Emotional Benefits of Living in an Assisted Living Facility
Most seniors feel lonely, primarily because they live in their homes all alone. They might have only a few visitors each week, and they might not have a lot of friends. Some seniors can no longer drive, either, leaving them trapped alone at home. If your parent is in this situation, have you considered talking to them about assisted living? These communities can offer physical benefits as well as emotional benefits. Here are some of the emotional benefits that seniors experience when they move to an assisted living facility.
More Contact with Other People
When seniors live alone, they might only see the people who come to visit them. For example, their children might stop by. If they are lucky enough to have a close neighbor, they might also receive visits from this person. The visits they receive might not be enough, though. When they move to an assisted living facility, everything changes. They will have contact with people as much as they would like. They can have workers come by each day to help them with things or visit with them. They can walk out of their rooms and see other residents on the grounds. They can also eat meals with other residents and take part in activities. This increased interaction helps seniors feel better emotionally.
A Calendar of Activities for the Residents
Seniors living in assisted living facilities also have access to a calendar of activities. They can participate in all the activities or some, and they can spend time with other people during these events. Assisted living facilities focus on resident interaction. As a result, they plan activities all the time, and they encourage the residents to come to them.
Relationships Combat the Negative Effects of Loneliness
Loneliness is prevalent with seniors, but it is also hazardous for their health. Lonely seniors tend to experience more health issues and might even live shorter lives. When seniors have access to people and relationships, it combats the negative effects of loneliness. The result of this is happier, healthier seniors. Seniors can feel a sense of purpose when they have friends to be with, which is a great thing for their health and wellbeing.
As you can see, moving to an assisted living facility offers many emotional benefits for seniors. If you are worried about your senior parent living alone and feeling lonely, talk to them about their options. You can learn more about senior living options by talking to the director of an assisted living facility.
Share