The Benefits Of Living Together In Assisted Living
Most senior couples have been together for several years. Continuing to stay together in an assisted living facility offers a tremendous sense of comfort and peace of mind for both partners. It allows them to offer each other the physical, mental and emotional support same as they’ve done through the years they’ve been together. This continued support and togetherness boosts overall health and happiness.
Staying together staves off many age-related issues such as loneliness, depression and anxiety, which is key to improving quality of life even as a person ages.
Another factor that helps improve quality of life in senior couples is that in an assisted living facility neither partner has to worry about everyday chores such as cleaning, shopping or cooking.
These daily tasks are taken care of, giving the plenty of time couple time to relax and do things they enjoy.
What To Do If Your Aging Parents Have Different Care Needs
This is the one of the more common challenges that arises when looking for assisted living for couples in Long Beach.
Every individual ages differently. Both spouses may need help with a different set of issues. Even if both partners have the same issues, the level of care required may be different. Depending on the care requirements, finding a facility that caters to all of their needs may involve a more extensive search.
If your aging parents have different care needs, it is advisable to start by first making a list of their problems and their care needs.
Once you have this list ready, you can ask the various assisted living facilities if they are able to meet both of their needs, whether it is related to cognitive decline, immobility issues, or help with some other area.
How To Find The Right Senior Living Option For Your Older Parents
These three tips will make it easier for you find the right senior living options for your older parents:
1. Start your search early – This cannot be overemphasized. Finding a facility that can cater to the needs of both partners can take time. The earlier you start the better your chances of finding a suitable facility without compromising.
2. Ask about the type of dedicated care – Never assume that the facility will take care of problems as they arise. Finding out in advance about the type of dedicated care that is offered will save you a lot of heartache later on.
3. Ask how the assisted living community caters to couple as well as personal preferences – Aside from different care needs, a couple may also have different interests. Being able to continue enjoying their favorite activities is key to living together happily.
If only one partner can participate in an activity they like and the other cannot, that is bound to create some amount of tension.
Understanding what the assisted living facility offers can help prevent this from happening.
