According to the American Healthcare Association and National Center for Assisted Living, over 800,000 Americans currently reside in senior care communities. If it’s time for your loved one to join them, you likely have a lot of questions about what assisted living entails.
So, exactly what is assisted living for seniors? Read on for a comprehensive answer to this question.
What Is Assisted Living for Seniors?
There are three types of care offered to seniors in the best Tampa community.
Independent living lets seniors live in a resort-style community setting while completing most tasks autonomously. They can access wellness programs and have fun within community walls while still retaining independence.
Memory care is a unique living option for those with cognitive issues. This living option gives seniors cognitive exercises and activities as well as a personalized My Story book. Programs run by expertly trained memory care professionals aim to boost cognition and keep seniors sharp.
Many people also choose the assisted living options we’re going to talk about at length. Assisted living communities offer assistance with:
- Choosing clothes and dressing
- Bathing and hygiene
- Using the bathroom
- Medication management
- Getting up out of bed and back into bed
- Mobility and walking around
- Housekeeping services
- Laundry services
- Healthy meals
- Supervision and security
Not all seniors need help with all these tasks, but assistance is available for those who do need it.
Assisted living is a common path for seniors because it offers a happy medium between independent living and memory care.
Seniors get the help they need to thrive during their golden years, but they don’t unnecessarily lose independence because of excessive, unnecessary care.
Accessible Amenities
“What is assisted living for seniors?”
This may look like a simple question, but it requires more than a definition to fully answer. Understanding assisted living benefits is critical to answering this question thoroughly, too.
Accessibility is a major advantage of senior living communities. Well-appointed apartments and community amenities have features like:
- Wide doorways for wheelchair and walker access
- Wide hallways and open bedroom spaces for easy navigation
- Grab bars to prevent falls
- Grip bars and no-slip mats for shower safety
- Low countertops within easy reach
Moving into a community means that seniors can stay safer every day. You also won’t need to perform costly upgrades to the new resident’s current home. These savings make paying for quality senior living much easier.
Fun Activities and Events
Looking at a community’s activity calendar can help families understand what to expect in a senior living community. The best Tampa assisted living offers a wide range of events for seniors, including:
- Board and card game nights
- Bingo
- Crafting workshops
- Movie screenings
- Baking
- Walks outside
- Gardening
- Drawing and painting
- Themed dances
- Guest lectures
- Live music
This means seniors will never become idle and bored.
Regular Socialization
Going to calendar events also gives residents a chance to socialize and meet new people. They’ll become closer with those who have common interests since everyone at an event will have chosen to go there. This means that they’ll all have something in common, and breaking the ice will be easy.
Plus, the best Tampa communities have comfortable common areas to relax with friends in. Residents all live near each other and can see each other every day in these well-appointed and accessible spaces. Close connections have never been easier to nurture.
This is important because it staves off isolation and the loneliness it causes. The CDC reports that isolated seniors have a higher risk of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Regular socialization for seniors saves lives.
How to Choose Supportive Services for Seniors
Choosing an assisted living community requires scheduling a tour. Potential residents and their loved ones can make time to come to the community and look at its features and amenities.
This allows families to make a more informed decision by looking at the living space and determining whether it’s comfortable and positive.
Tours also let potential residents meet compassionate care professionals and new neighbors in the community. This gives seniors a chance to understand what life is like there so they can get excited about being left in good hands.
Older adults and their families can also ask questions on the tour. Some important inquiries may include:
- What activities and calendar events do you offer?
- What do visits from family and friends look like?
- What levels of care does your community offer?
- How do you plan to make the new resident more comfortable?
- Are you pet-friendly?
- What types of apartments do you have?
- How do you promote senior wellness with exercise and nutrition?
- What costs are associated with the senior living community?
- Do any of your services require additional fees?
- What move-in services do you offer to help with the transition?
Asking these questions lets seniors know what to expect from daily life in the community. It also lets families plan for finances and other logistics more easily.
Prioritize Personal Care Plans
Before choosing a community, make sure that they offer individualized care plans for residents. No two seniors have the same needs, so care can’t be one-size-fits-all.
Experts at the top communities in Tampa sit down with families and discuss each senior’s specific needs. They’ll create a personally tailored, adaptable care plan to meet those needs.
Look Into Community Features
Making sure that your loved one has comfortable surroundings should be a top priority. After all, where people live greatly impacts their mental health.
On your tour, look for:
- Good lighting
- Outdoor relaxation areas
- Spaces to socialize
- Lounges
- Nice dining areas
- Well-stocked libraries
Look Into Wellness Programs
Wellness programs are another important part of senior communities. Check to see if residents can access:
- Chef-prepared meals
- Restaurant-style dining
- Yoga
- Water aerobics
- Dancing
- Stretching
- Educational wellness classes
Boost Senior Well-Being in Tampa, FL
So, what is assisted living for seniors?
It’s a great way to help your aging loved one enjoy their golden years in a healthy and positive setting.
Now that you know some assisted living benefits and senior well-being facts, it’s time to start looking into the best senior care community in Tampa.
Our community was named the Best in Senior Living by Assisted Living Magazine, so contact us to schedule a tour of our community and get more information about what we offer.
