When people think about assisted living communities, the first things that come to mind are often medical care, safety, and support with the activities of daily living. Those are certainly important elements. They help ensure residents are able to maintain as much of their independence and quality of life as possible. They’re not the only aspects that these communities focus on, though. Modern assisted living communities take a more holistic approach to senior care.
Many of today’s communities follow the principles of resident-centered assisted living. Instead of centering their services solely on the basic essentials, they make a special effort to provide personalized care and support. They concentrate on not only providing safe environments for their residents and offering the medical care they need but also fostering their comfort and individuality. Take a closer look at today’s resident-centered communities and how they stand out from senior living options of the past.
More Freedom of Choice
For one, resident-centered assisted living communities give their residents plenty of freedom of choice. Instead of altering their schedules and routine based on what’s easiest for caregivers and other staff members, they give residents flexibility. Seniors in these communities can decide when they want to wake up, which meals they eat, and which activities they participate in. Beyond that, residents can choose how their rooms are arranged and decorated, how much or little assistance they get with ADLs, and how many other details of their lives play out. That allows their personalities, preferences, and lifestyles to shine through.
Mental and Emotional Wellness
Today’s assisted living communities also understand that physical health isn’t the only aspect of residents’ well-being that needs attention. Their mental and emotional health are equally important. In fact, those elements can have a significant impact on residents’ physical wellness.
As such, modern senior communities are providing an array of services and amenities to cater to residents’ emotional and mental health. Counseling, therapy, socialization, and a variety of activities to choose from are only a few of the options they’re making available to residents to ensure they’re not only physically healthy but also happy. Of course, giving them more freedom and promoting their individuality are helpful here as well.
Honoring Different Cultures and Backgrounds
It’s no secret that globalization has become more prominent over time. These days, people from a range of cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles are living together. That’s true in virtually every community, including senior living. As such, assisted living communities that take a resident-centered approach to care strive to honor and respect those varying histories and beliefs. That further allows residents to maintain their individuality and helps them feel seen, heard, and respected.
Helping Seniors Feel at Home With a Resident-Centered Approach
In the past, many people viewed assisted living communities as institutional, one-size-fits-all solutions to senior care. That’s an outdated concept, though. Today’s communities revolve around customized care and personalized services. They cover residents’ mental and emotional needs along with their physical requirements. They promote freedom and individuality and celebrate a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
With all that being the case, residents can maintain their independence individuality without sacrificing the care and support they need. They can create true connections with others and live their lives on their own terms. Modern assisted living communities are designed to feel more like home and ensure their residents truly feel comfortable, respected, and free to be themselves.
