The Benefits of Assisted Living for Your Loved One

Starting the conversation with an aging loved one about moving to an assisted living community can sometimes present a difficult or uncomfortable situation. This is especially true when the individual has been living independently in his or her home for many years, and may have no intention of moving until it is absolutely necessary.

However, sometimes family caregivers become so overwhelmed by their caregiving responsibilities that they begin to experience a decline in their own health. And, there are certain signs an aging loved one could truly benefit from a higher level of care provided by a team of compassionate professionals. In these cases, an assisted living community can not only improve quality of life for the older adult, but for the caregiver, too.

Signs a Loved One Needs Assisted Living

While every journey down the path of aging is unique, research shows that up to 70 percent of all seniors over the age of 65 should expect to need some form of long-term care in the future. Assisted living is one of the fastest-growing options for senior housing. Although at first many seniors fear losing their independence in a community setting, many residents report that the daily supportive services they receive actually leads to a boost in their health, allowing them to be more independent than they were when living alone in their previous homes.

The next time you visit your aging loved one, try to pay attention to the following signs to determine if an assisted living community could improve his or her quality of life:

The home or yard looks neglected. Are dishes piling up in the sink? Is the lawn overgrown? It may be getting difficult for aging loved ones to properly maintain the home due to some chronic conditions or mobility issues. Also, look at your loved one’s appearance. Is he or she wearing clean clothes, have washed hair, etc.?

Escalating health issues. It’s not uncommon for chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis to worsen with age, causing health issues to escalate. With increasing health issues comes the possibility of more serious concerns for your loved one’s overall safety and quality of life.

Trouble moving around the home. Daily routines may become difficult as chronic conditions worsen, and your loved one may need assistance simply getting out of bed or down a flight of stairs.

Signs of forgetfulness. Even mild cognitive impairment can be problematic for seniors, who may begin to display signs of forgetfulness that put them at risk (for example, forgetting to turn off the stove or skipping medications and meals).

Being alone in the home for extended periods of time. Staying engaged and connected with others by continuing to build relationships is so vital for seniors to thrive. However, when seniors live alone, social isolation can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and other health concerns.

Family relationships suffering. As time goes on, the relationship once enjoyed as mother, son, father, daughter, etc. may evolve to that of caregiver and recipient of care. This leaves little time for you to enjoy spending quality time together.

How Moving to an Assisted Living Community Improves Quality of Life

The caring staff at an assisted living community quickly becomes a part of your loved one’s extended family. The team stays on top of all aspects of your loved one’s health and wellness and provides peace of mind to family caregivers that all his or her needs are being met in a timely manner. Plus, should an emergency occur, help is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Residents no longer worry about housekeeping, yardwork, cooking meals or even driving to doctor appointments. Plus, assisted living communities recognize the impact social engagement has on residents’ wellbeing, as socially active seniors maintain more cognitive function and have a lower risk for depression. Your loved one will enjoy a wide variety of social events, lifelong learning opportunities and more to keep them entertained and engaged in life.

4 Levels of Senior Assisted Living Care at Saint Simeon’s

Experience the difference of the assisted living community at Saint Simeon’s! With no hidden or additional fees for services like medication management and incontinence care and no buy-in fee, your loved one will have the option to age in place, with four levels of assisted living care provided under one roof. We also offer Assisted Living Plus, the highest level of assisted living care in Tulsa. Some individuals who may require nursing care at another facility may qualify for Assisted Living Plus.

Other services and amenities for assisted living residents at Saint Simeon’s include access to our Wellness Center with a warm water therapy pool, massage room and more, plus specialized memory care and Parkinson’s care. Learn more about our assisted living community by contacting us today.

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