Self Improvement

Assisted Living: The Benefits of In-Home-Like Health Care

Home-Like Health Care

Did you know that the US is home to about 28,900 assisted living communities (ALCs)? Together, these registered senior housing options have close to a million licensed beds.

Assisted living can be ideal for seniors who want to keep some of their independence but still need a bit of help. An ALC can provide them a safe and secure living arrangement outside of their home. This makes them different from in-home care, in which patients can stay at their own homes.

With that said, it’s best to know how an ALC can be a good option for your aging loved one. This guide lists the top benefits of assisted living and when it makes for the best choice, so be sure to read on.

Home Away From Home

Assisted living is a type of care given to older adults within a residential setting. The location itself is a facility designed to feel more like a home instead of, say, a hospital. As such, places that offer such services go by the name assisted living communities.

For the same reasons, ALCs encourage their members to bring prized personal items. Residents can even bring their own furniture to make their new place feel like home. Many communities are also pet-friendly, letting residents bring their inoculated four-legged pals. 

Acceptance of Insurance Coverage

Many assisted living communities work with a network of private insurance companies. This relationship allows residents to get some coverage for their needed ALC services. For example, some long-term care policies cover assisted living or custodial care.

What if your elderly loved one doesn’t have private insurance? In this case, consider looking for a Medicare approved home health care agency first. From there, you may consider purchasing a long-term plan to help prep your loved one to move into an ACL.

Senior Help Provided by Compassionate Staff Members

ALCs often cater to elderly adults who need a higher level of health-related support. For example, they specialize in caring for seniors who need help with ADL. ADL stands for activities of daily living.

Some examples of ADL that many elderly adults need help with include the following:

  • Bathing, toileting, and personal hygiene
  • Mobility, such as walking
  • Dressing up
  • Doing the laundry
  • Food preparation and eating nutritious meals

If your loved one has mobility issues, it may be safer for them to move into an ALC. For starters, older adults are at a higher risk of getting into accidents.

For instance, 3 million US seniors end up in emergency rooms due to fall injuries each year. Many of these injuries result in slips, trips, and falls in bathrooms and stairs. What’s more, those who’ve already had a fall have twice the risk of falling once again.

Medication Assistance for Better Adherence

According to studies, close to nine in 10 US adults aged 65 and older rely on prescription drugs. A good percentage of them even take more than one prescription medication.

Unfortunately, many older adults fail to take their meds as directed by their doctors. Others forget to take them in the first place.

Non-adherence to prescription drugs is dangerous and can even be fatal. This is especially true for older adults who have chronic illnesses. At the very least, it results in at least $100 billion in preventable health costs each year. 

The good news is that ALCs can provide medication management to their members. They help ensure their residents don’t miss or forget a dose of their prescription drugs. Staff members are also there to assist their members in taking their medications.

Companionship and Social Engagement

Close to 14 million older US adults live alone. While not all are lonely, many experience loneliness as part of their isolation. Unfortunately, isolation can elevate their risks for conditions like anxiety and depression.

If you worry about your elderly loved one living alone, talk to them about moving to an ALC. Tell them that assisted living options can pave the way for them to widen their social circle. They may meet like-minded folks who are close to or of the same age as them.

Guaranteed Nutritional but Yummy Meals

As many as half of older Americans are at risk of malnourishment. These nutritional inadequacies, in turn, can give rise to underweight or obesity issues. Over time, these weight-related woes can lead to complications, including:

  • Low energy levels
  • Muscle apathy
  • Chronic wounds
  • Increased risk of other illnesses
  • Lower quality of life

Please note that malnourishment isn’t always due to a lack of funds to buy food. It can also occur because of a lack of access to healthy ingredients. Some seniors may also be too tired to fix themselves healthy meals, especially if they live alone.

Assisted living communities can help older adults prevent or correct undernutrition. After all, part of what ALCs do is provide their members with healthy meals at least three times a day. What’s more, they factor in the specific dietary needs of each of their members.

So, if your loved one has celiac disease or lives a plant-based life, you can expect an ALC to consider these factors. They’ll make sure your family member will stay nourished the way they want and the way their bodies need.

Fun and Interesting Community Activities

Assisted living communities organize many types of engaging activities for their members. Today, you’ll find ALCs offering group exercises, meditation, yoga, tai-chi, and walking clubs. Some even schedule art or music classes, field trips, excursions, and spa days!

Consider Assisted Living For Your Loves One’s Well-Being

As you can see, assisted living can be a healthier, safer option for your elderly loved one who needs a bit of help. By living in an ALC, they can rely on compassionate staff members 24/7. More than that, they can be within people of their age, which can help them get the most out of their lives.

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