The senior population in Kansas City is expected to reach around 450,000 by 2030.
A good number of these seniors will have health complications and needs that go beyond what family members can help with. This is one of the reasons why senior care is such an important part of our society. Aging seniors often have trouble with daily tasks and medical issues that need to be looked after.
If you're thinking about putting your loved one into a senior care center but fear the transition, we can help. It's tough for aging people and their families to realize the benefits of assisted living for seniors, but there are plenty of them.
In today's post, we'll look at the biggest benefits so you can make the best decision for your loved one's health. Keep reading and you'll know what the right course of action is for your loved one and the rest of your family.
It might be counterintuitive to think of senior living as a place for your loved one to have more independence. That said, it immerses them in a world where they no longer have to worry about maintaining a household.
There's a misconception that assisted living puts more restraint on residents. Residents are free to live a completely independent life but are given the resources they need to look after their health and wellness.
They don't have to worry about things like laundry, cooking, cleaning, and other chores. They'll have access to a variety of amenities and programs to enhance their social lives and overall health.
Social isolation is a common issue in the older population. Those who feel socially isolated are more likely to deal with mental and physical health problems, such as anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
When your loved one has a thriving social life, they'll be far less likely to experience any of the above issues. A senior living center provides programming geared towards social interaction.
Whether it's outings to local attractions or walking groups, residents will have every opportunity to socialize with their peers. At the same time, they can opt in or out of all programs, so if they're not up to an event, they can stay in their apartment instead.
Another hallmark of senior care is promoting better physical health. Seniors are recommended to get at least 150 hours of moderate physical activity per week. Failing to do so puts them at risk of weight gain, type-2 diabetes, and even some cancers.
If a senior fails to look after their physical health, it becomes harder and harder to find the motivation to do so. Fortunately, senior living facilities have programs and amenities that make it easy for residents to improve their bodies.
Trainers may come in for aerobic sessions or there could be weekly yoga classes. Every facility has different health programs, but there's always something available to help residents with their fitness.
Mental health should be another major concern for the loved ones of seniors. 2 million of the 34 million senior citizens in the US suffer from feelings of depression. If you deal with health problems, the likelihood of depression symptoms is higher.
Depression and anxiety can be debilitating as you get older. Senior living facilities are equipped with counselors and trained staff who can help residents navigate these symptoms.
Some facilities will also offer programming aimed at mental health and wellness. This might include meditation sessions, games nights, or group therapy.
The other side of mental health has to do with cognitive decline, which affects nearly 12% of American adults over 65. If your loved one is dealing with symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia, they may need memory care.
Memory care is specialized assisted living. Employees are trained in aiding those dealing with dementia and the facilities are more secure to prevent any mishaps.
Your loved one's nutrition is an important aspect of their health. By getting a well-balanced diet, they can stave off a variety of illnesses, from diabetes to heart disease.
Senior health centers are equipped with in-house restaurants that offer tasty meals that give residents the nutrients they need. They'll always have rotating menus and residents can pick up food whenever they're hungry.
Assisted living facilities are always kept safe and secure. The buildings are built with accessible features and staff are available to ensure the safety of all residents.
As mentioned, memory care facilities have extra security to protect against the confusion associated with dementia. Most assisted living communities have large grounds for residents to walk around safely.
Every senior has unique healthcare needs. While most elderly care centers are staffed with experienced workers, they're not healthcare workers. If your loved one has extensive healthcare needs, they may benefit from skilled nursing care.
That being said, good senior living communities have regularly scheduled physician and nursing appointments. Healthcare professionals will perform checkups and administer medication as needed. When it comes to daily living, however, the highly trained staff can handle all of your loved one's needs.
When you're looking at different communities, budgeting is important. The cost of senior living can seem like a lot, but it's important to remember that it's all-inclusive. The monthly rate includes dining, accommodations, and all of the amenities that the facility has.
In this sense, senior living can be quite affordable. Always figure out how much you can afford before deciding on a particular facility.
These are some of the many benefits of assisted living for seniors. If your loved one is showing signs of aging, senior living isn't something to shy away from. It can enhance your loved one's quality of life and put the family's minds at ease during this transition into old age.
For those in Kansas City, Addington Place of Shoal Creek is the top senior living facility around. We have the best staff and a wide range of amenities to give your loved one the best life possible. Contact us today to schedule a tour.