You want the best for your parents and want to support them so they can live their best lives. But lately, you’ve noticed them struggling a bit with a few of the tasks of daily living.
You might have noticed it seems difficult for them to shop and prepare meals. Or they may seem to have a harder time with bathing and dressing. Some families discover their loved ones feeling overwhelmed with finances or the upkeep that a home requires.
If this sounds familiar, you may want to discuss the opportunity that an assisted living community could offer.
It’s not uncommon for families to feel uncertain about the features available at a community but the following information provides an overview of what your loved ones may expect to discover, enjoy and be comforted by.
What to expect in assisted living
The advantages of assisted living include supporting your parents so that they can feel as independent as possible, as well as providing the ability for them to live their highest quality of life.
Consider these features of an assisted living community and how they might benefit your parents:
- Accessible private residence
Your parents may be hesitant to leave their home or worry what it will be like to live in a community - but they’ll be pleased to discover they will still have their own private residence.
Their new residence allows them to personalize it, making it their own. The design and floor plan is easily accessible and offers such things as walk-in showers with grab bars for added safety. There are many choices that can give them independence and security. - Assistance with the tasks of daily living
If your parents are beginning to need a helping hand with daily tasks, an assisted living community provides the services they need - whether that is bathing, getting dressed, grooming or managing their medications.
Older adults enjoy a boost to their independence when they find the help they need, when they need it without having to rely on family members or neighbors. A friendly and compassionate staff helps them feel more in charge of their lives. - Healthy and delicious dining
Healthy eating is a building block to living and aging well but as your parents grow older, they may find it more difficult to shop and prepare meals. Unfortunately, many older adults will often substitute snacks or processed foods – or even begin skipping meals altogether.
When their home is in an assisted living community, your parents can leave the work to someone else. They’ll have menu selections to choose from, filled with nutritious and delicious options, including those for special dietary needs. - Fitness centers or classes
An assisted living community may offer a fitness center complete with exercise equipment or classes where your parents can continue their endeavors to remain physically fit, maintain their balance or work on their flexibility, agility and strength.
Communities also sometimes offer yoga or tai chi classes as well as mindful breathing or other mind soothing techniques. When joining other residents, staying in shape can also be a fun and enjoyable social activity.
- Activities and social events
Staying active and engaged is key to living a high quality of life and will help your parents to reach their wellness goals. For many older adults who remain living at home alone, it may become more difficult to participate or attend events.
Assisted living communities have a monthly calendar full of activities and social events. For off-site activities, transportation is provided, giving them a sense of freedom as well. - Opportunities to make new friends
The benefits of friendships are many. Unfortunately, the opportunities to meet new people can become fewer as we grow older. It is easier for older adults to become socially isolated and remain in their homes.
Your parents will find several opportunities to easily meet their neighbors and other residents at the scheduled activities and social events, while dining, or even when crossing paths at the amenities or common areas. Rest assured, your parents will soon have the chance to begin forming new and cherished friendships. - Scheduled transportation
If your parents are no longer driving, they may be feeling the beginning loss of independence and may be staying at home more instead of enjoying their favorite activities. When no longer able to go where they wish or when – many older adults may find themselves self-isolating.
At an assisted living community, transportation is provided so the residents can attend activities, social and entertainment events, as well as go shopping or to their medical appointments. - Added security and safety features
Your parents may be feeling less secure and safe, even if they haven’t mentioned this to you. It’s not uncommon to become more concerned about falling, becoming ill or injured while living at home alone with no one there to help.
Along with the security features you’ll find in an assisted living community, there may also be individual safety measures available, such as emergency pendants. There is great reassurance in knowing that someone is always 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.
