How Does Assisted Living Help Families?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Sometimes, assisted living isn’t an affordable or desirable long-term solution for families. However, many communities offer respite care, which is invaluable if an informal caregiver is ill, needs a break or is away from home.
Support and safety
Family members may not have the time, knowledge, resources or energy to provide the required care for an older relative. Assisted living facilities typically employ customized care plans to meet the specific needs of each individual. Trained aides support seniors with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, and residents typically benefit from inclusive meals, housekeeping and maintenance, reducing familial responsibilities and the often-resulting stress and burnout further. This can be particularly important in families with young children, who also need lots of hands-on care, or where people work long hours outside the home.
Most assisted living communities have enhanced security and safety measures, such as around-the-clock staffing, video surveillance (CCTV) and personal alarms. Such communities often also have on-call or on-staff medical professionals, which can increase peace of mind for seniors and their families. Furthermore, many communities have accessibility features, such as grab rails, walk-in showers and step-free access, to make life easier for older adults while removing the need for home adaptations. Implementing such modifications at home may not be ideal for the whole family and could be both timely and costly.
Engagement and wellness
In 2023, around one-third of adults aged 50 and older feel socially isolated, increasing loneliness and impacting overall well-being. Several health conditions, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression and premature death, are linked to senior isolation. Although seniors aging in place may look to meet their social needs through local senior centers, adult day care programs and companionship initiatives, assisted living offers a communal environment where older adults live among their peers and can pursue various ability-appropriate interests. Enrichment programs include diverse activities to nurture wellness and life satisfaction.
Many facilities also have shared amenities, such as fitness centers, lounges and gardens, where residents can enjoy independent recreation and build meaningful connections. Moreover, most assisted living facilities encourage family involvement, such as at mealtimes, for hobbies and on excursions, alongside regular visits. This allows family members to step back from the stresses of a caregiver role and instead focus on enjoying quality time with their aging loved ones.