Helping parents continue to live an independent and meaningful life is a priority for adult children – but they are often uncertain how to get these results. Most families are inexperienced with finding the right care and they worry the quality of life will be sacrificed for safety.
The great news? It doesn’t need to be.
One solution that takes the weight off a family’s shoulders is an assisted living community. If you’re not familiar with all they have to offer, you’ll be happy to discover they’re designed to provide help while respecting and supporting their residents’ independence.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a residential community that includes accessible and private residences designed for older adults to live an easier yet fulfilling life. You’ll find everything needed for your loved one to live and age well.
The benefits of assisted living
Take a look at just a few of the advantages you’ll discover in an assisted living community:
1. Accessible and private residences
Is your parents’ current home in need of repairs – or a renovation in order to create an age-friendly residence? Most homes in the U.S. were not built with this in mind and may become unsafe as the residents grow older.
Your loved ones will continue to enjoy their privacy in their own personal residence in an assisted living community. Homes are move-in ready and will support your parents to live fully.
2. Assistance with daily tasks
Are your parents beginning to need help with one or more of the daily tasks? You may be noticing a struggle with bathing safely, getting dressed, or managing the household.
In an assisted living community, the staff is available to provide a helping hand, supporting your parents to continue living independently and free to enjoy time spent with their family and friends who no longer need to serve as caregivers.
3. Healthy and delicious dining
Planning, shopping, and preparing healthy meals can also become more of a challenge as we grow older. However, the need for beneficial nutrition is just as important, if not more, to fuel our bodies and our minds.
An assisted living community offers nutritious and delicious meals and menu selections that appeal to many palates. Your parents will find the food and presentation encourages them to develop healthy eating habits and appetites.
4. Activities and social events
Healthy aging also requires physical and cognitive engagement, but not just staying busy. Participating in fun and stimulating activities as well as socializing with others can provide a boost to overall health.
However, it can also become more of a challenge, especially if mobility or lack of transportation creates an obstacle. Your parents will enjoy the community’s monthly calendar of options, all within steps of their residence.
5. Fitness classes and wellness programs
Maintaining a regular exercise routine contributes greatly to both physical and mental health. But again, the challenge can be in finding and traveling to a gym that offers programs tailored to those of the older adult.
Assisted living communities typically have a fitness center or classes that may include physical exercises, stretching, flexibility, and balance routines that can lower the risk of falling or other injuries.
6. Opportunities to meet and make new friends
When we grow older, we may discover it has become more difficult to meet new people and make friends. We might not have the same opportunities we once did when we were engaged in the work world or raising children.
The many occasions for residents to cross paths and meet their neighbors and other residents are another benefit of assisted living. At activities, events, dining or even in the common areas, friendships soon begin forming.
7. Scheduled transportation
If your parents are no longer driving or driving less, they may begin feeling left out or unable to participate in activities or see their friends and family as they once did.
Another great advantage of assisted living is the scheduled transportation offered so your loved ones can attend entertainment events, activities, medical appointments or go shopping.
8. Enhanced safety and security features
Both older adults and their children often begin worrying more about safety or injuries. Whether the home requires navigating steps and stairs or cannot accommodate assistive equipment, daily life can become less safe.
You’ll be reassured when your parents reside where there is security for the community and additional safety features in the personal residences. And there is always someone 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, Should You Stay or Should You Go: How to Decide Between Home and Senior Living.
