Realizing their highest quality of life is the goal that most older adults are striving to achieve. Although it might include different features for each individual, there are a few common traits typically found, such as:
- Living an independent life
- Enjoying social interactions
- Eating healthy
- Remaining physically and cognitively fit
- Staying active and engaged
- Feeling supported by others
- Living in a safe and secure environment
- Having access to medical services
Assisted living and quality of life
Many families are unaware of how today’s assisted living communities contribute to their residents living their best lives. Compared with remaining at home, consider how the amenities offered could support your loved ones to reach their wellness goals and achieve their highest quality of life.
1. Private and age-friendly residences
Most older adults want to continue living in their own private residence. A challenge of remaining in their existing home, however, is often that expensive renovations would be required to make it age-friendly.
Benefit to quality of life: If your loved ones move into an assisted living community, they’ll enjoy having their own residence and a comfortable and accessible maintenance-free home they can personalize to make their own.
2. Assistance with daily tasks
As we grow older, we may find it more difficult to manage all of the basic chores on our own. We are still living an independent life but could use a little assistance during the day.
Benefit to quality of life: Communities improve a person’s sense of self and enjoyment by providing a helping hand with dressing, grooming, bathing safely or managing medications. This allows residents to enjoy spending time with their family and friends instead of feeling they need to rely on them for care.
3. Wide variety of activities offered
Staying active and engaged in life greatly contributes to an individual’s quality of life. However, that can become more of a challenge as we grow older. Planning or being able to attend events can be more difficult.
Benefit to quality of life: Your loved ones will greatly benefit from the monthly calendar of planned activities that communities offer. With such a wide variety, there is something of interest for everyone.
4. Opportunities to remain fit
We need to remain active – both physically and cognitively – to age well but finding the opportunities for programs that are designed to meet the needs of an older adult can become more of a challenge.
Benefit to quality of life: Most communities offer a fitness center, equipment or classes for residents to meet their wellness goals. Your loved one will be able to practice breathing and relaxation techniques, exercise and improve their strength, balance and flexibility.
5. Delicious and nutritious dining
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the basic building blocks of aging and living well. Unfortunately, it can become more difficult to plan, shop and prepare meals and older adults may begin substituting snacks or skipping meals altogether.
Benefit to quality of life: Another benefit of community life is the healthy dining program they offer. Not only does this contribute to quality of life, but your loved one will benefit from the nutrition, great tasting meals and socialization if they choose to eat with friends.
6. Opportunities to meet and make new friends
As we grow older, we may lose close family members and friends or find it more difficult to meet new people. Unfortunately, this can often lead to loneliness or becoming socially isolated.
Benefit to quality of life: Having strong relationships can greatly improve both our quality of life and health. If your loved ones make a community their home, they’ll soon discover how easy it is to meet others and begin making friends – at the many social events, activities or even while crossing paths in the common areas
7. Scheduled transportation
No longer driving is a common occurrence as we grow older but it can also symbolize decreased independence and freedom. We may not want to rely on others for rides and begin staying at home more instead.
Benefit to quality of life: Your loved ones will enjoy the opportunity to take advantage of transportation offered by the community so they can attend medical appointments, activities, social events and entertainment – all without the headaches of traffic, parking or asking someone to drive.
8. Safety and security
Older adults often become more anxious and worried about their safety and security, especially if they live alone. Their home may require them to climb steps and stairs, or they may be concerned about the safety of their neighborhood, becoming ill, falling or possibly becoming injured.
Benefit to quality of life: Communities provide security typically with personnel or alarm systems. Residents will also enjoy the reassurance of personal alarm and alert systems as well as knowing that someone is always there if help is ever needed.
The Charleston Senior Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.
