Over 17% of New Jersey's population is 65 and over.
If you've got an aging loved one, you might be wondering how you can help them live the best possible life they can. As they get older, they may begin to require more help handling day-to-day tasks, which can be disconcerting for loved ones.
You may not have the time or capabilities to deal with senior care. In this scenario, the best thing to do is register your loved one in a senior independent living community. This is a major transition in an older person's life, but something that can raise their quality of life significantly.
In today's post, we'll help ease this transition by telling you what to expect from senior living communities. Read on and let us put you and your loved one's minds at ease with regards to assisted living.
Assisted care might seem like it restricts your loved one's independence, but the opposite is true in reality. When your loved one enters a senior living community, they get their own space to call their own. They can make their own schedule and only attend social gatherings when they feel like it.
Being able to maintain independence as you age is essential. All of the rooms at assisted living facilities are equipped with full kitchens, shower bars, and a variety of other amenities to promote independent living.
At the same time, however, a great emphasis is put on social interaction in assisted care. According to the National Institute of Health, social activity is paramount in maintaining physical and mental health in seniors. Social isolation, on the other hand, is linked to things like Alzheimer's, depression, and heart disease.
It can be difficult for an elderly loved one to spend time with people their own age. In assisted living, this is not a problem and there are plenty of programs and activities geared toward creating a booming social life for all residents.
Whether it's group outings to local attractions or daily activities in the facility, there's always something to do with other residents. Your loved one will make plenty of friends and get the social life they didn't know they needed.
Another big concern for many loved ones of seniors living at home is that they don't get the care they need. As people age, the need for assistance with daily activities tends to grow. If there are physical or mental conditions thrown in, they might need near-constant help.
In an assisted living facility, there are plenty of compassionate and highly trained staff members available to look after your loved one. Not only are they friendly and helpful, but they're equipped to deal with emergencies should they arise.
Staff will administer medication and look after residents' needs. There are even memory care programs to help those with dementia live the best possible life.
In addition, your loved one will have access to health professionals regularly. Doctors and nurses will come in for scheduled appointments and check-ups to ensure residents are healthy as well as happy.
Another hallmark of senior living is nutrition. A good diet is important for people of all ages, but it becomes that much more important when you get older. You need a balanced diet that's aimed at promoting overall health and preventing serious issues, like diabetes, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure.
A good assisted living community will have an in-house restaurant available for residents at all times. At Woodbury Mews, we've got the Gourmet Bites Cuisine. Our chef offers up a rotating menu of delicious and nutritious bite-sized food tailored to residents' dietary restrictions and needs.
It should be noted that most rooms in assisted living facilities are equipped with kitchens. If your loved one prefers to cook for themselves, they can do so, and go down to the restaurant when they aren't up for cooking.
You can expect your loved one to enjoy an active lifestyle in assisted living. As with nutrition, elderly people need to develop healthy habits to keep their bodies fit. Regular exercise can delay and even prevent many of the health issues that come with aging.
Your loved one will always be able to walk around the community with other residents. In addition, however, there are many programs aimed at keeping residents active. Whether it's having a yoga teacher come in to lead a class or an aerobics instructor, health is always a priority.
Health isn't just about the body, it's about the mind too. Mental health in older adults can be a tricky thing to navigate. In assisted living, they'll have access to counselors and therapists, but they'll also be able to enjoy wellness classes.
A large portion of our programming at Woodbury Mews is geared toward mental health. We've got a mindfulness meditation program, as well as a memory-building program to help fight memory loss. This is all in addition to our world-class memory care services to help those dealing with degenerative brain conditions.
Something a lot of family members have concerns about is cost. Assisted living is surprisingly affordable, given what your loved one will get back in health and wellness.
Monthly rates include everything we've mentioned so far and so much more. Different room sizes come in at different rates, so you can choose the room that fits your loved one's needs, as well as your budget. Room choice is subject to availability.
When you know what to expect from a senior independent living community, the transition is so much easier. These are just a few of the many perks of elderly care, but if your loved one is still hesitant, don't be afraid to take them on a tour.
If you're in South Jersey, pay us a visit at Woodbury Mews. We're one of the top assisted living communities in the state, offering a wide range of amenities and programs for residents of all backgrounds and needs. Contact us today to find out what your loved one will get out of our assisted living community.