Assisted Living Seniors Are Happy

Studies have shown that assisted living seniors are happier and live longer than others who live alone or with estranged families. It is a simple truth that when you have attentive care and pleasant company you tend to overcome the pitfalls of ageing more successfully.

Independence Is Encouraged

In the US alone, over seventy thousand such facilities exist as single independent units and branches, providing care under government regulations since its organized beginning in the 1990s. In an attempt to provide a healthier, safer and a more dignified existence, these facilities provide round the clock trained staff, house keeping services and medical assistance. However, they also encourage independence because it is observed that lesser reliance on assistance goes a long way in boosting the morale of elders.

Assisted living seniors typically live in complexes where there are others like them. The facility also is designed in such a manner that it is slightly more than a home and a little less than a full fledged hospital. So even though wheel chairs and gurneys may be a common place in such facilities, it definitely not meant to function like a full fledged hospital. Typically these are places that provide enough assistance to ensure a better quality life, without taking away the independence. It is important that we make this distinction.

Some may need care to perform function like eating, washing, dressing up but nothing more than that. They will not need an intensive nursing effort. These are places where assisted living seniors are known to help each other and live in a community fashion. It is here that the psychological benefits on these assisted living seniors are more apparent.

Remember that well designed social interaction programs to improve general mood can come only from a trained professional and not from you. Though there are others who are less fortunate and might require greater medical attention, but that is a different story.

Encouraging Social Interaction

Most facilities organize trips and visits as a part of their social agenda. Visits from local schools and volunteers also add to quality interaction. Some arrange it as a part of their services while others might have restrictions about visitors. Ask a few questions regarding this might help in the long run. For example, a few assisted living seniors find it depressing if they cannot have their pets with them. So make sure you ask the right questions before choosing a facility. If all else works out, then rest assured the facility you have selected will always make your loved ones happy. It is not without proof that people say that assisted living seniors are a happier lot.