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Keeping My Mom Safe, Happy, and Healthy

How Can Assisted Living Communities Help Restore Independence For Aging Adults?

14 December 2021

Lisa Sutton

Independence is one of the most important things for the average American adult. It doesn't matter when you were born. The idea of relying on others to do for you is a bitter pill for many people to swallow. Especially as we age.

No one wants to feel as though they are a burden to family members and loved ones. This is where an assisted living community can be instrumental in restoring independence and dignity for aging adults. Here's how.

Assist With Grooming and Personal Care

Many aging adults despise asking for assistance for their personal care needs. It's too embarrassing for them. Especially when that assistance would come from children or other family members.

In an assisted living community, that assistance comes from trained professionals who will take modesty and other concerns into account while offering the assistance that is needed for personal grooming, dressing, bathing, and more. This allows your loved one to get out and socialize without fear or embarrassment and without feeling like a burden to their families.

Encourage Independence When Possible

There are plenty of things aging adults, even those with mobility issues, can do for themselves. These tasks may often be frustrating and time-consuming, such as buttoning shirt buttons with shaking arthritic hands. However, doing these things for themselves offers a sense of accomplishment and reminds them that even though they require assistance for some things, there are still many things they can do for themselves.

Encouraging residents to do these things promotes independence even while staff members provide a watchful eye and assistance when necessary. Well-trained assisted living community staff members understand the difference and the importance of independence among residents.

Monitor Medications and Vital Signs

Perhaps the most important thing staff members at an assisted living community do to promote independence for residents is to monitor their medications and vital signs. These are harbingers of health.  Failing to take necessary medications can lead to health problems that can reduce independence. Poor vital signs may be symptoms of conditions that could place independence at risk for assisted living community residents. Staying on top of these things allows residents to enjoy a greater quality of life and continue living as independently as possible much longer.

So many people have the misconception that assisted living robs residents of independence. Nothing could be further from the truth. Assisted living communities allow residents to maintain their independence much longer than many of them would be able to by remaining in their homes or living alone. For more insight, contact local assisted living communities. 

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