While seemingly counterintuitive, seniors gain more independence when they receive some level of assistance. This is because older adults who live independently rely on friends and relatives to help them with many tasks they can no longer do alone. Without that help, they often must do without. Seniors looking for a better option are choosing to make the move to assisted living communities. They’ve discovered that living in an assisted living community allows seniors to gain independence. Seniors who move to assisted living communities enjoy countless social and intellectual activities, a support system for wellness, a built-in social structure of like-minded people, and all the assistance they need. It’s the perfect opportunity to carve out a unique lifestyle.
How Does Assisted Living Help Seniors Gain Independence?
Let’s look at just a few ways assisted living helps seniors gain more independence than they might have if they were living on their own.
1. The Support Seniors Need When They Need It
Having to rely on a friend or family member to help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) can be challenging. Not only do you need to adapt to another person’s schedule, but you may feel as if you’re imposing. Although you appreciate all that they’re doing for you, you also want to preserve your privacy and dignity. Within an assisted living community, your needs are taken care of on your schedule—with help accessible 24/7. From assistance with ADLs like showering, grooming, and dressing to medication reminders and more, assisted living communities can help you stay on top of your needs before they grow too large.
2. Freedom from Home Maintenance
One of the things that can bog seniors down is home maintenance. Chores like laundry, house cleaning, lawn mowing, and pruning shrubbery are physically demanding and time-consuming. All this and more is handled when you have a home within an assisted living community, freeing you up to spend that time pursuing more pleasurable activities.
3. Increased Socialization
Being a member of a vibrant community means you never have to be alone. Living in a traditional neighborhood where friends and neighbors may have moved away can be isolating. Assisted living communities are filled with like-minded individuals with the time and inclination to create many social opportunities—meals with friends, scheduled events, or a cup of coffee and conversation, to name a few. Having a strong and supportive social circle contributes to overall well-being and independence, as you enjoy meeting new people and trying new things.
4. Wellness Programming
When wellness is at the forefront of your lifestyle, it supports independence. Seniors in assisted living communities enjoy wellness programming tailored to their needs that shore up mental, physical, and emotional health. These wellness programs allow residents to live their best lives, with an even greater ability to engage in community activities and experience the many amenities created to make life more enjoyable.
5. Scheduled Outings
One of the biggest challenges many seniors face is getting out and about as often as they used to. Regularly scheduled outings are one of the areas where assisted living really shines. With the support and help needed, seniors who would not usually be able to get out can safely and securely enjoy destination events, theatre shows, movies, concerts, shopping excursions, and more. In addition, assisted living communities provide the same service for grocery store trips and doctors’ appointments.
6. Varied Activities
Assisted living communities offer a diverse and constantly changing activities calendar. Seniors have a wealth of experience and knowledge and want to continue to enjoy life and grow. For that reason, communities offer everything from workshops and lifelong learning programs to fitness classes and game nights. This generous variety allows residents to choose those activities that interest them the most and continue to try new experiences.
7. A Safe Environment
Safety is one of the most important tenets for people of all ages, particularly seniors. Assisted living communities have trained staff available around the clock to provide assistance and support when needed in a safe environment. Most communities have monitoring capabilities for those with chronic health conditions—so changes in health status will not go unnoticed. The support of the medical staff creates more independence for seniors so they may continue living as they see fit.
The fact is that assisted living communities strive to create an environment that helps seniors gain independence while providing the necessary support and care. By offering personalized care plans, assistance with daily activities, maintenance-free living, socialization opportunities, wellness programs, transportation services, and 24/7 staff availability, communities like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes empower seniors to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
At The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, we understand the value of independence. We strive to maintain a community where our residents can have the assistance they need while enjoying friendships and the support of peers, be social, continue to thrive, and have the peace of mind of future care. The best way to learn about assisted living and its benefits is to schedule a tour and experience the community in person. Give us a call at 772-758-1003 to schedule a private tour.