subject: Assisted Living, Assisted Living Homes - Independence With A Little Help [print this page] As senior citizens age, they may be fully capable of living a rich and rewarding life but still wish to downsize from the care of a large home and yard. Senior apartments offer independence without the necessity of caring for the upkeep of home. Many of these have restaurant style dining available and social activities, but the residents can still live their active lifestyle, including traveling. Some seniors need a little more assistance but still want, and can manage, an independent lifestyle. For these people, assisted living homes were created. While some mimic the outdated nursing home model, newer modern places are vibrant, life-affirming communities of mature adults.
They may need some assistance with laundry, meals, or medicine, but they still love to interact with friends, enjoy beautiful grounds, or paint a landscape. With the assisted living homes format, residents are visited with and medically assessed prior to move in. The facility works with the individual and the family to determine what areas assistance is needed in. With a little bit of help, these residents are able to engage in the activities they love and have fun with friends. Emergency help is always nearby which prevents worry about a fall or illness going unnoticed.
Most important, social activities, music, medical care, restaurants, and a built in community of friends help bring a new zest to life. The residents in great assisted living homes are drawn out of their shells to look forward to the future rather than living in the past. With a purpose and joy in front of them, the days are brightened and quality of life is improved. Staff should be caring, yet not overly patronizing. Senior citizens are valuable and wise people and should be treated as such. The staff that cares for daily needs can work with the residents and enjoy the interaction in the right facility.
When choosing between assisted living homes, it is important to consider the future. As people age, they usually need more and more assistance or medical care. The senior living facilities are those that offer several levels of care in the same location so that as needs change, residents do not have to move multiple times and be uprooted from their friends. Maintaining dignity and independence as long as possible affirms the usefulness of all people, regardless of age. Modern senior living communities can offer all levels of independence or assistance according to personal needs.
