Q: My siblings think mom needs to move to an assisted living community. I’m not familiar with assisted living. What does this mean and how would it be of benefit to my mother?
A: It’s good your family is thinking about your mother’s care. An assisted living community offers assistance with daily living tasks. Assisted living communities offer more personal care services than living at home alone. These communities provide varying levels of support as needed to allow a senior to live as independently as possible in a residential setting.
There are basic included care services. Some communities are all inclusive while others require additional fees determined by levels of care needs. Services include things like housekeeping and laundry services, medication management and assistance with eating, dressing, walking and going to the bathroom.
It’s important to understand that trained, supervised staff is available to care for residents. At Victoria Landing, for example, families don’t need to worry about managing home health services and coordinating schedules. This is our job.
Having your mom live in an assisted living community is also good for caregivers’ well-being. Family members often put aside their own health to take care of a love one’s increasing needs. Sometimes, it’s best for everyone to allow trained staff to care for a parent.
There is greater quality of time that can be spent with mom when she lives in an assisted living community. Without worrying about her day-to-day care, you are able to visit whenever you like and can enjoy your time together. It’s amazing how many adult children tell me how much better they sleep now that mom lives at Victoria Landing.
Another benefit provided by an assisted living community is that residents’ dietary needs are taken care of by well qualified staff. It’s often challenging for seniors to prepare balanced meals when living alone. Whether having to do with depression, limited transportation or loss of appetite or energy, people don’t enjoy cooking for one. Assisted living communities provide nutritious, well-balanced meals three times a day in a restaurant-style dining room where they can eat and socialize with other residents. Our Riverfront Dining Room has an executive chef who creates food that everyone loves. He uses fresh local provisions and families come here often to join their parents for meals.
An assisted living community offers opportunities to socialize. It’s no secret that many seniors who live alone suffer from depression. Assisted living communities typically have an activities director who oversees the social and recreational activities schedule for the residents, enabling them to meet new friends, and remain active and engaged with life. Studies have shown that active elders are happier and healthier than those who remain isolated. There’s always someone to talk with during and after meals. We always encourage families to join us for activities and we look forward to welcoming your mom.
Here, at Victoria Landing we are happy to answer any questions you may have, and invite you to take a tour of our community at your convenience. Please call us at 321.622.6730.
