Deciding whether to stay at home or move into assisted living is a major decision. If you are the one trying to decide, you’ve probably read a lot of articles, talked to current residents, listened to your family and given it a lot of thought. You know your home doesn’t offer the safety and accessibility you might require as health needs change. And you’re tired of worrying about maintenance and repairs.
The facts are on your side. According to A Place for Mom, among families of assisted living residents:
- 73% report that a senior’s quality of life got better or much better
- 73% reported an improvement in the senior’s nutrition
- 64% saw the senior’s social well-being improve
So assisted living feels like the smart choice. But what will it really be like? Will you be able to enjoy life as you choose and have fun?
Moving to assisted living: A new start and new freedom to enjoy life.
You’ll have more freedom and more privacy. Assisted living centers are designed to feel like home. Your residence is your refuge in which to relax, socialize and enjoy, and you are free to come and go as you choose. And without having to worry about daily chores or home maintenance, you will have more time for all the things you love most.
You’ll probably laugh more. Living at home alone doesn’t give you too many reasons to smile, especially if family is far away and your neighbors are not familiar. Living in assisted living gives you the opportunity to make new friends and participate in all types of fun activities, from special outings to birthday parties to games to movies to cooking demonstrations, art lessons and lots more. All good reasons to look forward to moving to assisted living, since laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from stress.
You’ll keep your noggin sharp. Sitting at home alone gets boring and doesn’t stimulate your brain when your only choices are reruns on television or a daily crossword puzzle. In assisted living, you never know what you might learn! The activities calendar is always full of classes, lectures, trips, special events and new hobbies you’ve never tried. Good conversation with your neighbors is also good for your brain. You’ll stay sharper and your memory will improve.
You’ll find the menus are much more appetizing. Frozen dinners are one thing. Chef-prepared cuisine using fresh local ingredients is quite another! Moving to assisted living offers you the pleasure of dining on delicious, nutritious food skillfully prepared and served by a pleasant wait staff. Plus, if you’d rather have dining companions than eat alone, you’re in luck. Most assisted living settings feature a gracious, comfortable dining room that’s perfect for sharing a meal with a friend.
You’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors without taking care of it. Mowing the yard, raking the leaves, clearing snow, or just having to arrange for it all is taxing and expensive. You’ve done more than your share. Now you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about any of that. Take a walk. Meet up with a friend for some sunshine. Read a book on a bench in the shade. Listen to the birds sing.
You’ll be able to relax. As a resident of assisted living, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing someone is always around, 24 hours a day, to assist you in an emergency. If needed, you can also rely on assistance with activities of daily living. Not only does this offer you reassurance, but your family as well: you are being cared for and your health is being monitored by trained staff.
Life is full in Assisted Living at Senior Star
We value your independence and want to empower it with options that give you the freedom to support your health and well-being exactly the way you want. We’d love to tell you more. Download our free guide: Should You Stay Or Should You Go: How to Decide Between Home and Senior Living →
We are here to help you.
