Why Assisted Living Is A Good Choice When You Need Long-Term Care

If you have a chronic disease or a disability due to an injury, you may be looking at the need for medical care and assistance for the rest of your life. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to live like an invalid. When you choose assisted living, you can remain as independent as you are capable of being. Assisted living is often the ideal choice when you need long-term care because you'll have nursing help when you need it, but you can be independent when you are feeling well. Here's why assisted living is a good match for a long term situation.

Your Living Environment Is Homey

There are different assisted living facilities. Some are converted homes, so it is basically like living in a home with roommates. However, there will also be a caregiver on the premises to watch over your medical needs. Other assisted living facilities are very similar to condo life. You live in a private apartment and care for yourself and come and go as you please.

However, there is usually a medical staff in the building at all times for emergency help if you need it and to provide services such as preparing meals, managing medications, and providing daily grooming care. This type of living situation ensures you'll always have medical help nearby while you live in homey surroundings so you can feel like your life is still normal despite your disability or illness.

You Have Access To Transportation And Activities

Another advantage of the assisted living lifestyle is that you have access to social activities. This is a big improvement over staying at home with home health care. Depending on the facility you move into, you might have access to a pool, exercise room, meditation classes, movie nights, field trips, and a library.

There may be daily organized social activities that keep you engaged with others so you won't be lonely and isolated. Assisted living facilities usually help you arrange transportation as well when you want to go to a shopping mall or to a doctor's appointment. This keeps you from being stuck in your home or apartment all day.

You Can Age In Place

Since some assisted living facilities are arranged like condo units, you can live in one with your spouse much like you would in any other retirement community. This ensures that no matter what health problems you or your spouse develop as you age, you'll always have the support and care you need. Larger assisted living facilities are often located on a campus with a skilled nursing unit and nursing home on the grounds. The benefit of this is if your medical condition worsens and you need to move to a nursing home for more intense medical care, you'll still be close to your spouse and still be among familiar surroundings and people.

There are a lot of things to think about when you're ready to move into an assisted living facility, especially if you're looking for a place to live out the rest of your golden years. Whether you're moving in alone or with your spouse, you'll want a place that allows you to feel like you're living at home while you have access to the medical care you need.


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