It's natural to slow down and lose some of your flexibility as you get older. However, if everyday personal care tasks, such as getting dressed and handling your hygiene, are becoming more difficult, assisted living could be a good option. The caregivers in assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella offer discreet support for those day-to-day tasks. You can receive as much or as little assistance as you want. As your needs change, you can increase the amount of support you receive.
House maintenance is time-consuming and physically demanding. Even simple chores like cleaning your home and mowing your lawn take more out of you as you get older. If you have mobility issues or health concerns, handling those tasks becomes risky.
On top of the physical demands, house maintenance also causes financial strain for some older adults. An unexpected home repair could eat into your budget or force you to dip into your savings.
Assisted living communities handle all maintenance, so you can enjoy a more carefree lifestyle. You pay a monthly fee and don't have to worry about a large repair bill. It can relieve a lot of stress.
With changing mobility needs, you may feel like your home is no longer the safest place for you. For instance, a two-story home with no bedroom or bathroom on the main floor presents a challenge for many older adults. Climbing stairs every day can be difficult on your body if you have limited mobility. Stairs also present a fall risk. If you need a walker or wheelchair, your home might not be accessible for those devices.
When you move to an assisted living community, you get your own space within an accessible building. You also receive assistance from staff members if you need help getting in and out of bed or moving around the community. It gives you more freedom and keeps you safer, reducing the risk of falls or injuries. If you fall or have a medical episode, the round-the-clock staff responds quickly to give you a better outcome.
It's common for your health to change as you get older. You might receive a diagnosis of a chronic condition. These conditions could interfere with your day-to-day life. For instance, arthritis may affect your mobility. Health issues often require medications and therapy to manage symptoms. You might need to manage multiple appointments with specialists.
Residents of assisted living communities receive support with their health conditions. Caregivers monitor the residents to look for changes in their health. They can help coordinate your care with various physicians. Medication management is also an option. Many communities have on-site therapy options, so you can receive the treatments you need without leaving the campus.
When you live alone, it's more challenging to maintain relationships and find socialization opportunities. Even if you have friends and family in the area, their visits might be limited. If you find yourself wishing you had more ways to meet people, the move could be a positive one for you.
Assisted living residents have access to neighbors and caregivers at any time. It's a highly social environment with shared community spaces where you can meet other people in similar situations. A full activity schedule offers more ways to socialize and stay active. The many available options prevent you from getting bored and help you keep your brain and body active, all while building friendships.
Perhaps you know you need a little help but it's also important for you to remain in control of your day-to-day life. Some older adults avoid assisted living because they feel they'll give up their independence. Our communities support your independence by providing you with only the amount of help you want and need. You make your own decisions and decide how to spend your day.
Visiting an assisted living community can help you decide if the move is in the cards for you. If you have a friend who lives in an assisted living community, spend the day with them to see what life is like. You can also schedule a tour to see what types of amenities and features different communities offer. You might find you feel right at home and can picture yourself there. That could be the sign you need to make the move.
If you're still up in the air, try praying about assisted living. Turning to God can help you gain clarity over the decision. Bring your concerns to him so you can find comfort and gain the wisdom you need to make the decision. You might also ask God to grant you peace and comfort as you go through the decision-making process.
