Group of smiling senior friends enjoying time while sitting together in park
As we age, managing our health becomes increasingly complex. From keeping track of doctor's appointments and medications to maintaining an active lifestyle, it can be overwhelming, especially for older adults living independently or with family. The demands of daily health management can be taxing, leaving little time for personal enjoyment and relaxation. That's where assisted living communities can help. These communities offer in-house assistance, ensuring that health needs are met and that older adults can focus on the things they love, and the independence they enjoy.
If you or a loved one is finding it difficult to keep up with health requirements, here are five key reasons why an assisted living community might be the right choice:
1. A Dedicated Health Services Team
When a resident moves into an assisted living community, they typically undergo a physical exam with the community's health services team. This team is led by a health services director, a resident care coordinator, and nursing staff. Together, they work to create a personalized care plan for each resident, collaborating with the resident's physician to ensure it addresses their specific health needs. The health services team oversees the execution of this plan on a daily basis, managing everything from medication to medical appointments.
This system takes much of the burden off the resident, allowing them to focus on enjoying their day-to-day life. With the health services team in place, residents can rest assured that their health is in good hands, and they don't have to worry about managing their care on their own.
2. Medication Management
As people age, it's common to have multiple medications to take each day. Some may require a single daily dose, while others may need to be taken several times a day. This can be challenging to keep track of, especially if a resident has memory issues or if they are managing complex medical conditions.
In an assisted living community, medication management becomes a shared responsibility. Trained team members ensure that residents receive the right medications at the correct times and in the proper doses. Residents no longer have to worry about setting alarms or remembering to take their next pill. While it's still important for residents to remain involved in their own health, this service helps reduce the chance of missed doses and medication errors, offering peace of mind for both residents and their families.
3. Fitness Programs
Regular physical activity is one of the best things anyone can do for their health at any age, and it becomes even more important as we get older. Exercise can help maintain cardiovascular health, improve strength, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance overall well-being.
Assisted living communities typically offer a variety of fitness programs tailored to the needs and abilities of older adults. These programs focus on building strength, improving balance, and increasing cardiovascular fitness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. In an assisted living setting, these activities might include walking around the community, participating in group exercise classes, or using resistance bands and light weights. Whether a resident is a seasoned athlete or someone who has never exercised much, these programs are designed to accommodate all levels of fitness and help residents stay active and healthy.
4. Transportation and Appointments
Even with the best in-house services, there are times when residents will need to leave the community for appointments with doctors or specialists. Assisted living communities understand the importance of facilitating these visits and often provide transportation services to help residents get to their medical appointments.
In addition to transportation, the staff at an assisted living community can help coordinate appointments with doctors and specialists, ensuring that follow-up visits are scheduled as needed. Having this level of assistance ensures that residents can access the medical care they need without the added stress of managing transportation or scheduling on their own.
5. In-House Specialists
While many doctor's appointments take place at external medical offices, some specialists come directly to assisted living communities to offer their services. These specialists can include podiatrists, optometrists, audiologists, and more. For older adults who may have mobility challenges or who find long waits at doctors' offices difficult to manage, having specialists visit the community is an incredibly convenient service.
Residents can meet with these professionals in a familiar and comfortable setting, allowing for more timely assessments and treatments. This service eliminates the need for transportation to and from appointments, providing another layer of convenience for residents.
McKay Creek Assisted Living Can Help
At McKay Creek Assisted Living, we understand the challenges that come with aging and managing health. Our dedicated health services team works closely with residents, their families, and their physicians to ensure that each resident has a comprehensive care plan tailored to their needs. We also offer a fitness program that meets or exceeds the CDC's recommendations to keep our residents active and engaged.
To learn more about how we support our residents in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life, visit us at mckaycreekal.com or schedule a visit by calling us at (541) 612-8213.