5 Reasons that Assisted Living for Seniors Is the Best Solution When Living at Home Makes You Less Independent

November 14th, 2018 | For Family Members

One of the most American concepts is Independence- but what does it mean exactly? Is it doing what you want when you want it, or simply being stubborn to the point of not changing? Many limitations are forcing many people to stay home rather than get the care they need; showing why people decide to make a switch, get out of their home, and start get pampering, care, and companionship that seniors and those aging with mental needs get at assisted living homes that they simply aren’t getting at their homes.

 

In many situations assisted living homes for memory care or senior living residences for Dementia patients seems like the obvious choice – but statistics would say the opposite as recent New York Times article suggest that up to 80% of Alzheimer’s patients and elderly with memory care needs are not getting the care that they need because they haven’t started the process of picking assisted living communities and up to 6 percent (or about 2 million elderly or aging people over the age of 65) who are “independent” living outside of a assisted living or memory care residence ONLY get to leave their house as little as once a week, sometimes less.

 

For Aging Adults, There’s More to Life Than Just Going to Doctors’ Appointments

When seniors ARE leaving their homes, it’s only for doctors’ appointments; not pedicures, manicures, or going to church like they used to or visiting friends and family. In these situations – their home becomes a prison, and they never leave. Seniors, aging adults, and those with memory care needs become prisoners with simple limitations like stairs or driving becoming their jail cells.

 

There are 5 ways that seniors lose their independence as they age:

 1. Mobility Issues for Aging Seniors – Stairs, Rails, and Walking Can Cause People to Stay Inside

Climbing stars and making a trip outdoors can be a task for seniors – causing them to stay indoors for weeks at a time. Many obstacles that are no issue for us when we’re younger like making a trip down a flight or two of stairs can be downright impossible when there are oxygen tanks, walkers, canes, or other disabilities to consider. Additionally – it may be hard in some areas (like our senior assisted living residences in Florida, Colorado or Pennsylvania) to find safe and handicapped accessible apartments for rent outside of an assisted living residence like senior living. Handicapped accessible homes for aging adults can also be expensive.

 

2. Depression Keeps Elderly Indoors Too – The Senior “Burden”

The idea of putting a burden on the family often leads grandparents and those with memory care needs to further avoid getting the care that they need. Outside of assisted living, many people have less family support, simply because family lives far away. Furthermore, simple tasks that once used to bring enjoyment are impossible, like shopping for clothes, getting your hair cut and styled, and going out to eat. These lifestyle changes and a lack of socialization cause people to lose interest in life.

 

3. The Weather, Geography, Slips and Falls, and Injury Are Bigger Risks Outside of Assisted Living Communities

In our Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania assisted living communities, sometimes weather can be an issue. In other isolated areas, people can live as many as ten to twenty miles or more from town, making it hard for not only friends and family but other adults to engage and connect with each other.

Additional slip and fall hazards can be disastrous (and cause broken bones) outside of assisted living communities, where one wrong step can cause hospital time. If something DOES happen, assisted living options are designed to provide quick and life saving responses when time is of the essence.

 

4. Going Outside, Walking and Adventuring Can Be a Hassle by Yourself

Home care and aides can often be a godsend to people living at home – but they’re often costly and only around a few hours at a day. Furthermore, they have other obligations, like ensuring adequate dieting needs, giving out medicine, and checking vitals. Few get to exercise, go on excursions, picnic, or have days out in the sunshine.

Assisted living homes, however, have many staff members dedicated to ensuring that senior mobility needs are being met, walking and talking with the elderly and keeping them engaged. Assisted living residences like Legend offer transportation, easy parking, and outings, shopping trips, day trips and coordinated activities outside of caregivers or family which can be a godsend in busy metros in Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida.

 

5. Socializing and Spending Time with Friends Is Something Assisted Living Homes Excel At.

Due to the death of spouses, close friends, or relatives, our social networks dwindle as we age. These loses can be difficult adjustments (and it’s also very difficult to make new friends sometimes). However, friendships help extend life, protect against depression and isolation, and provide physical and cognitive health benefits as you age. Assisted living homes are invaluable in this sense.

 

The Move to Assisted Living Guarantees that Memory and Health Needs aren’t Neglected as You Age

Instead of “losing independence”, think of moving to assisted living residences as promoting ongoing independence while also giving the seniors a way to get the care they need and safety that protects their mobility, pride, and health. Plus, seniors could make friends and have fun and get back facets of their life that they missed out on – giving seniors plenty to gain by going to senior living residences to make life a little easier.