Remain Socially Active and Engaged in an Assisted Living Community

If you’re considering an assisted living situation for yourself or a loved one, you may be curious about the benefits of these growing communities. In 2012, for example, there were roughly 22,200 assisted living and similar types of residential care communities located in the United States. By 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, there were 30,200 residential care communities.

These communities are available with different sized populations. While some may have 10 beds, others have more than 100. Even though some residents may share an apartment, others may choose to live alone in a studio or small apartment.

In addition to having staff available 24/7, It’s important to note that 40% of these facilities also have some level of skilled care available. Since nearly 40% of the residents may need some assistance with bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and medication monitoring, this can enable them to continue to live independently. There is also staff available to provide transportation to-and-from doctors appointments, for shopping, and other activities.

Another benefit to these communities is that there is usually a dining area available. When residents choose not to prepare their own meals, this provides them with the opportunity to have healthy meals prepared for them. Furthermore, they are able to dine with other residents and socialize, both of which provide a sense of community and keeps them engaged with others.

Assisted living homes also offer other opportunities for residents to engage in a variety of social activities. These may include entertainment rooms, exercise classes, and local excursions. A recent study showed that when people in their 70s and 80s are more physically active, they are less likely to be lonely. Furthermore, a 2008 study showed that when seniors interact regularly with others, they experience half the memory decline of their less-social counterparts.

As of 2010, 54% of the adults living in these facilities were 85 or older, The typical resident, however, is an 87 year old woman. While she may continue to be mobile and able to live independently, assistance with basic living activities may be both welcome and necessary.

Whether you’re searching for an assisted living community for yourself or someone else, you will want to visit several before making a final choice. It’s important to find a living situation that provides all of the amenities you would like as well as additional care when and if needed.