Why Assisted Living Could Be A Good Living Arrangement When You Get Older
If you and your spouse are in your senior years and you no longer feel safe living in your home due to stairs, memory issues, or health problems, you may want to consider assisted living. These communities are set up in different ways, so if you value your independence, you may want a community that's much like any other senior apartment complex, but you'll still have help when you need it.
If you or your spouse have medical problems, you might look for a medically oriented facility where you'll get care or supervision daily. Here are some things you may like about living in an assisted living facility or community.
No More Bothering With Home Maintenance
It's difficult to keep up with home maintenance when you're older. You probably need to hire contractors to do most things when you're not able to climb on ladders or work with tools any longer. Even if contractors do all of the work, you still have to keep track of what needs to be done, and that can be a lot of pressure.
You can forget all of those worries when you move into an assisted living residence. The only thing you'll have to deal with is keeping your living space tidy, and the facility may even provide housecleaning services for you.
Meals May Be Provided
Good nutrition is important when you're older, but you may not feel like cooking or you may have a poor appetite. Assisted living facilities often oversee your nutrition to make sure you get enough to eat and that your diet is healthy.
This might be done by serving meals in your room or having a community dining center. There might even be a restaurant or cafeteria in a community setting so you can have a wider selection of food choices at meals.
Transportation Might Be Available
Another problem you may have when you're older is transportation. If you don't drive anymore, it's difficult to buy the things you need. Assisted living facilities often have their own bus or van to transport residents to doctor's appointments and to go on group outings to grocery stores, restaurants, or malls. This helps you stay active and also provides you with an essential service when you want to be independent.
Health Monitoring Is Available
People often choose to go to an assisted living facility for help with a medical condition. If you have COPD, arthritis, or another condition that requires special equipment or medications, you may need help with treatments or your medication schedule. There is always medical help available and the ability to transfer you to a hospital if needed.
You should choose your facility according to the type of help you need. You might want help with daily bathing and dressing or you may want to be totally independent and just have supervision and help when you get sick or need extra care. Contact an assisted living facility near you to learn more.