Budget Living Ideas

12 Benefits of Assisted Living

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So much about your life changes as you get older. Many senior citizens find themselves in a position where they can't fully take care of themselves any longer, but they aren't in such shape that they need to move into a nursing home or have round-the-clock care. If you or a loved one can relate to this, you may want to consider moving to an assisted living facility instead. Here are some of the benefits of making that choice:

Help with Activities

If you or your loved one needs help with daily activities, like bathing, getting dressed or feeding themselves, that is provided in an assisted living facility. This ensures safety and health, and provides seniors and their loved ones with the peace of mind that these tasks will be taken care of each day no matter what.

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No Home Upkeep

Moving out of your home and into an assisted living facility can be overwhelming at first. But once you realize how much time you can spend enjoying hobbies, social interaction and other activities, you realize you don't miss a cleaning, mowing the lawn and other home upkeep tasks. As a matter of fact, most of your housekeeping is handled for you.

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Safety and Security

Living in an assisted living facility means access to safety that you can't get at home. Rooms, hallways and common areas are equipped with items like handrails and bright lighting to assure residents are safe at all times. Other modifications can also be made for people in wheelchairs or those who use walkers or have other mobility issues. Security is also important, and at most facilities, there's a front desk or security guard to monitor who goes in and out of the building.

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Healthy Meals

Seniors have unique nutrition needs, and unfortunately, they don't always meet them when they are left to take care of their own meals at home. At an assisted living facility, residents have access to three healthy meals a day. They can even be cooked to meet specific health needs.

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Activity Access

Book clubs, gardening clubs, college classes, art classes, field trips, exercise classes — these are just some of the activities senior citizens can take advantage of when they choose assisted living. This can lead to educational opportunities that challenge the brain to keep it healthy and much-needed social stimulation that older adults may not get at home.

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More Social Opportunities

It can be difficult to make friends as an adult, but assisted living makes it easier than ever for older adults to meet new people. From the common areas to group activities, there is always an opportunity to get to know the other residents and never feel lonely.

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Transportation

Many seniors find that they can't drive due to health conditions. Not only does them make them feel isolated, but they have to wait for a loved one to become available so they can go anywhere. Many assisted living facilities to provide transportation services so residents can go shopping or get to appointments as needed.

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Prices

Many people find that living in an assisted living facility is actually cheaper than any other option. It's usually even cheaper than maintaining a home. There are several ways to pay for assisted living too, including Medicaid, life insurance policies, long-term care insurance and retirement savings.

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Privacy

Unlike a nursing home facility where seniors share a room with another resident, people in assisted living actually have some privacy. Even though there are other people around, particularly in common areas, you still have your own apartment where you can spend the day when you need some downtime.

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Encouraged Independence

While a senior who choose assisted living may not be totally independent, the staff at such places typically encourages as much independence as possible. This can work wonders for long-term health and happiness and improve the overall quality of life.

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Peace of Mind for Everyone

When you realize you're unable to live alone or take care of yourself completely, you may worry about the future. Your children and other loved ones may have the same worries and wonder what they can do to help. Choosing assisted living means removing that worry for you and your family.

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Medical and Emergency Help

Seniors who require medication, medical care and monitoring can get that and more at an assisted living facility. Most of them have a registered nurse and medical assistants on campus. Some may even have doctors. If you or your loved one has an emergency, there's a plan in place to ensure it's handled ASAP.

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Budget Living Ideas