Helping Senior Skilled Nursing Residents Celebrate the Holidays
December 19, 2022The Importance of Social Engagement for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities
February 14, 2023Somewhat independent senior adults, who need extra help with the activities of daily living, enjoy the many benefits of residing in an assisted living community. An assisted living community is designed specifically for older adults who still want the freedom to live independently, but are at a stage in life when they need assistance with day to day tasks and need the added assurance that help is always within easy access.
The most common types of assistance typically provided in an assisted living community are:
Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as housekeeping, bathing and getting dressed.
Assistance with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as medication management, preparing meals, transportation, mobility, and eating and drinking.
This type of assistance is usually what inspires a senior adult, or their family members, to consider moving into an assisted living community. While onsite therapy may not be one of the first benefits that comes to mind when considering assisted living, it is one of the greatest benefits provided to residents. It is such an important aspect of assisted living because it helps seniors to address any physical and emotional challenges they may face. Licensed therapists identify and categorize the specific levels of care and therapy an individual needs to thrive.
Onsite therapy addresses the needs of the community.
There are many seniors who will struggle with the transition from independent living to a life that requires help from others. By providing onsite talk therapy, an assisted living community helps residents deal with the stress and anxiety associated with this transition by offering advice, suggestions, support and techniques to address any issues or concerns an individual may have.
Other onsite therapy services are provided to residents as their lifestyle needs change. This can be occupational therapy for individuals who need additional assistance with ADLs and IADLs, speech therapy for those who are having trouble speaking as the result of a stroke, or an individual who is having trouble swallowing when eating or drinking, or physical therapy for individuals experiencing balance or mobility issues. An onsite licensed therapist will identify, measure, and quantify any changes as they occur.
Onsite therapy can be beneficial for those suffering a decline in health.
Aging seniors often experience a decline in health as they continue to get older. Even those residing in an assisted living community can witness drastic changes in their health. Members of the care staff team are often more likely to notice these changes, but they may miss very small signs that issues are occurring. Therapists have the necessary experience and training to recognize even the smallest signs that the health of a resident is declining, whether it is physical function or cognition. The therapist will work with the care staff and family members of the individual and teach them ways to address this decline in health in order to maintain and/or regain optimal health.
Therapy promotes overall wellbeing.
There are an estimated 1 million individuals living in assisted living communities throughout the US, with approximately 81% requiring some type of therapy to address issues with at least one daily task. Onsite therapy helps more than just the sick or debilitated. It offers important wellness benefits to the community as a whole. Onsite therapy promotes a community that is focused on being a healthy, viable option for anyone who resides there, or someone who is considering assisted living for the future.
Conclusion
Assisted living communities are the perfect choice for an aging population. They not only provide assistance with the activities of daily living, but also because they strive to meet the social, emotional, mental, and physical needs of seniors as well. Therapy – whether it is occupational, speech, physical, or Talk Therapy – works to meet the needs of residents as they adapt to a new stage in life.
Elderberry Healthcare was established in 1989 to serve the needs of Madison County and the surrounding communities’ senior population. Many families in Madison County have experienced the compassionate care and attentiveness that our staff provides. Today we care for a wide variety of individualized healthcare needs. With 3 distinct levels of care, we help seniors who need minimal support in our Assisted Living; around the clock nursing care in our Skilled Nursing Unit; and Transitional Rehabilitation services for post-operative patients. Contact us today to learn more.