Sunday, July 3, 2011

Assisted Living Benefits For Seniors

By Adriana Noton


There are several assisted living benefits for seniors. These include improved health care, nutrition, socialization, and safety. Seniors in communities will grow both emotionally and physically stronger with being surrounded supportive and caring staff and friends.

Safety is one of the most important benefits of assisted living. When older adults become very frail, walk unsteadily, or are visually impaired, being surrounded by others serves as a safety net. People will be around to help them walk, to be an additional set of eyes, and to provide assistance when rising from chairs.

In the case of a fall, accident, or other emergency, it will likely be quickly discovered followed by notification of the proper authorities. Certain communities have devices signaling an emergency within rooms or else give residents lifelines or a pendant to use.

Beyond safety, group settings also enable individuals to interact with other people and form friendships. As they grow older, many elderly individuals friends begin to pass away. If they are not able to drive, visiting the few that still live will be difficult. The loss of a spouse means that they may have also lost their best friend. Isolation can be debilitating. Particularly for seniors who have memory loss, depression, or health issues.

Living with groups can allow for constant companionship. Even those who do not readily reach out and establish themselves as loners benefit simply by being around others. The ability to converse with others, engage in social activities, and to celebrate festive occasions all improve residents quality of life.

Nutrition is also a key concern for elderly people. It is harder for them to gain access to grocery stores or to prepare nutritious meals. Those who live by themselves can find the job of preparing their own meals a challenge. Most communities offer between one and three meals every day. These meals take place at various times and offer several selections to choose from.

Health is vastly improved with quality nourishment and proper hydration. Furthermore, social activity during meals encourages digestion and improves spirits. The dietary needs for those with heart disease or with diabetes can also be readily accommodated at most places. In these ways, meals may become one of the most important times of the day.

Health care is also provided in these communities. Nursing staff may vary in the hours they work and in what qualifications they have, but almost every community has one. Nurses work to oversee any healthcare needs a resident may have. A triangle care network between the nurse, resident, and physician can benefit everyone.

Nurses create a strong partnership with their residents. They can also help supervise taking and distributing required medications. Nurses may help coordinate doctors visits as well and perform follow up procedures and any outpatient services.

When seniors live on their own they often begin to discontinue performing routine housekeeping tasks. These include cleaning the refrigerator, yard work, and vacuuming the home. This may be for several reasons such as low energy, bad eyesight, or ill health. This can cause several safety issues if a home becomes unsanitary or cluttered.

Food rotting in refrigerators, the malfunctioning of electrical appliances, and leaking plumbing can all turn into serious problems. In assisted living the floors are kept clean and clear, lights are changed, fridges are cleaned, and beds are made. This improves the safety of residents.

Assisted living benefits experienced by seniors are several. Living environments are cleaned and made sanitary, and there is the opportunity for socialization. Nutritious meals and medical professionals are provided to meet all needs. This leads to improved health and safety.




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