People are living longer lives these days. The life expectancy of the Baby Boomer generation is far exceeding any of those that have come before it. As a result, we are seeing many more people living to ages where they need some help with their day to day living.
Many more communities are being built to accommodate folks who would like to transition from the solitary life of their houses to a location where they can have much more freedom to do the things they enjoy with their remaining years. Assisted living facilities allow people who are still active make the most of their lives. In an assisted living facility almost 40% of residents receive assistance with at least three or more daily activities. The most common activities that require assistance tend to be bathing and dressing.
One of the major reasons that so many aging people need assistance with their daily lives in assisted living facilities is that they need help with Alzheimer’s care. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States today and is the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be slowed, cured, or prevented in any way.
Assisted living facilities are able to offer so much to residents who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. There are always various activities for Alzheimer residents that are geared toward keeping them active and as stimulated as possible. These kinds of activities and this kind of care could obviously not be done at home. In addition to the activities themselves, it is the group atmosphere that helps older residents with such problems as loneliness and despair. Some assisted living facilities are dedicated memory care facilities, with activities design to stimulate the memory and keep it as sharp as possible.
Many people, when surveyed, responded overwhelmingly in a similar manner when asked about their worries for their later years. Many said they were worried that their lives would be a burden to their families and others if they got to the point where they could no longer take care of themselves. With assisted living facilities growing in number every year, that worry need not be what it used to be.
Much of senior living is tiered these days. Retirees can move into a community where only certain things are done for them, like housekeeping and yard work, to make life a little easier. After a time, residents might switch locations to a property where meals are taken in a dining room and more assistance is given to daily life tasks. Ultimately, senior living could be full-time care.
In an age where more and more of us are living to older ages, it is a good thing for us to make caring for the elderly a priority. Whether they need a little help around the house or full-time Alzheimer’s care or anything in between, Caring for those who once cared for us is the right and best thing for us to do.
