Maintaining Your Independence: 3 Amenities To Look For In An Assisted Living Community

Assisted living communities (ALCs) are an excellent compromise between living independently, while not having the limitations of a nursing home. This is ideal for people who need some help and monitoring but want to maintain their independence. There are certain features to look for in an ALC that will improve your experience.

Consistent Monitoring

Different forms of monitoring are critical regardless of the level of care your loved one needs. If your loved one has Alzheimer's or dementia, there are significant levels of monitoring necessary to keep them from wandering and to protect them from people who might take advantage of them. The facility should have all entrances and exits recorded throughout the day and night. Entrances and exits should be well-lit so the camera can accurately record people who come into view of the camera after dark. If your loved one has Alzheimer's or dementia, they should be provided with a tracking device to help find them quickly if they wander away. For loved ones who need less monitoring, it is still important for them to have a call button in the bathroom, especially, and in other areas of their home. Since falls are more common in the bathroom, this is where alerting someone for help is the most needed.

Educational Programs

A variety of educational programs are critical for your loved one, not only to reduce boredom and depression but to retain cognitive abilities. Educational programs should include both technical and creative opportunities. For example, many ALCs have computer courses. Although many people entering ALCs increasingly have acquired computer knowledge, there are still many that are unfamiliar with different technology. The ALC should not only have classes available to teach people the fundamentals of technology, but they should make some forms of technology readily available for those who do not have their own computer or smartphone. Technology can be critical for people to keep in contact with their family or make friends and feel less isolated when they have to leave their own home and neighborhood.

Wellness

Overall wellness is more than helping people keep up with their prescribed medications. ALCs should integrate opportunities for holistic wellness. Educational programs on nutrition and giving people access to opportunities to follow specific dietary recommendations are important. Many people develop chronic diseases like elevated cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. They should be encouraged to eat a diet that is conducive to managing these conditions. Wellness programs should include some form of exercise, depending on each person's physical abilities. Chair yoga is a form of exercise that is accessible for virtually everyone. Encouraging people who have some mobility to walk is important for increasing or maintaining bone density and improving balance and functional fitness. Group walks are a good idea and can be more motivating than walking alone.

Although there are seemingly endless amenities in ALCs, there are some that might be more helpful than others. When choosing an ALC, the more security and interactivity that exists in the community, the better the experience. Look into assisted living communities in your area. 

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