Many seniors want to stay in their own homes as long as possible, but it often becomes challenging and even dangerous to live alone without support. While deciding to move to an assisted living community isn't easy, it's often a safe, comfortable choice for seniors. Find out how an assisted living community can help meet your physical, social and emotional needs to help you thrive.
If you're finding it more difficult to live by yourself without help, an assisted living community can provide the care you need around the clock. They personalize the care you receive based on your specific needs to ensure you're supported in all ways. You can get help with daily tasks, such as getting dressed and handling personal hygiene, as well as medical care, which may include medication management, scheduling appointments and getting to your appointments. Communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella start with an assessment to determine what your needs are and create a personal care plan, which is reviewed and updated regularly to meet your changing needs.
Leaving behind the home you've known is never easy, but assisted living offers a home-like atmosphere with the support you need. Assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella feature spacious floor plans with different configurations based on your needs. You get your space that you can personalize and decorate to feel at home while also having trained staff members caring for you when needed.
Personal care services in senior living communities are designed to support independence and quality of life. The community offers an environment where seniors can thrive with as little or as much support as they need while continuing to enjoy independence. You aren't required to receive all available services if you only need a little support, and you have the freedom to do what you want while living in an assisted living community.
Assisted living communities often have a wide range of amenities for residents. The specifics vary by location, but you can often enjoy libraries, computer centers, salon services, restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation to off-site locations and housekeeping services, all without leaving the community.
You can also enjoy your choice of entertainment options. Many communities schedule regular outings to local destinations in addition to on-site activities, including fitness and wellness programs. The wide range of activities makes it easier to find things that you enjoy and meet new friends who share similar interests. The activities also provide mental stimulation, which can help keep your brain sharp and fight boredom.
Loneliness is a concern for older adults, with 43% of seniors saying they regularly feel lonely. Feeling lonely can affect your health and increases the risk of mortality by 45%. The various activities and amenities within the assisted living community you choose give you plenty of opportunities for social interactions to combat loneliness. You can choose the types and frequency of social interactions you prefer to make them more enjoyable.
Living at home becomes riskier as you age, especially if your home isn't designed with mobility and accessibility in mind. Fall injuries send 3 million older adults to hospitals every year with many more, about 36 million per year, reporting falls. Getting medical help if you have an emergency at home can be difficult, especially if you live alone. In an assisted living community, you can enjoy a safer environment that supports accessibility and mobility with a reduced risk of falls. With staff on location 24/7, residents always have someone they can call if they need help.
Many assisted living communities focus on a specific idea or value. Assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella offer a faith-based approach to care, for example. Many senior living communities focus on an active lifestyle for residents. Choosing your assisted living community based on what's important to you helps you feel more like a part of the community and helps strengthen your faith or other values.
When you live in your own home, you're responsible for cooking, cleaning and maintaining your home unless you hire someone to help. These tasks can be time-consuming and challenging if you have mobility limitations. When you move to an assisted living community, many of those responsibilities are eliminated. You'll enjoy restaurant-style meals without having to cook, housekeeping to keep your private space tidy and laundry services. You also don't have to worry about unexpected maintenance issues that you're responsible for handling. It's a hassle-free lifestyle that gives you more time to spend with the people you love while doing the things you enjoy.
Living in an assisted living community immediately surrounds you with other people who are in similar situations. You get a sense of community through the shared experiences with the other residents. You also get to know the staff members, so they become familiar, friendly faces. Being a part of a community can make you feel less alone and gives you a sense of support.
