How Senior Living Communities Help Seniors Stay Independent
Mike McClernonJan 18th, 2022
As soon as we're born, we begin to strive to attain and maintain independence over virtually every facet of our lives. Over time, we learn the value of doing things for ourselves, leading to success, happiness, and reaching life achievements.
The desire to be independent doesn't diminish as we get older. In my experience as an advisor with Assisted Living Locators of Long Island (Mike McClernon, 516-254-9481), I find that older adults value the ability to be independent most of all. Many older people find that remaining independent promotes a sense of achievement, bringing them a great sense of self-worth and well-being. Independence is one of the few things seniors can maintain control over as other aspects of their life begin to change.
However, independence gets harder to maintain over time for most seniors. Physical or mental limitations that come with the ordinary course of aging can make living in their home independently a challenge, especially if they live alone. The result can be catastrophic for seniors if they can no longer carry out the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as housekeeping, bathing, grooming, and meal preparation independently.
At this point, families begin to search for alternate living arrangements for their older loved ones so they can maintain a healthy quality of life. Senior Living Communities offer the perfect solution where people can thrive during their vintage years with services and support that allow them to thrive. I'm always happy to take the time to match older adults with the perfect Senior Living Community that meets their needs.
One of the biggest benefits of moving into one of these communities is that, contrary to what many people believe, these communities don't take independence away from their residents but rather allow them to keep being independent.
That's right – Senior Living Communities can help you maintain your independence, which is vital for them to live with joy and happiness as they get older. Here are some of the ways these communities do that:
You're always in control of your care:
Care in Independent Living Communities and Assisted Living Communities/Memory Care are specifically tailored to your needs, so you get the best living experience. You and your family are always in control of the different programs, treatments, and activities you experience. In many cases, you have the final word on everything.
Being involved in your care choices helps preserve your independence and keeps you in control of your lifestyle.
Removes the stress from the daily routine:
For many people, the natural course of aging can take away your ability to do many routine things, such as housekeeping, bathing, and even personal grooming. Having difficulty performing these basic ADLs can cause some older adults stress, prompting them not to do them and leading to physical illness, depression, and other issues.
Services are available in Senior Living Communities that help with ADLs, so you can continue to feel comfortable and cared for while maintaining independence.
Ample opportunities for relationships:
Many seniors who age at home, especially with mobility issues, tend not to leave the house. This situation can deteriorate relationships and lead to isolation, depression, and loneliness.
Senior Living Communities provide an environment with ample socialization opportunities. People with mobility or other issues that prevent them from leaving their home to make new connections or maintain existing relationships are fully accommodated and encouraged to participate, so no one is ever left out.
Meal preparation:
Due to health and physical limitations, many neglect shopping for healthy ingredients and opt for quick heat-and-eat meals that might be convenient but lacking in nutrition. Poor nutrition can lead to low energy and illness.
Most Senior Living Communities offer healthy meals made fresh by professional chefs and served in comfortable dining halls. Having a healthy diet means more energy and enhanced independence without worrying about shopping and preparing food.
Available transportation services:
Driving is a mainstay of independence. However, many seniors have to give up operating a vehicle for safety reasons. They might neglect to shop, visit friends, or keep medical or other appointments without ready transportation.
Many Senior Living Communities have transportation services available, so residents can run errands, go shopping, and get to appointments safely. These services preserve independence as the older person's mobility is no longer limited.
Medication management:
One of the biggest concerns of families is their loved one's ability to take medications as prescribed. The fact is that memory problems and Alzheimer's disease or dementia are common as people age. Medication errors can lead to illness or even worse.
Senior Living Communities offer medication management services that ensure that the resident gets the proper dosages at the appropriate times, keeping them healthy, safe, and able to continue to do the things they love independently.
Maintaining independence doesn't mean having to live alone in your house. Having the services and support you need in a Senior Living Community enhances your ability to maintain independence and thrive in an environment designed just for you.
Find a Senior Living Community on Long Island
When you're looking for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Skilled Nursing for yourself or an elderly loved one, you might find the process confusing and overwhelming, especially if you're doing it alone or for the first time.
Assisted Living Locators of Long Island makes the whole process easier for you and your family. We specialize in helping to match older adults with the most suitable senior living community. Our team will do all the research based on your loved one's needs, present a list of best-suited facilities in the Long Island area, and accompany you on the community tour to ensure all your questions and concerns are answered.
Consider us your trusted advisor in making the most informed choice on where your older loved ones will live during their vintage years. Contact Mike McClernon of Assisted Living Locators of Long Island at 516-254-9481 or mikem@assistedlivinglocators.com when you're ready to explore senior living community options for the older person in your life. We're always happy to help.
