Benefits Assisted Living in Villanova

Assisted living communities in Villanova have a lot to offer the people who call them home. More than the average person realizes. Unlike aging in place, assisted living communities provide direct access to daily care and assistance for those who need it – when they need it. These are a few of the other benefits aging adults in need of a little assistance will enjoy by making the move to assisted living villanova.

Independence Encouragement

One of the most important features an assisted living community can offer is the encouragement of people who need assistance to do as much for themselves as possible. This doesn’t mean leaving them to their own devices. Instead, it means watching carefully and encouraging and celebrating each accomplishment residents achieve on their own. It’s a huge difference that allows individuals to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Avoid Dangerous Activities like Hoarding

Hoarding is a common condition among older adults living alone. It can grow out of hand really fast causing emotional distress and social isolation. Assisted living facilities provide a watchful eye to make sure that this does not become a problem with residents. Some offer housekeeping services (for a fee) while others include it as part of the costs.

Meal Preparation

Family members of residents of assisted living communities do not need to worry that their relatives aren’t being fed healthy meals daily. Most of them will enjoy healthier menu options than if they were left to their own devices. The added benefit is that many will avoid injuries and accidents related to cooking by having meals prepared for them.

Engaging and Healthy Activities

From daily exercise and/or physical fitness to fun activities like crafts, gardening, music classes, games, and so much more, assisted living communities offer a wide range of planned activities designed to engage the minds and spark creativity among residents. After all, the need for assistance does not mean there isn’t a lot of living left to do.

Another huge benefit to consider with assisted living in Villanova is that residents enjoy access to a community of people with similar needs and capabilities to encourage one another and share the little things that have made them able to adapt to their conditions better. It’s the little things that matter and finding the right assisted living facility can make all the difference.

Keep the kitchen safe for aging relatives

Depending upon the type of assisted living Villanova or senior housing facility a parent moves into in the Villanova area, he or she may still have some comforts of living in their own apartment unit. If this is the situation, it is important to ensure that the home is set up to be as safe as possible. Some of the older facilities may require some updating and if allowed by the complex, it may be possible to renovate a parent’s new home.

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in a home for an elderly parent. It can pose tripping, fire, electrocution and laceration hazards. If renovations are allowed, the kitchen should be the first area of the home to focus on.

Appliances

Inspect and make sure that all current appliances are safe and secure to operate. It may be necessary to install new models of appliances to ensure the safety of a parent. Newer models are designed to safely operate and have other precautions to ensure they are not misused.

To help them spend less time in the kitchen cleaning up, make sure there is a working dishwasher in the kitchen. It is also a good idea to create an organized working space. That way they can store everything in a designated place and remember where it is.

Cabinets

It should be easy for the parent to reach into the cabinets and get what he or she needs. By installing pull-out shelves, it makes it possible to take advantage of all the space in a cabinet and have it easily pull out so it can be accessed. It is also important to install the upper cabinets at a height they can easily be reached. If that is not possible, consider installing pull-down shelves to make them easily accessible.

Knobs

The knobs on cabinets can often be difficult to grasp for some elderly parents. Replace all knobs with those that can be easily grabbed and pulled on. Suggested knobs include those that are in the shape of the letter D and those that are cup-shaped.

A newly renovated kitchen will offer a safe environment for a parent to cook in. The renovation may also help create an organized space where the parent can find everything he or she needs on a daily basis.

Debunking the Most Common Myths About Assisted Living

For those who have loved ones who are beginning to have a hard time taking care of themselves and living on their own, it may be time to consider talking about assisted living Villanova area. After all, there are many assisted living facilities that can provide the care and housing a loved one needs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths floating around about assisted living that may be keeping one from having the talk with their loved one.

Myth 1: Staying at Home Makes More Financial Sense

A lot of families think that staying at home makes more financial sense than moving into an assisted living facility. After all, it's always possible to hire at-home care, right? This is true, but the fact remains that hiring at-home care typically costs several times more than assisted living would. This, on top of other expenses (such as paying for yard care) can make at-home care a lot more expensive than most realize.

