Making a Decision About Assisted Living Facilities

In the pilot episode of Frasier, Frasier and his brother are debating on whether or not to put their father, who can’t live alone, in <a title=”Let Great Places help you find information on assisted living facilities!” rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >assisted living facilities</a>.  He pulls a brochure out of his pocket that reads “We care – so you don’t have to.” They decide instead to opt for an <a title=”Great Places can help you locate in-home health care!” rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >in-home health care</a> professional. Do you hold this same view of assisted living places, nursing homes or senior apartments?   Do you feel that it is a thing people do when they don’t care? Maybe you have the image of assisted living places as cold, unhappy and filled with grumpy attendants? While some of the facilities out there may live up to these rather dismal pictures – some couldn’t be farther from that truth.

Today there are many assisted living facilities that offer a modern way for seniors to live. For some it is a great way to get involved in a community and have an easy, active lifestyle with planned activities and social events. There as many types of assisted living facilities as there are personalities so it is important to ask questions and choose the community that would be right for you or your loved one.

The activities that are available in these types of communities are numerous. With the invention of the new gaming system the Nintendo Wii, many facilities are utilizing it as a great way for seniors to get some exercise. It has also become a great way for grandparent’s to understand more about their grandchildren’s video games. From boxing to golf to tennis, there is a little something for all levels of activity.

The cleaning, upkeep and grounds are all taken care of. This can be especially important for someone who can’t take care of a large house or apartment anymore. For those that need the calming, nurturing activity of gardening, there are many assisted living facilities now providing a place for residents to grow fruit and vegetables on the ground. This may not only provide a much needed break for residents but could possibly provide cost-cutting measures for the community as well.

The social calendar abounds in assisted living facilities. This allows residents to get to know one another, develop deep relationships in the next phase of their life and to get involved in activities that they love. From yoga to tai-chi to cooking classes there is always something for everyone. The transition from independent living to assisted living facilities may be a difficult transition for many. With the ability to get involved and meet people right away, the resident will began to feel much more at home. Many times people choose to live in a facility like this not necessarily because they can’t care for themselves, but simply because they want to ease of having activities available and an immediate social network of people who may have gone through the same things as them and are in the same place in life as they are. The social activities really provide the connection most residents crave.

Assisted living facilities don’t need to hold the “We care so you don’t have to” mentality. While Frasier and his brother chose another route for their father, perhaps this will be the right route for someone you love. Take a look at what all the communities have to offer so you can choose one that is right for you.