Moving out of your home and into assisted living often comes with some trepidation, but it can also be an exciting time that opens up new opportunities. Assisted living offers more freedom and flexibility for many seniors, and it could allow you to explore new directions in life. If you're getting ready to move to assisted living, these benefits can help you on your way in your life journey.
Giving up your home also means giving up all the responsibilities of homeownership. In assisted living, you get a private space without worrying about upkeep or maintenance. You don't have to mow, clean your windows or make repairs when things break. Plus, you typically get help with housekeeping, laundry and cooking, so your to-do list shrinks significantly.
How does that help you rediscover joy later in life? That freedom can ease your stress over things like keeping up with the house or affording unexpected repairs. You also have more time to explore your interests and decide where you want your journey to take you next.
Amenities can vary significantly from one assisted living community to the next, but they often have many convenient services and features that make life more enjoyable. Scheduled transportation comes in handy when you no longer drive or prefer to leave your car at home. Fitness programs and facilities help you stay active and healthy, which makes it easier for you to enjoy your favorite activities like playing with your grandchildren.
Restaurant-style dining is also a popular option in assisted living communities. You can enjoy high-quality meals without cooking yourself, and the community dining room encourages you to make new social connections. Plus, you get help with nutritional needs to ensure you get what you should to stay healthy and strong. Some communities also offer salon and pharmacy services, chapels, libraries and other features that add convenience to your day.
It's not always easy to make new friends as you get older, but an assisted living community can make it easier. When you live in the same community, you have that common bond as the basis of your friendship. You can meet new people when you attend community activities or simply by walking around the community. Special interest groups can also help you meet people who share similar hobbies or experiences.
Growing new friendships helps you fight loneliness. You also have a built-in group to do fun things with around the area, and they can keep you active and introduce you to new things. Conversations with your friends can help you see things from different perspectives or learn something new.
Along with friendships, you can find community and fellowship in an assisted living setting, especially a faith-based community. If your faith is important to you or you want to grow in your faith, living in an assisted living community under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella can provide a support system. A faith-based community gives you a sense of belonging and offers support in your walk with God. You're surrounded by a community of other believers.
Your monthly assisted living fees typically cover all your expenses, and you normally don't have to pay separate utility bills. Moving to assisted living also eliminates costs associated with home maintenance and repairs, since they're handled by the community. Plus, you get lots of free activities, which can save you money on expenses like gym memberships or paid classes.
You know exactly how much you need to pay each month, making budgeting much easier. You might find that you have more money left over at the end of the month to spend on travel, hobbies and other activities.
Residents of assisted living communities have access to a wide range of on-site activities and entertainment. Joining in on the programming provided by your community can help you experience new things. You might discover a new type of music that you enjoy listening to or learn that you have a talent for a particular type of art.
It's also common for residents to go on off-site excursions that can range from shopping to cultural events. You can explore the larger community and experience new things while having the safety net of provided transportation and support staff available.
Assisted living staff members provide supportive, compassionate care when you need it. They help with personal care tasks, medication management, mobility and other activities of daily living. That support helps you stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. You can also get to know the staff and build relationships that make you feel fulfilled, supported and less lonely.
Living on your own as you get older can be stressful. Assisted living gives you a safe community environment with the safety net of the support staff. You have a team around you to help make decisions about your care and explain all your options to you. It can feel less stressful when most of the chores and care tasks are handled for you.
