Many seniors’ greatest fear when it comes to assisted living is the loss of independence. They want to be able to decide how they will spend their day, come and go as they please, and have privacy. However, many seniors do themselves a disservice when they equate living alone in a house with freedom and independence. Living at home alone as a senior often creates the illusion of independence, but if such a senior cannot drive, struggles with preparing meals, needs help bathing, etc., then living at home is not truly supporting their independence.
Assisted living can offer support in the areas you need as a senior, freeing you to live your life with dignity and in the way you want. Here are a few ways assisted living can offer you true independence.
- No More Struggling to Keep Up with Chores – If limited mobility or health issues keep you from staying on top of basic housekeeping, assisted living can ensure your living environment is clean, organized, and hygienic. You will feel better and be able to enjoy yourself how you please when cleaning is less of a burden. In addition, clutter can be a tripping hazard. If you were to trip and fall, you could become injured, which would likely limit your freedom.
- Going Out and Socializing on Your Own Terms – As a senior living at home alone, you may not have many options for socialization. Some seniors only get to socialize with others when their adult children have time in their schedules, and these visits may be infrequent. You also may rely on your adult children to take you to medical or hair appointments. Assisted living offers you the freedom to schedule appointments when you want by taking advantage of transportation services. It also allows you to talk to others in your community as you please instead of waiting for people to come to you.
- Less Strain on Family Members – Paying for home health care can be a financial burden for a family and limit their independence in addition to yours. Add to this the ongoing care of the home, errands to buy groceries and refill medications, paying utilities, and having to fill shifts when the healthcare provider calls off for a day, and the strain on family members can be daunting. Assisted living offers you access to staff rather than one unsupervised caregiver, and many other daily living tasks are supported.
Despite what many people may believe, accepting help can increase your independence, and assisted living may be the answer if you are looking for independence as a senior. Contact us at Vienna Village Assisted Living to learn more about our assisted living community.