During retirement, your lifestyle and needs may change, and you may face issues like reduced mobility and worsening chronic health conditions. Moving to a residential assisted living community could be a great, positive move to help you continue enjoying retirement as you’d always hoped. With around-the-clock support, access to new social and recreational activities, daily errands, and home maintenance taken care of, a senior care community can empower you to live your ideal life.
What Is Residential Assisted Living?
Residential assisted living is a popular senior living choice among retirees and will give you access to around-the-clock support from professional caregivers. These caregivers are on
hand to help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like eating, showering, dressing, and brushing teeth on an “as you need” basis. Some seniors in residential assisted living have minimal care needs, and others need a bit more support – this will be established before move-in with the formation of a personalized care plan. Seniors in residential assisted living communities typically live in a communal home with a private or shared bedroom and bathroom. In some assisted living communities, seniors can reside in private apartments with access to the same level of care. Whatever your living preferences, there will be a senior living community that can meet your needs. It’s important to note that residential assisted living differs from nursing care facilities and usually does not include specialized nursing for seniors with complex or acute medical conditions.
How Can Residential Assisted Living Improve Quality of Life?
Residential assisted living can open the door to a much-improved quality of life for seniors. Whether you’re struggling with mobility, ADLs, getting out to socialize, or managing a
chronic health condition, moving to a senior care community could be a significant positive step. For example, residential senior living can improve quality of life in the following ways:
1. Increased convenience and ease of living.
Many residential senior care communities have a range of convenient amenities for residents to enjoy on-site. For example, some communities have beauty or hair salons, shops, computer rooms, libraries, swimming pools, or spas. Various valuable services, including housekeeping, transportation, linen, and laundry, may also be available. With these convenient services and amenities, you can feel supported while being relieved of tasks that often become more difficult during retirement. Without the burden of chores and travel, you will be free to focus on participating in the activities and hobbies you genuinely enjoy.
2. Access to personalized care around the clock.
In senior residential living, you will have access to support from caregivers around the clock. Your care will be based on a customized care plan that centers around your needs and wishes. Great, 24/7 care can vastly improve your quality of life, allowing you to feel fresh, healthy, and comfortable each day. Professional caregivers can typically offer support with personal care activities like bathing and dressing, as well as other ADLs like moving from place to place and participating in activities and social occasions. When choosing a residential assisted living community in Arizona, ask about the level of care each option provides, as this can differ slightly from one community to the next.
3. Improved safety and reduced fall risk.
Residential assisted living facilities are built from the ground up with the needs of seniors in mind. Special safety considerations can improve your quality of life during retirement in many ways. Firstly, with features like elevators, ground floor accommodation, spacious roll-in showers, and grab rails, you may feel more confident to complete ADLs independently. For example, suppose you have moved from having a bath at home to a shower in residential senior care. In that case, you can bathe independently with these specially adapted facilities. With caregivers available around the clock to help prevent accidents and falls, you will be better able to avoid injury and fear that can significantly impact the quality of life for many months or years.
4. Opportunities to expand your social life.
You’re not alone if your social circle is becoming smaller during retirement. Many seniors lack social interaction for many reasons, from lack of transportation to bereavement. Social isolation is a common contributing factor to reduced quality of life in retirees. Rediscovering your social life can be daunting, but the right residential assisted living community can support you through this at your own pace. You can always socialize as and when you please; your wishes should be respected. Whether you wish to participate in organized activities and events, communal mealtimes and living areas allow for the organic flourishing of new friendships.
5. Organized activities and groups on-site.
Residential assisted living communities typically offer a variety of groups, classes, and activities on-site. These may include physical activity classes like yoga or dancing, educational lectures and classes, arts and crafts, or mindfulness activities like meditation, flower arranging, or tai chi. Activities can improve physical and mental health and quality of life. Moreover, getting involved in groups is a great way to build social connections with other residents with similar hobbies naturally. When visiting potential communities, ask about the available activities and see if they cater to your interests and skills.
To find out how Saguaro Ranch Assisted Living can meet your specific needs, give us a call today to organize a personalized tour of our vibrant and caring community.
