As we age, we often get to the point where we need some additional help in our day-to-day lives to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. Making decisions about living arrangements and the level of care required is not always easy though.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of people turning age 65 can expect to need some form of long-term care during their lives.
Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask when determining if an assisted living community is right for you can be a complicated decision – but it doesn’t have to be.
Assisted living communities are residential communities that provide a range of services, amenities, and care services for older adults who wish to remain independent and healthy as long as possible.
We know that choosing to move to an assisted living community is a significant step. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask yourself:
Having difficulty with personal care is one of the first signs that an assisted living community can improve your quality of life.
These communities have professional and compassionate staff that can help you with your personal care, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and medication management.
Loneliness and isolation can negatively affect not only your mental health but your physical health as well. If you’re starting to feel depressed or disconnected from friends and family, it may be time to consider the assisted living lifestyle.
Assisted living communities provide supportive, active environments where residents have various opportunities to meet and connect with other seniors.
Check out a day in the life of an Allegro assisted living resident!
Take an honest look at your current living situation. Are you struggling to maintain your home? Are the expenses of home repair and upkeep getting out of hand? Is housekeeping consuming more of your time than you like?
In addition to your choice of spacious apartments, assisted living communities provide housekeeping and laundry services and the maintenance and upkeep of your living space.
Like many older adults, personal safety and security are a concern. If you’ve experienced injuries due to falls or household mishaps, or are worried about break-ins or what you would do if you had an accident, a senior living community is an environment that incorporates many safety and security features. Many communities have 24/7 care staff, onsite security, emergency protocols, security cameras, and secure entrances.
Difficulty driving to regular doctor appointments, medication mistakes, difficulty managing chronic conditions, missing meals, or poor eating habits are all challenges to a senior’s health and wellness.
Assisted living communities have onsite care staff, as well as access to healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to help you with your healthcare needs.
Many communities prioritize health and wellness with onsite fitness centers, yoga studios, nutrition classes, and group exercise classes.
Choosing assisted living is a significant life decision that should be made with careful thought. By assessing your current situation, you can better understand your needs, and whether an assisted living community can improve your quality of life.
Moving to an assisted living community is a personal choice, and it’s critical to prioritize your well-being to ensure you live a long, healthy, and active life.
For help determining if assisted living is right for yourself or a loved one, contact one of the friendly advisors at Allegro Assisted Living Communities for more information about senior living and to schedule your tour.
Download our Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing to learn more about the potential sources of funds to help you pay for senior living expenses.