Maintaining Independence in Assisted Living: Empowering Seniors
Many seniors can be daunted by the prospect of moving into an Assisted Living community. Aside from fearing the unknown, they can also be nervous about losing their independence and being reliant on care staff.
However, most standout senior living communities want to empower residents to remain independent. They often encourage this in some of the following ways:
Providing Personalized Care Plans
We’re all unique, with different preferences and needs. As a result, one-size-fits-all care in senior living communities rarely works. That’s why most highly regarded care communities provide personalized care plans. Essentially, they meet you where you are.
They can provide a broad range of helpful services, such as medication management, assistance with appointment making, and help with daily living activities. However, you can also take care of these tasks yourself if you feel confident and capable of doing so. Your care plan is developed just for you and your own needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
Encouraging Residents to Make Decisions
While care associates in Assisted Living communities can make many decisions for their residents, they are more focused on encouraging residents to make their own decisions. They love empowering residents and giving them full autonomy.
Seniors can often make decisions about their own care, the activities they want to participate in, and their daily routines. Many senior living communities even encourage residents to participate in menu planning so they can look forward to the foods they enjoy.
Supporting Cognitive Stimulation
Our cognitive function can change as we age. Some parts of the brain can shrink, including the areas we need for complex mental activities and learning. While we may not be able to fix how our brains change with age, Assisted Living communities go the extra mile to support cognitive simulation.
You can often enjoy mental stimulation through hobbies, games, puzzles, and reading. Regularly engaging in stimulating activities may help you maintain independence and mental acuity.
Performing Regular Assessments
Our needs can change as we get older. Even when you join a senior living community, your needs when you join can be vastly different from what they are in the months or years later. Many of the best senior living communities perform regular needs assessments.
These assessments can ensure that you have the most current and helpful care plan. You can then enjoy more suitable services and amenities to help you maintain your independence.
Providing An Accessible Environment
Many seniors struggle to live independent lives because they’re not as mobile as they used to be. However, if they had a more accessible living environment, they could do more tasks for themselves. Many Assisted Living communities prioritize accessibility.
Single-level living environments, safety rails, safety-equipped bathrooms, and wheelchair-accessible communal spaces can all contribute to more independence and autonomy.
Offering Transportation
Many seniors rely on friends, family, and public transport to run errands and attend appointments. They may have lost their driver’s license due to ill health, no longer feel confident enough to drive, or never had a license. Living independently can be challenging when you don’t have convenient transport to access what you need in your local community.
Fortunately, Assisted Living communities make that easy. Many of the best communities will provide scheduled transportation so you can run errands, go shopping, and attend appointments. You can even enjoy regular outings to visit restaurants and local attractions.
Maintain Your Independence at Elison Assisted Living of Minot
Moving into an Assisted Living community doesn’t mean giving up your freedom and independence. In fact, you can be encouraged to maintain it. Most reputable senior living communities like Elison Assisted Living of Minot go the extra mile to ensure you feel independent and supported. Schedule a tour of our wonderful community today to learn more about how empowered you can feel in your potential new home.
