It’s difficult to witness somebody you love, somebody you’ve looked up to much of your life – like your elderly father or mother – and see them having difficulty in these later years of life. It can be just as difficult to notice the depressive symptoms, the sadness, the melancholy, and the loneliness.
You want to do something to help. But what can you do? Is there any possible way you can make a difference in his or her life? You sacrificed so much already, what more can you do?
Assisted living may be the elder care option you need.
Perhaps you never thought about it before. Maybe it didn’t cross your mind, but assisted living could help your elderly father or mother find the connection, the happiness, the love, and support from friends and not just family that he or she has been craving for a long time.
You and others in the family are doing great. You may be sacrificing a lot to help them. You may even be wondering what else you could possibly do that would make a difference in their life, and feel helpless at times to make a difference.
Just imagine what it would be like for you if you were home… alone most of the time, having the occasional visit from your adult child who is stopping by on her way to work or on his way home from a long day. What would you do in the meantime? Would you play games? Would you put puzzles together? Would you watch endless, mindless TV programs?
That would get lonely before too long, wouldn’t it? That’s what’s happening to so many elderly men and women across the country who only rely on family members to look after them, take care of them, and support them. Even when they move in with their adult children and their family, for example, loneliness can set in.
People need connections to those who share common experiences.
No matter how old you are as an adult, you don’t have the same experiences as your mother or father. You may have the closest relationship in the world, but there is something he or she might be missing. That can easily be found at a local assisted living community.
But isn’t assisted living a permanent, long-term solution?
It often is, but quality communities that have the availability may offer respite care options. These are short-term, temporary solutions. Imagine your aging parent being able to stay at a local assisted living facility for the overnights. You could drop them off in the evening and pick them up in the morning, for example.
He or she would get to spend time with other seniors, maybe make new friends, or reconnect with old friends she hasn’t seen in a long time. He or she might be able to participate in various activities that go on during these later afternoon and evening hours. Then, they can still enjoy the independence and feeling of autonomy they get but still live at home. You see? Happiness can still be found.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in O’Fallon, IL, or surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
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