Most people are aware that assisted living facilities provide the elderly with assistance in daily activities of living as well as medication management and meal planning. But, did you also know that assisted living facilities provide social interaction that can reduce the health risks that are associated with loneliness and isolation in the elderly? Humans thrive with social interaction, which many elderly who live alone may struggle to find on a daily basis.
If you are considering moving to an assisted living facility for help with activities of daily living, narrow down your options to facilities that can provide you with the activities that you are most interested in. Here's how.
Tour the Common Areas of the Facilities
Of course, you'll definitely want to tour the living quarters of the facilities, but don't forget to take a good look around the common areas and see what types of amenities there are and if they align with your personal ideals, wants, and needs. For example, if you enjoy gardening, look for an assisted living facility that has a garden for residents to use. If you like having animals around, do any facilities allow residents to keep pets in their rooms, or are there communal pets in an area of the facility for all residents to enjoy?
Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of activities, services, and amenities, such as:
- entertainment
- movie nights
- community college classes
- board game tournaments
- book clubs
- yarn arts
- gardening
- lectures
- computer labs
- music lessons
By being involved in these types of activities with others, you pull yourself out of isolation and become social again, which can help improve your health and mental wellbeing.
Ask the Activities Directors If the Activities Change
When you tour facilities and learn about the various programs and activities they offer, be sure to ask the activities directors how often the schedule of programs and activities changes. Do they offer different activities in the winter months than they do in the summer months? If so, ask if you can take a look at the activities and programs they offer in other seasons too. You don't want to inadvertently get a surprise by choosing a facility that doesn't offer your preferred selections more than one season a year.
Of course, you'll be happiest in a facility that provides the amenities you desire, but definitely be sure they also have comfortable living quarters with friendly staff and residents.
Contact an assisted living facility near you to learn more.
In the words of the Beatles "we get by with a little help from our friends." When your friend is an older adult, you cannot always provide that help yourself. They might need skilled nursing care or around-the-clock supervision that you're just not equipped to offer. That's where nursing homes and assisted living facilities can come in handy. These businesses make sure your loved one gets the help they need, provided by experienced and kind employees. You can learn more about assisted living and nursing facilities in the articles offered here. We think that after you read and explore, you'll be more confident that this is the help your friend needs.