Is Senior Living Right for Mom and Dad?

The process of determining which senior care solution is best for your loved one can feel like trying to learn a new language. If you live near Alton, IL, and have been thinking about choosing a senior living community for your mom or dad, this article might be useful.

Family members’ fear and worry when they realize their loved one is aging can be overwhelming. With so many services and resources available, it's difficult to know where you'll find the right information or how much time should be spent looking into each service before deciding on any final decisions.

The needs of older adults are widely recognized, and there is a growing body of research examining the complexities faced by this population. Several sources offer support for those who have experienced aging-related health concerns or challenges. 

Senior Living is a great option for family members looking to provide their aging parents with the assistance they need. However, knowing what questions or concerns should come first can be difficult when making this decision.

Here's some info that may help!

How is Their Social Life and Interactions with Other Seniors?

The idea that isolation can harm your physical and mental health is not new. Research points to social connection as an important factor in maintaining good living conditions, especially when it comes to old age. 

A study suggests how feelings of loneliness may increase risks associated not just with depression but also with heart disease or dementia symptoms.

The number of hours spent with friends and family members is a strong indication of how long someone will live. Having active social circles can help older adults stay healthier by staying in touch. Making new connections through conversation may lead them down healthy paths they might not have otherwise explored.

In addition to the senior activities that take place at Villa Rose Senior Living Community, there is always something new happening on any given day. Whether you're looking for educational classes or fun group trips with friends old and new alike- we've got it covered!

A sense of belonging comes naturally when surrounded by people who share your interests in life's simplest pleasures like reading books together or playing cards after dinner.

Examine Their Diet

Healthy eating is a necessity for seniors, but it can be hard to prepare healthy meals when you're only cooking yourself. The daily tasks of cooking, cleaning, and preparing food can be difficult for seniors.

It is important to nourish your loved ones with healthy meals. Senior citizens who do not maintain at least 2-3 balanced, nutritious diets per day may resort to snacking or microwavable foods that are often unhealthy for them. Even if they're eating well, you can help them stay on track by making sure that all of their meals include at least 2-3 Servings per day and selecting nutritious snacks too.

Residents at Villa Rose don't need to worry about cooking or cleaning. They're served three restaurant-style meals a day in the comfort of a beautiful dining room. Each meal is carefully planned out by our dedicated kitchen staff.

Is It Time to Downsize?

In some living situations, a home may be too big for an older adult's needs and they might need more assistance. There are much larger, older homes in Alton, IL with a lot of history. The idea of leaving the family home and downsizing is often daunting for older adults and their loved ones. It is hard to imagine leaving your home with so many sentimental memories tucked inside the walls.

But holding on too tightly can be detrimental and lead them towards an unhealthy lifestyle full of isolation because of avoiding any changes or challenges outside their comfort zone. The fear of falling makes many adults feel safer when they have someone else around in case something does happen. Or maybe they just like the idea of having company around. 

There are options if your loved one is not ready to leave their home. Home care services can bring support to an adult in their home, giving them the assistance they need when it is needed most. If you are wondering if your loved one can handle living on his/her own anymore with additional help from a professional caregiver,  you might want to consider assisted living.

How Often Do They Need Assistance?

How much time do you spend at your loved one's house helping them with meals, laundry, and other daily tasks? You know you love them, but working a full-time job is hard enough without having to help your mom or dad. This type of stress can be unhealthy for those experiencing already hectic lifestyles.

When folks choose to move into a senior community like Villa Rose, they get more than just meals and events. They have the option to live independently while being offered the supportive services they need.

For example, reminding your mom or dad to take their medication on time is extremely important and can lead to adverse outcomes if the medicine is not managed correctly. 

Residents at Villa Rose have the availability to acquire medication reminder services and many other supportive services through Visiting Angels.

Consult With a Professional

You must speak with your loved one's physician to analyze what they need before making any decisions. They are knowledgeable about the latest treatments and should be able to give sound advice for future needs, regardless of what those might entail.

Our team is always ready to help you find the perfect solution for your aging loved one. We know that every situation and living arrangement has its own unique needs, so don't hesitate! 

Contact our office today