The Benefits of Assisted Living at The Point at Rockridge Senior Living
Common benefits of assisted living in Oakland, CA, include social connection and personalized senior services. Living in these safe and social environments can improve your quality of life.
According to the American Health Care Association, there are approximately 32,200 assisted living communities with nearly 1.2 million licensed beds in the US. Though there are over 1,000,000 Americans in assisted living, many people don't recognize the advantages of daily care support.
Enjoying the benefits of assisted living can improve your health, quality of life, and longevity. Not sure if you want to seek senior living in Oakland, CA? Read on to learn more about the joy of personalized senior services.
Why Do People Need Assisted Living?
Signs that it may be time to consider assisted living include:
- Having difficulty completing tasks (needing help with bathing, dressing, etc.)
- Failing to eat nutritious meals
- Struggling to manage your medications
- Feeling isolated and lonely
- Neglecting home maintenance (laundry, trash removal, etc.)
- Living in an unsafe environment
- Having a doctor recommend assisted living
- Having a caregiver who is burnt out
If these signs sound familiar, talk to a loved one. They can help you:
- Determine if assisted living is the right option
- Gather essential documents (life insurance policies, a trust or living will, etc.)
- Create a list of your priorities
- Tour some of Oakland's senior living communities
- Ask questions during your visit
- Decide what's important in a community
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Many assisted living communities cater their services to each resident's distinct needs. Here are a few benefits of assisted living you may enjoy after moving into a community.
Daily Care Support
Moving into a senior living community will ensure you have help with activities of daily living. The staff may help you get dressed, bathe, or complete other essential tasks. Their support will ensure you receive help without losing your independence.
You'll receive 24-hour care, including help using the bathroom at night. Some communities use emergency pull cords or medical alert pendants to ensure residents receive immediate care.
You'll also receive assistance with household chores, including:
- Apartment maintenance
- Preparing meals and snacks
- Laundry
- Groundskeeping
- Cleaning
For healthy meals, explore your senior living community's dining program. You can enjoy nutritious meals alongside friends in a restaurant-style dining room.
Aging With Confidence
Moving into a senior living community can help you age with confidence. For example, you'll receive intellectual stimulation while engaging with other seniors. Stimulating the mind may help lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Consider moving into a senior living community that offers personalized senior services for residents with Alzheimer's. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. There are over 10 million new cases of dementia each year worldwide.
Receiving dementia care can improve your quality of life as you age.Consider looking for:
- Programs that offer resources and brain activities designed to slow cognitive decline
- Academic activities that encourage continued learning
- Access to computers and tablets to encourage the development of technological skills
Safe and Social Environments
Moving into a senior living community will help you stay safe and healthy. You can enjoy:
- Accessibility and mobility features (ramps, hallway handrailings, etc.)
- Safer bathrooms (walked-in showers, grab bars, raised toilets, etc.)
- On-call staff
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of mental and physical health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Anxiety
- A weakened immune system
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Alzheimer's disease
People who unexpectedly find themselves alone are especially at risk. Engaging in productive, meaningful activities with other seniors, however, may improve your mood. Socializing could give you a sense of purpose and improve your longevity.
You can find new opportunities to socialize with other seniors through your senior living community's events and activities program. Engaging activities may include:
- Bingo
- Group shopping trips
- Seasonal activities (like local festivals)
- Live performances and concerts
- Museum tours
- Exercise classes
- Movie nights
- Communal gardens
- Book clubs
- Poker and card tournaments
- Art and music classes
These activities can give you a sense of purpose. You can explore new passions and develop new skills. Staying engaged will help new neural pathways form, which may help slow cognitive decline.
What Is the Best Age to Move Into Assisted Living?
Determining when to move into assisted living can vary based on your:
- Health
- Lifestyle
- Personal preferences
For many seniors, the ideal age falls between the mid-to-late 60s and early 70s.Consider making an early transition if you find completing daily activities challenging. You can receive the support you need while maintaining your independence.
Moving into an assisted living community early can offer benefits like:
- Allowing you to build strong social connections
- Access to personalized care and amenities
- Improved quality of life
- Continuity of care
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for the Elderly to Adjust to Assisted Living?
It may take three to six months for seniors to adjust after moving into an assisted living community. However, this timeframe varies between seniors. For some, it takes as little as a week before they feel comfortable.
Give yourself some time after moving into an assisted living community. To adjust, decorate your new home. Add cherished items, favorite pieces of furniture, and family pictures to add personality to your living space.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Assisted Living?
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need some support. These seniors can usually still live somewhat independently.
Seniors who need around-the-clock medical care are not ideal candidates for assisted living. These may include people who:
- Have severe mobility issues
- Require IV therapy
- Need nursing care
- Have advanced dementia or Alzheimer's
- Act aggressively
- Require constant supervision
Consult a member of your local assisted living community to determine if you're an ideal candidate.
Enjoy Assisted Living in Oakland
Common benefits of assisted living include personalized senior services, safe and social environments, and an improved quality of life. Consider moving into a local community to experience these benefits firsthand.
Look no further than The Point at Rockridge Senior Living, where our friendly environment promotes independence and self-esteem. Our exclusive senior lifestyle programs include award-winning Elevate culinary offerings and social activities through our Vibrant Life program. Contact us now to schedule your tour.