Why Assisted Living Residents Report Higher Happiness Than Homebound Seniors?

When you hear about assisted living facilities for the first time, you may feel overwhelmed. Even worried. Many seniors see it as losing their independence, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, it’s a home away from home where the elderly feel safe and supported. 

If you or a relative is unsure of how to transition to life in elderly care, don’t worry – you’re not alone. And that’s precisely why we, The Smiling Souls, want to discuss everything you should know about senior living facilities. 

Let’s begin with its upsides. 

Benefits of Assisted Living

Enhanced Safety

There are so many reasons why you’ll feel safer in a facility:

• Firstly, there are always trained caregivers on hand to assist. 
• Secondly, there are emergency response systems in place to provide quick medical help if something happens to you. 
• Thirdly, the facilities are designed to prevent falls or any other unfortunate incident that may happen if you stay alone in your home. 
• Lastly, the staff will remind you to take your medications and may also help to administer them. 

Assistance With Daily Activities

• You’ll get help with bathing, hygiene, dressing, and grooming. 
• There will also be housekeeping services, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning or laundry. 
• Assisted living facilities will prepare healthy meals for you and keep your specific dietary requirements (if any) in mind. 
• As a plus, you’ll get rides to your medical appointments, social outings, or shopping trips.

Social Engagement

• You’ll participate in group activities and events like exercise classes, hobby groups, or game nights.
• You’ll never feel lonely with the social network in the facility as there are other seniors just like you there.
• There are volunteering and mentorship programs that you can get involved in. 

Maintenance-Free Living

• You’ll have more time to relax and focus on your hobbies and social activities.
• It’s the best way for children living abroad as they don’t have to worry about the wellbeing of their aged loved ones.

How To Choose the Right Assisted Living Facility For Seniors? 

You have to be intentional about the assisted living facility you go to. It’s important if you want to enjoy all the benefits we listed above. Here’s a quick guide on how to go about it:

• Consider the location, cost, and services.
• Tour different facilities and ask questions about their staff’s qualifications, medical support, and their daily activities.
• Look at their cleanliness, food quality, and social opportunities.
• Speak with current residents to understand their experience.
• Check online reviews about the senior living facility.
• Visit at different times to get a feel of the place.

If you do all these, we have no doubt that you’ll get a place where you or your loved ones can thrive and maintain your independence. 

Final Words 

Contrary to what many people think, assisted living facilities aren’t prisons where you lose your independence. Rather, it’s a place where you can forget your worries and live a fulfilling life. Aside from medical care, there are engaging activities, opportunities to make friends, and personalized support that always come in handy. 

So, you see – it’s miles away from the dull, clinical perception people have about it. As we mentioned earlier, it’s a home away from home. So, you shouldn’t see it as the end but as a new chapter.