Why Choose Assisted Living?

Children of aging parents have a tough road ahead of them once Mom and Dad begin to lose their independence. Fortunately, they can find the necessary support for their parents and themselves if they choose the right kind of assisted living community.

First, it’s important to note that an assisted living community is not a “facility.” That term denotes a distinctly medical connotation, and conjures up the idea of nursing homes (which are very different than assisted living). An assisted living community is not a “home” for senior citizens; instead, it is a full campus where retired adults can live comfortably in their own apartment homes and enjoy activities with their neighbors (all of whom are their peers) whenever they like. But why should you choose assisted living for your beloved Mom or Dad? Here are some reasons that many adult children have factored into their decisions.

Reason #1: The Assistance 

Some people ask where the “assistance” in assisted living comes into play. The answer is, it comes in the form of help that residents can receive with their daily tasks. This assistance should be totally customizable, because some senior citizens need more help with daily living tasks than others. For example, some residents may need help dressing or bathing while others do not; in fact, many are still quite independent and are choosing the assisted living environment for themselves as a convenience measure (see more below). But when residents do need help with those things, a caregiver employed by the community should be on hand to skillfully provide those services.

Reason #2: The Convenience 

When residents need less extensive help with daily tasks, they can simply take advantage of the assisted living community’s convenience services, like medication concierge services that prevent them from missing necessary doses. They may also benefit from assisted living services like onsite transportation to local stores or doctor’s offices – and, transportation to and from recreational excursions with their neighbors from the campus. Assistance can come in many forms, and an assisted living community should be able to provide for those needs at every level. A quality assisted community recognizes that no two seniors’ needs are exactly alike.

Reason #3: The Food 

Of course, meals are a core component of daily life for people of all ages – and so, an assisted living community should offer residents a comprehensive dining program to meet that need. Every resident from age 65 on can benefit from three high quality, locally sourced, delicious and nutritious meals a day prepared by a bonafide chef and experienced kitchen staff.

If there is one assisted living service that adult children seem to envy most, it’s the meals their parents have access to in assisted living community. Ideally, an assisted living community will allow families to dine with their loved ones often so that they can enjoy one another at meal times. Some communities may even hire former restaurant chefs full time to prepare meals for their residents; one in particular, located in Palm Desert, CA, employs a chef who has beat world renowned Food Network chef Bobby Flay at his own game. Who says assisted living meals have to be boring? Communities like these are changing what people thing of a retirement community in Palm Desert or anywhere for that matter, and that’s a great thing.

Starting the Decision Making Process 

Now that you understand what assisted living is all about, you can make an informed choice for your aging parents. By doing your homework and choosing a community that fits the descriptions here, you can feel good about making the assisted living decision for your loved ones. Ask the assisted living communities you contact if they provide the services listed here, so you can be certain the environment is everything your aging parent deserves.