Myth 2: Assisted Living Means a Loss of Independence

Another common misconception about assisted living is that it means a loved one will automatically lose their sense of independence once they move away from home. In reality, this couldn't be further from the truth. These days, assisted living facilities offer various levels of care based on a loved one's needs. Those who are still capable can live extremely independently, whereas those who need a little more help can receive that assistance. It doesn't have to mean losing independence.

Myth 3: Assisted Living Communities Are Boring

When some people think of assisted living communities, they think of them as boring facilities where there isn't much for residents to do. However, this is simply not true. Today, more than ever, assisted living communities encourage their residents to get out and be active. Many offer fitness classes, recreational activities, game nights, and excursions that residents can partake in. Who knows? A loved one could even discover a new hobby!

Myth 4: Assisted Living is Out of Budget

Last but not least, it's important to realize that assisted living doesn't have to be out of one's budget, no matter how small it may be. Many assisted living facilities offer income-based options, and insurance can also help to reduce costs. In this sense, assisted living can generally be affordable on any budget.

Preparing for a Move Into Assisted Living

As people age and grow into what’s known as their golden years, there are many living adjustments that need to be considered. It’s not always easy to keep up with the household chores. For those who live outside of the city outskirts, transportation can be a problem. If they are far away from friends and family members, life can be very lonely. When there are health problems as well, a move to assisted living Villanova is a good way to improve an elderly person’s standard of living. However, to get the most out of an assisted living environment, making the decision to move is best done at an age when all of the amenities available can be enjoyed.

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

With the help of friends, family and word of mouth, people can research and locate the assisted living facility best suited for their needs. Besides the rooms available and activities offered, one of the important considerations is location. With growing older, an assisted living environment close to family members is ideal to make frequent visits easier with less travel time.

Downsizing in Preparation

By the time people get to the age of moving into assisted living in Villanova, they have probably accumulated a lot of things. If their home is larger than the assisted living quarters, their next step would be sorting through and prioritizing items they want to take with them. Fortunately, this can be done slowly and gradually. By making a list of what they will need in their new living arrangement, they should begin to go through all of their belongings. It’s a perfect time to distribute family heirlooms, unused furniture and even kitchenware to family members or people who need these items. Once this is finished, a big moving sale is great for selling off the extra items. Items leftover from the sale can be donated to a distribution center.

Moving Day

The actual moving day can be intensely emotional, but also exciting. It is closing the door on an old and known lifestyle while opening the doors to something brand new. It can also be physically challenging, with all the unpacking and organizing to do. Finding friends or family members to help with this part of the move will save energy for enjoying the new space at assisted living in Villanova.

Making the Move to Assisted Living

Getting older is a very hard thing for many Americans today. As the person ages, the often face increased numbers of physical and mental challenges. Most often, these challenges are paired by emotions of anger, frustration and fear. Families aren’t always able to care for their older loved ones in the way they want, leaving them to find assisted living options.

Choosing Assisted Living

Families have to consider assisted living Villanova when they see memory and personality changes. Older adults often try to cope with the mental changes they experience, but this can lead to a very dangerous living situation. Families may find, for example, that their loved ones are not taking the right mediations on time. Some families regret not seeking additional help when a tragic accident occurs that leaves their loved one hospitalized or worse.

Many older adults struggle with the aging process. Some of the struggle is due to fear of the unknown, a desire to keep control and anxiety about what they are experiencing. It is frustrating and strange for those who cannot remember or don’t realize anything is wrong. When family members confront elderly patients, the conversation is often tense and awkward. The family usually doesn’t want conflict and the older adult doesn’t want to be confronted with the truth of the situation. Sometimes, patients don’t even believe there is anything wrong at all.

The struggle of Change

More often than not, a loved one feels they are betrayed by those closest to them. Some older patients feel assisted living is really their family “just passing them off.” But, loved ones cannot keep up with the intense care older patients need. Those who have physical struggles have to be constantly lifted and helped with their mobility. Those who have mental struggles or aren’t realistic about their limits have to be monitored closely to avoid severe accidents. Those who are mean because of personality changes have to be helped by someone with very thick stick. Experts often recommend that even if a child is caring for his or her older parent, vacations and breaks must be had to give that caretaker time to rejuvenate and rest. Everyone gets worn down, but when an older patient lives with family members, they aren’t paid to work round-the-clock shifts.

