The Benefits of Assisted Living
Moving an elderly family member to an assisted living facility can be a difficult decision. This is often coupled with a hard financial choice. According to Long Term Care Link, in 75 percent of cases the cost of assisted living is paid out of pocket by the resident's family. It's important to understand the benefits of an assisted living facility to weigh against those costs.
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Community
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One of the key advantages of assisted living is the sense of community it can introduce into an individual's life. Besides being surrounded by members of their peer group, residents have access to social activities including games, outings, time outdoors and movie screenings. Connecting with others who may be dealing with some of the same health or psychological issues can also aid in an assisted living resident's general happiness.
Security
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Assisted living also offers an enhanced degree of security. Residents don't need to worry about locking doors and windows, or even keeping an eye out for signs of suspicious activity. Instead, trained security personnel and security systems that may include cameras, a gated entry and a nighttime alarm make the property a safe place to live.
In addition, assisted living facilities are designed to minimize accidents that might be common in the home. Features of assisted living facilities like hand rails near stairs, automatic doors, low stairs and ramps can all help prevent falls and other accidents.
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Health
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Assisted living can help promote good health in a number of ways. Besides providing on-site nurses or emergency services, residents can take advantage of regular nutritious meals, exercise sessions and even seminars on healthful habits. While these options may all be available in the home, the assisted living environment can be more conducive to residents taking steps to improve their own health.
Sanitation
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Sanitation is a major benefit to living in an assisted living situation. This includes both housekeeping and maintenance as well as personal grooming. Assisted living facilities employ maintenance technicians and gardeners to handle major repairs and outdoor work, while also offering residents a chance to work outdoors and tend gardens in a safe, controlled environment.
The same is true of personal hygiene, where residents can perform those tasks with which they feel comfortable but receive assistance when they find themselves unable to maintain their preferred level of grooming.
Transportation
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Assisted living also offers the benefit of transportation. Driving can be a dangerous activity for some elderly individuals, but may be necessary to get to doctor appointments, grocery stores and social events. Assisted living communities provide transportation services in safe, reliable vehicles, offering both convenience and safety to residents while removing the need to serve as chauffeur from family members.
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- Photo Credit elderly/man and woman leaving hand in hand image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
