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Why Assisted Living May Be Better Than Staying at Home

Close up of succulents on a coffee table.

When should you move into an assisted living community? It’s a common question for senior adults or adult children of aging parents. Many factors affect the choice to stay at home or move to assisted living. And, every person has different needs.

To start, it’s important to get to know what an assisted living community includes. Consider your daily needs and how assisted living meets those needs compared to staying at home. Even if you’re hesitant to make a change, you may be surprised how much senior living has to offer.

Convenient Amenities

Are you or your loved one spending more time than usual on daily tasks? While living at home, you spend time keeping up with house repairs, meal prep, housework, and more. Many times, these daily tasks take away from time you could spend doing what you love.

On the other hand, senior living communities help take care of repairs, yard work, and property upkeep. Typically, communities provide healthy meals daily. That means you don’t have to worry about cooking. You may also have someone come weekly to help with any light household tasks.

Stay Connected

One great benefit of assisted living is the ability to stay connected with others. By living near others like you, you’ll have more chances to build friendships. Also, assisted living communities offer regular social activities. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

Additionally, social connection may benefit your health. According to Psychology Today, feeling lonely can contribute to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. The lack of social connections can also increase stress or affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep. As you consider your living situation, make sure you or your loved one has enough social support.

Avoid Future Moves

You or your loved one may feel too young to move to an senior living community. Right now, you’re doing fine staying at home. However, have you considered how you may feel in the next few years? Choosing an assisted living community often provides more stability than staying at home.

If a medical issue or other change makes it difficult to stay at home in the future, moving adds to an already stressful time. Making the decision early lets you move and settle in while you have the time and energy. Plus, if you’re already at an assisted living community, you’ll have the option to simply increase the support provided as your needs change.

Worry Less

Safety at home remains a big concern for older adults and their children. While it’s nice to worry less about daily tasks, assisted living also helps reduce worries about safety. Often homes aren’t set up in the safest way for you or your loved as you age.

According to the National Council on Aging, an older adult needs emergency treatment for a fall every 11 seconds. Even if you or your loved one has not fallen, the fear of falling has an effect on daily life. Many seniors avoid routine tasks or social activities simply because they fear a fall. Assisted living helps ease this fear by providing support that’s always nearby.

Cost Comparison

Finally, as you compare assisted living and staying at home, you should think about cost. Many older adults and their children worry about the expense of assisted living. However, take time to add up what you’re really spending by staying at home. Beyond monthly bills, consider home repairs, property taxes, transportation, and more.

Often the total costs of moving to assisted living are similar to that of staying home. Even more than saving money, you’ll be saving time and resources, allowing you to enjoy what’s most important to you.

Assisted Living at Signature Pointe

Call (972) 726-7575 and learn more about your assisted living options at Signature Pointe.