Growing older can be a time of freedom and joy. Although there may also be challenges, helping loved ones focus on achieving their highest quality of life is a goal of many families.
If daily tasks have become more of a struggle for your parents, you may be considering the advantages that an assisted living community has to offer. Confidence in making this decision can result from understanding the features of a quality life and how a helping hand can support its achievement.
Quality of Life and the Challenges as You Grow Older
While growing older often provides individuals with the perspective of wisdom, there may also be obstacles to overcome — decreased mobility, living with one or more chronic conditions, loss of family members or friends and finding it more difficult to meet new people.
If your parents are no longer driving and are hesitant to rely on others for rides, they may begin staying at home and not participating in activities they once enjoyed, which can quickly lead to loneliness or becoming socially isolated.
Circumstances that can improve quality of life for older adults
The following circumstances can help your parents to live and age well:
- Remaining as independent as possible
One of the primary fears that older adults often express is the loss of independence. Becoming dependent on family and friends for basic needs can greatly impact their sense of enjoyment as it may feel like a shift in roles from parent and child to parent and caregiver. - Enjoying meaningful relationships
Spending time with old friends and making new ones can greatly contribute to a person’s quality of life. Connecting with others not only improves physical and cognitive health but helps guard against loneliness and social isolation. Friendships can also influence longevity. - Keeping in shape — both physically and cognitively
Exercise, stretching and maintaining balance can be positive steps toward improving physical and cognitive health. A general rule is that whatever is good for the body is also good for the mind. Staying physically fit and keeping the brain stimulated works together for overall well-being. - Feeling safe and secure
It’s hard to achieve quality of life if living with fear or continually worried about safety and security. Your parents may be concerned with their personal safety, such as falling or becoming ill, or they may feel anxious about the accessibility of their home. - Staying active and engaged in life
Your parents may be finding it more of a challenge to stay active as they grow older if there are mobility or health issues that make it more difficult to participate or join in with others. Finding ways to remain engaged can greatly influence their health, happiness and quality of life.
Assisted living communities and quality of life
The advantages of assisted living can not only make life easier for your loved ones but support them in reaching a high quality of life. Consider these benefits:
- Private residences and assistance when needed
Your parents will have their own home and the independence of making their own decisions, including when to go to bed or wake up, what and when to eat and what activities to choose. They’ll also have assistance with basic tasks such as dressing, bathing, grooming or managing their medications. - Opportunities to meet and make new friends
There are many possibilities to meet the other residents and your parents will find it easy to quickly make new friends. Sharing stories and getting to know each other while dining, taking part in different activities, social events or even when crossing paths in the common areas create many opportunities to form friendships. - Fitness centers and exercise classes
Remaining in shape couldn’t be easier in a community. Instead of driving across town to get to the gym or finding an exercise class that is designed for older adults, your parents will have access to either a fitness center or classes to improve their endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. - Planned activities and social events
Communities create a monthly calendar of activities for their residents. With such a wide variety to choose from, everyone will be able to find something of interest. In assisted living, all your parents will need to do is make their selections and then enjoy the fun and camaraderie. - Safety and security features
Assisted living communities offer added measures of security that may include personnel or alarm systems as well as safety features and alarms in the residences. Your parents will also appreciate the features designed for safety, such as walk-in showers and grab bars — and the reassurance of knowing someone is there if help is ever needed.
Life at Eskaton Communities
The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.
The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents everything they need for purposeful living.
We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:
- Private residences
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
- Creative activities and therapies
- Fitness centers and exercise classes
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation services
- 24-hour staffing
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- And much, much more!
If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions that you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living. To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (or 1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.