Change is very hard for most people, especially when the change is perceived to be bad. Sometimes these feelings can be mitigated if the family introduces the aging loved one ot their new community months or weeks in advance. Giving a family member time to warm up to new friends can help them feel more at ease when time for the big move comes.

What Do People Mean By Assisted Living?

Depending on who a person is talking to, the term "assisted living" can mean a variety of things. When someone talks about assisted living villanova, they are usually referring to living in a place where there is, at minimum, guidance and support available that help a person who has physical or mental limitations live a more active and fulfilling life than they would be able to live without these services. There are three main groups who have issued official definitions; the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Defining Assisted Living ALFA is a for profit organization that advocated for those who need Assisted Living Services. If defines assisted living as combining personalized supportive services, housing, individualized health care involving activities of daily living (ADLs) which require a lower skill level than the medical care available in a nursing home. AAHSA in a non-profit group dedicated to helping older adults find service that they need to enrich their lives. They define Assisted Living as a program that arranges or provides supportive services, including daily meals, health care, and other personal services. The program also provides around the clock oversight to persons who live in a group residential facility who require help with ADLs.

The DHHS oversees public health issues that involve all segments of the population, including, among others, the elderly and the disabled. They define Assisted Living as a setting where residents receive either "routine general protective oversight" or are assisted with activities needed in order for mentally or physically limited persons to live independently. What is an ADL or IADL? In the world of health care and other support services the term ADL stands for "activities of daily living." Officially, this refers to eating, bathing, dressing, mobility issues including things such as getting to and using the bathroom or getting in or out of bed or chair. This term is used to compare and contrast against Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which include residential care facilities and communities that cater to senior citizens and encourage social interaction. Skills that fall under the umbrella of IADL include driving , shopping, financial management and budgeting, computer skills, cooking, and keeping up with medication needs. In many cases it is easier for a senior to admit they need or want help with IADL skills than ADL skills.

Because of this, there are some places that provide assisted living in the Villanova area that have options to provide both types of services. It may be easier for seniors themselves, and/or their adult children to make the decision to move into a senior community where IADL services are provided than it is to get help with more personal ADL needs.

Some seniors live their whole lives without needing any more help than IADLs, but many choose to take a close look at senior communities and it gives them peace of mind to know that they or their loved ones will be able to transition to assisted living in Villanova without a lot of fanfare, should they ever need the extra care.

Helping Aging Parents Adjust to Assisted Living

Despite the advantages that assisted living has to offer, it can be very difficult for seniors to make the change. By planning this move in advance, adult children can help their parents have a smoother transition to assisted living Villanova. A smoother move can encourage seniors that they’re making the right choice. The following guidelines can help facilitate the transition process so seniors can enjoy their new community to the full. 

Help with Packing & Set Up of New Environment

After living in the same place for 20, 30 or 40 years, it’s only natural for seniors to have regrets in leaving their old home behind. Adult children can make it easier by helping them pack and move. Taking meaningful possessions and goods to their new location will help seniors create an environment that feels more like home. Having their adult children’s physical help and support can reduce moving costs.

Adult children should let parents decide what items to take and what to leave behind. In some ways, it’s better for parents to take too much rather than risk discarding something they may regret later on. Once they’re settled in their new environment, parents can make less emotional decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of. For the present, however, they may feel better surrounding themselves with the comforts of home.

Say Farewell to Old Home

Before moving to their new location, seniors may want to plan one last event as a farewell to their old home. Adult children can organize a family reunion, dinner party or BBQ to commemorate the occasion. Part of saying good-by is remembering the good times parents and siblings shared in a family home. A farewell celebration will add last minute happy memories that parents can take with them when they move.

Work with Assisted Living Staff

Assisted living staff members carry a big responsibility in caring for senior residents in their community. Adult children can help their aging parents establish a good relationship with local staff from the start. Seniors should make an effort to get to know staff members by name and inquire about their job. This helps establish a good rapport that will grow as time goes on.  

Adjusting to an assisted living lifestyle may take time. By helping to facilitate this transition, adult children can make this a positive experience for everyone involved.