficial to a senior who may have difficulty moving around or making new friends in large, condo-style facilities. It can also give them a better chance to get to know staff members by name, rather than interacting with a group of strangers.
In addition, most assisted living communities offer on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. These are not included in the room and board, but are typically covered by Medicare. This can help ease the transition to assisted living for a senior who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness or injury.
Finally, assisted living communities often offer transportation for local shopping, events, doctor’s appointments, and other errands. This is particularly important for a senior who has lost or is losing their ability to drive. It also allows them to avoid the safety risks of driving in inclement weather, or the hassle of dealing with snow removal and de-icing their car.