One of the biggest worries for older adults and their adult children is safety. You may have heard a story or two about a forgotten stove burner, a fall that wasn’t discovered in a timely manner, or even a walk that turned into wandering. Unfortunately, living alone can become increasingly risky as we age.
The thought of moving into assisted living doesn’t always help; seniors sometimes associate a move with the loss of their independence and privacy. That can make it hard to want to explore other options. The best assisted living communities understand this, and they are committed to creating an environment where older adults can continue living independently while reducing unnecessary risks.
Safety Starts With a Community Designed for Older Adults
Assisted living communities have changed significantly over the past 30 years. Today, they are designed to reduce accidents and enhance comfort. Wide hallways, accessible floor plans, and handrails and grab bars are just a few of the adaptations that are almost universal. Fall prevention has come a long way, supported by good lighting to reduce trip hazards, emergency call systems, and slip-resistant flooring. Community entrances are more secure than ever, yet they still feel homelike and not institutional.
Around-the-Clock Support Provides Peace of Mind
Care from staff is a key element for safety and security. Team members are available 24 hours a day to respond to call lights and routinely check on residents. While response time is slower than in skilled nursing, for example, just knowing that someone is there to check on you or a loved one is reassuring. Medications can be another factor in healthy aging, so living in a community with staff that can manage medications and reminders can take a load off family members. It also helps residents stay on their medication schedule.
Help with activities of daily living (ADLs) is another reason people explore assisted living. Communities regularly help with transfers, bathing, dressing, and mobility. Staff help morning and evening routines run smoothly. They also act as another set of eyes to look out for changes in residents’ health before they become major concerns. Having a team of people close by can be a major emotional benefit for residents and family members.
Safety Is Also About Preventing Isolation
The negative health impacts of isolation are well-documented, and include increased risk for depression and anxiety, dementia, and self-harm. Unfortunately, the risk of isolation increases as we age. Living alone usually means there is no one around to notice changes. This is another way assisted living communities ensure safety and security for their residents. Residents are seen regularly throughout the day during meals and activities, and if a person isn’t in the mood to go to either of those things, staff will still check on them. Neighbors and friends also keep an eye out for each other, just as they would in any other community. This often leads to early intervention if there are changes in a person’s mood, appetite, mobility, or cognition. Addressing things early creates more time for successful interventions and better overall outcomes. Social engagement is essential to human life and has a big impact on our overall well-being and self-confidence.
Communities Balance Security With Independence
Fear of the loss of independence is one of the biggest objections older adults and their families have when it comes to considering life in assisted living. This is natural; people have usually lived very full lives to this point, and have had the freedom to come and go as they choose. They are often used to total privacy and dignity. The best communities understand this and want to meet you or your loved one where you are. The right care plan should provide support when needed, but not infringe upon freedoms or privacy at other times. It shouldn’t mean having staff members constantly around.
Assistance can often be personalized, and safety should feel more reassuring than restrictive. Residents should be able to do more, not less, because they feel confident with the support of a team that can support them when desired. If you’re wondering if assisted living might be a good fit for you, consider touring a few communities. Pay attention to how you feel when in the building, and trust your instincts. A few things to observe include:
- Cleanliness and maintenance
- Staff interactions with residents–do they appear relaxed, engaged, and comfortable?
- Safety features, like lighting, clear hallways and overall accessibility, and emergency call systems
Safety and security are often a result of people, processes, and the environment working together. The right assisted living community can provide both residents and families with peace of mind and a high quality of life. For more information about Country Place Senior Living, or to schedule a tour, contact us today.
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