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What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
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
The benefits of assisted living include support for seniors to live as independently as possible and social programming to reduce isolation. Assisted living communities provide a blend of hands-on help with practical services and a range of activities and amenities, which benefit older adults in various ways.
Typical Support Services in Assisted Living Communities
Although precise services differ among facilities, most assisted living communities employ trained aides to help residents with activities of daily living and personal care tasks. These include bathing, dressing and transferring. Many have around-the-clock staffing. Some communities also provide basic health care services, such as nurse-led wellness checks and medication management, alongside coordination with external providers and medical transportation. Additionally, facilities sometimes provide on-site therapies and pharmacy services.
Assisted living reduces an individual’s daily chores, such as maintenance, housekeeping and laundry. As well as supporting independence for those who struggle to complete tasks, such services enable older adults to make the most of their free time during retirement.
Communal Lifestyle of Assisted Living
Often, seniors can choose between several accommodation options, such as studios, apartments and companion suites. Additionally, most assisted living residences feature diverse amenities for residents to enjoy independently. These include shared TV rooms, gyms, gardens and libraries. Residents usually eat in communal dining rooms, although they may also have the option to prepare meals in private kitchenettes.
Assisted living communities also facilitate wide-ranging enrichment and engagement activities. Examples include exercise classes, outings, devotional worship, special interest clubs, live entertainment and intergenerational activities. Programs aim to support holistic well-being, enhance quality of life and alleviate isolation. The communal lifestyle of assisted living benefits many seniors.