It’s common for seniors to need a helping hand as they grow older Whether it’s assistance with bathing, preparing healthy meals or driving to medical appointments, it’s not unusual for them to rely more and more on family and friends.
However, as the level of needed help increases, the home itself might offer accessibility and safety challenges, or a caregiver family member may not be up to the increasing care needs. This is when many families begin exploring the advantages and opportunities that assisted living can provide.
If you’re considering whether assisted living care might be the right answer for you or a loved one, there are several senior living questions that can illustrate how well care needs might match with the benefits offered.
Is assisted living right for you?
Answering the following senior living questions can help determine if an assisted living community could provide the help that would not only make daily life easier but contribute to a higher quality of life.
Senior Living Question #1: Is the home accessible and age-friendly?
The majority of houses built in the U.S. were not constructed with aging in mind. Necessary renovations can be expensive. Many seniors are left to navigate stairs, narrow hallways and inaccessible bathrooms.
Imagine living in one of the move-in ready private apartments that assisted living communities offer – where the residents are also supported to personalize their homes.
Senior Living Question #2: Is help needed with basic daily tasks?
If daily assistance is needed, it might have fallen to friends or family members to help out. However, this can often create a sense of reliance on others and cause many to feel a loss of independence.
An assisted living community provides compassionate assistance on a daily basis, which also helps residents gain back their sense of autonomy.
Senior Living Question #3: Are there opportunities to make new friends?
Losing friends or family members can leave a large void. Unfortunately, this time in life can often provide fewer opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
One of the great advantages of an assisted living community is how easy it is to meet the other residents and discover the many familiar stories that are shared.
Senior Living Question #4: Are there activities and social events available?
If it has become more difficult to remain engaged in activities or to interact with others, this can have an impact on physical and cognitive health – and also quality of life.
Assisted living communities provide a monthly calendar of interesting and fun activities to choose from, as well as other events for the residents to naturally meet each other and socialize.
Senior Living Question #5: Is healthy eating part of the plan?
After a lifetime of planning, shopping and preparing meals, it’s understandable to lose enthusiasm for cooking. Unfortunately, many older adults substitute snacks, processed foods or skip meals altogether.
Dieticians plan healthy menu selections that meet both nutritional needs and personal preferences in assisted living. Residents leave the kitchen duties to the staff while they enjoy delicious food and the camaraderie with friends.
Senior Living Question #6: What type of fitness opportunities are available?
Keeping both body and mind in shape can help meet wellness goals. However, it can also become more challenging to find opportunities to exercise or ways to remain cognitively fit.
In assisted living, you’ll discover exercise, stretching and balance classes tailored to older adults. Residents only have to walk out their front door – and if joining friends – will find it much more fun to work out together.
Senior Living Question #7: Is there regular access to transportation?
Older adults who no longer drive tend to stay at home more, especially if they’re unable to arrange rides with friends, family or other alternatives.
Yet another great benefit of an assisted living community is the scheduled transportation provided to medical appointments, shopping and entertainment. Residents no longer need to worry about traffic or parking.
Senior Living Question #8: Are feelings of safety and security supported?
It’s not uncommon for older adults to become anxious about their personal safety. Those who live at home may also worry about becoming ill or injured and not being able to access help.
Among the security features offered by assisted living communities, it is reassuring to the residents and their families to know they are never truly alone if help is needed.
Retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
