Assisted Living Nurtures Independence
Sometimes the aging process is slow and gradual, and other times we are caught off guard by something surprising such as a stroke or a fall. Future planning can help ease this process.
Regardless of whether someone becomes frail of body or mind over a period of time or if care needs change rapidly, the older adult is seldom prepared mentally to leave their home or apartment and move on to retirement or assisted living.
We live in a culture that values independence. For some reason, we consider it a sign of strength to live in our own homes. What we lose in our lives by placing such value on independence is the basic human need for visual and mental stimulation.
When an older adult lives alone, and particularly if the older person is no longer able to drive, a vicious circle of decline is likely to happen. With limited relationships and mental stimulation, the brain begins to atrophy. Just like a muscle in the body, if we don’t use it, we lose it. With decreased stimulation anxiety and depression can occur. With limited stimulation, the appetite decreases and mobility decreases. With decreased food intake, seniors may also begin drinking less and less liquids. This vicious cycle of lack of stimulation, poor diet and dehydration lead quickly to a decline in an older adult’s ability to live alone. To remain mentally alert, we need other people to stimulate our senses and to reflect back on ourselves our importance in life.
Even if a person is not a social individual, living in a communal living situation offers needed companionship of simply hearing a friendly “hello” now and then.
It is a misconception that living in a home without others around is a life of independence. It is in actuality a situation that can lead to full dependence upon others. We need to make a drastic change in our thinking.
Making a move to retirement living enhances a person’s ability to retain independence and to retain control over one’s life. Without the stresses of maintaining a home, a condo or apartment-style senior living situation offers the ability to have companionship as well as other services that becomes of increasing importance as aging occurs. And, should care needs occur through the normal aging process, the senior is already living in a community where assisted living services are readily available.
Call CHOICE for free assistance. We’re available by phone or we can meet you in person. Call us at 800-361-0138
