4 Ways An Assisted Elderly Living Facility Can Benefit Your Senior Parents
If your parents are well into their senior years, you've probably noticed how it's getting more difficult for them to do daily tasks associated with grooming, cleaning, and cooking. They may have problems with energy, balance, strength, vision, and mobility. They might even be on medications that need to be taken regularly, and that could pose a safety and health challenge for them. One option you may want to discuss with your parents is assisted elderly living. Here's how it could help them.
1. Help At Mealtime
An assisted living facility provides meals if your parents want to eat in the dining room. This saves your parents from having to cook and clean the kitchen. However, they may still have the capability to make quick meals and snacks in their room or apartment whenever they want to.
2. Transportation To Shops And Medical Appointments
It's hard to get out and do things you want to do when you're older and no longer drive. Assisted living facilities often have a van or small bus that makes regular runs to the local grocery store or mall so it's easy for your parents to stay active. The bus may take residents on regular trips to local attractions and movies. They may also provide transportation to doctor's appointments or arrange transportation through a local medical transport service.
3. They Allow Your Parents To Be Independent
The advantage of an assisted living facility is that your parents can maintain their independence as much as they want as long as it's safe for them to do so. If one of your parents still drives, they may be allowed to keep their car at the facility and come and go as they please. Depending on the assisted living facility they choose, their life could be a lot like condo or hotel living where they have privacy and freedom to plan their own activities. However, there will always be someone in the facility ready to help when help is needed and to make sure your parents have easy access to nourishing meals.
4. The Surroundings Are Homey
Facilities differ, so you and your parents can tour different ones to find a place to live that's appealing. Some facilities are converted residential homes that provide group living with homey comforts. Others are modern resort-style condos. The right facility makes your parents feel as comfortable as if they were living in a new home rather than moving into a nursing home, which they might resist and not need.