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How Assisted Living Supports Maintaining Independence and Senior Autonomy
Choosing a maintenance-free, supportive lifestyle can mean a whole new level of freedom and independence. Just how does assisted living support seniors and what could it mean for you or a loved one? At Carriage Crossing, we have some welcome answers for you.
You’d like a more easygoing lifestyle. But you’re not ready to give up control
Most people over the age of 55 are quick to admit they’ve done their share of housework, yardwork, and everything associated with it. They’re tired of constant worries over repairs, maintenance, bills, and so on.
After all, retirement is supposed to be about enjoying yourself, right?
Absolutely! You probably welcome the idea of letting someone else take care of daily details, while you enjoy all the benefits of a lifestyle that supports your needs and opens a world of new opportunities. And just as important, you would like to enjoy the company of like-minded people—and receive all the benefits of socializing with them on a regular basis. That’s what assisted living is all about.
Related: The Health Benefits of Social Connections in Senior Living
How does assisted living support seniors?
Imagine a lifestyle that is designed for your enjoyment, safety, and wellness. A lifestyle that inspires you to reconnect with your sense of self and allows you to remain in control of your daily schedule. You are free to make choices about what you do, where you go, and how you fill your day.
Remember that assisted living is not for someone who requires 24-hour medical attention. Residents of assisted living are able to live independently for the most part. They either can benefit from an occasional helping hand with the activities of everyday living, or they are simply ready to give up the stress of home maintenance and benefit from continuous opportunities for companionship and socialization.
In other words, assisted living can be your ticket to enhanced freedom and independence, thanks to senior support services designed for you.
More freedom and more choices
If you haven’t toured modern assisted living communities in a while, you might be worried that you’ll have to give up the things you most enjoy. Such as close friends, leisure activities, or a sense of personal freedom. The reality is, just the opposite is true: you’ll get even more!
So just how does assisted living support seniors in maintaining their autonomy? Here are a few ways:
Assisted living lets you choose
In assisted living, every day holds new opportunities for engagement and companionship. There’s usually a monthly calendar filled with interesting and fun activities for you to enjoy. No rigid schedules or mandatory attendance. You remain in charge of your time, and you choose how to fill it. And knowing an array of senior support services are available boosts your self-confidence in enjoying it as much as possible.
Assisted living lets you explore
Sitting at home can become pretty monotonous if you aren’t discovering something new. In assisted living, you can tap into your creativity by learning to paint or make a craft. Join in a group outing to a museum or festival and explore new hobbies and sources of interest. Finding new ways to express yourself builds self-confidence and helps you stay in control.
Assisted living lets you learn
Staying independent is easier when you are constantly learning new things about the world around you. It might be a special class or lecture. Maybe a cultural celebration. Assisted living residents have access to a well-stocked library and there’s usually a book group or discussion group that would welcome your thoughts. Your brain stays active and alert: essential for autonomy.
Assisted living lets you serve others
Volunteering is very good for your health. It can increase your satisfaction with life, put you in a lighter mood, and enhance our mental health. When you volunteer, you not only develop a deeper sense of purpose, but you also feel part of a group. As you help another, you grow stronger in your own abilities and
Assisted living helps you stay on the path of healthy aging
In assisted living, residents benefit from a professional staff that continuously monitors their health. So even the slightest change is much more likely to be noted and addressed than if you were alone at home. As a resident, you not only benefit from the attention, but also the overall atmosphere of wellness and healthy choices.
Senior support services can include assistance with medication management, regular visits by healthcare professionals such as physical therapist or podiatrists and even scheduled transportation to physician appointments. The whole package fortifies your ability to be as independent as possible.
Assisted living helps you feel secure
Worrying about being on your own can quickly erode a person’s sense of autonomy. In assisted living, safety and security are top priorities. Staff are available 24/7 to assist if needed. Emergency response systems, usually a button in a room or a wearable device, provide extra reassurance. There are also the safety features designed for the living space, such as wider hallways, abundant lighting, accessibility details in the bathrooms, controlled access to the building, and more.
When you feel safe and secure, you feel confident. And when you feel confident, you have a much greater sense of independence and control.
Related: How Senior Living Communities Ensure Safety and Security
At Carriage Crossing, our residents step into the next chapter of their life with confidence and purpose
We are dedicated to seven core principles to help guide us as we offer top-tier senior care and support to our residents, no matter where they are in their life journey. We invite you to find out more.
Download our free guide, “Exploring Assisted Living at Carriage Crossing” or contact us today.