The majority of adults aged 50 to 80 say they want to age in place, but only one in seven have given any thought to what changes they'd need to make at home for that to happen.
While remaining at home in your senior years may seem like the choice that grants you the most independence, it may not be the one that best supports your well-being. Assisted living communities can fulfill many of the needs, from daily assistance to senior-friendly living quarters, that your current home can't.
What are the signs that it's time to opt for assisted living in Muscatine? Read on to find out.
One of the first and most obvious signs that seniors should start considering assisted living options is difficulty with self-care. This can result from changes in functions like balance, range of motion, and mobility. It can also result from changes in mental health and cognitive functioning.
Basic tasks like bathing, combing your hair, washing your clothes, and getting dressed are an important part of living a healthy and dignified life.
In an assisted living environment, all residents can count on these activities of daily living, even when they need assistance. Trained caregivers can help you meet your daily needs and adjust your care routine as needed.
As your abilities change, you may find yourself relying on loved ones to help. While there's nothing wrong with asking for and using family support, it's important to take action in the face of caregiver burnout.
Caregiver burnout can occur when one person has to prioritize the needs of another over their own. It's more likely to occur when that person has competing responsibilities, like a job or children.
One of the benefits of assisted living is that caregivers are trained and paid. You can let professional caregivers do their job while having a purely personal relationship with loved ones.
Maybe your closest friends and family members have passed or moved away. Maybe you don't have the same ability to visit faraway loved ones as you used to.
Regardless of the cause, social isolation is a real concern for seniors. Research finds that loneliness impacts an estimated 25% of seniors and has potential links to worsening health outcomes. For example, social isolation is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
In an assisted living community, you'll experience no shortage of social opportunities. You'll build meaningful relationships with your neighbors at communal meals, group activities, and scheduled events.
Self-care isn't the only thing that seniors may start to struggle with over time. If you're living in a single-family home alone, you may also have a hard time staying on top of home maintenance.
We don't just mean replacing the roof or cleaning out the gutters. Basic home cleaning is another pillar of independence and dignity, and there's no reason to remain in an untenable environment.
In an assisted living community, residents begin by downsizing. Private living quarters are clean, updated, and easy to manage. Plus, staff members can help with tasks like taking out the garbage, disinfecting surfaces, and decluttering.
If you're still wondering when to choose assisted living, assess the current state of your health. While assisted living doesn't take the place of medical care, it can contribute to better health management.
For example, staff members can provide medication organization and reminders. This is especially helpful for seniors taking multiple medications.
Seeking elderly care in Muscatine can also contribute to a more holistic approach to health. Sign up for on-campus dining, wellness, and exercise programs to support an active and balanced lifestyle.
The USDA provides special guidelines for adults aged 60 and older. For example, they recommend limiting added sugar, saturated fat, and high-sodium foods. They also suggest increasing dietary fiber, B12, calcium, and potassium.
Eating a varied and balanced diet can support better health outcomes. However, many seniors don't have easy access to nutritious foods. This can be due to limited transportation, limited grocery access, or a diminished ability to cook.
One of the many amenities and services in our assisted living community is our robust dining program. Seniors can enjoy communal or private meals made by our private chef three times a day.
Another one of the signs to consider assisted living is diminishing transportation options.
Some seniors may not be able to drive long distances or at all due to changes in cognitive health or vision. Some may not be able to take advantage of public transportation due to mobility issues.
In assisted living communities like Addington Place of Muscatine, seniors can schedule transportation as needed. Our private vehicles can accommodate most physical disabilities. Our drivers are happy to take residents to appointments, group outings, and events.
We understand why so many seniors want to age in place. Many of us associate our own homes with our independence. Yet, by moving into an assisted living community, you actually support your independence.
All residents in our community live in their own private quarters. Our campus apartments range from suites to one-bedroom apartments equipped with a kitchenette and full bathroom.
Our entire campus is designed around senior safety with the aim of reducing falls. Our staff members give seniors the assistance they need to live fulfilled and dignified lives. Ultimately, our aim is to provide supplemental support for active seniors who aren't in need of round-the-clock care.
Though you may have planned to age in place, it's important to recognize signs that you would benefit from assisted living in Muscatine. Getting the professional support you need is the best way to support your independent lifestyle.
Why get that support from Addington Place of Muscatine? Our staff members strive to provide the best activity schedule and wellness program possible. As a result, our community is active, thriving, and tons of fun.
Contact us today to learn more about our campus and room availability.