As we march inexorably toward the winter months, this doesn’t mean a whole lot for people in the deep South, in places like Florida, Alabama, or much of Texas, Southern California, or Arizona. While almost every state can experience snow on rare occasions, it’s the Northern Plains, the Northeast, and the Rockies that get the brunt of winter most consistently. For seniors in these regions, assisted living can be such an integral part of living safely, but it’s often overlooked.
Why is assisted living too often overlooked?
For one thing, too many seniors have the wrong idea about what assisted living is and does. They confuse it with another form of elder care. They assume they will lose their independence and autonomy, have to be subjected to other people’s rules and expectations 24 hours a day, and that there will be machines humming, beeping, and swooshing at all hours of the day and night.
On the contrary, assisted living is one of the best forms of elder care there is. It helps seniors live at the highest quality of life possible. A good assisted living community will allow residents to do what they want when they want (within reason and within the basic rules designed to keep the community safe).
So, what are some reasons that assisted living would be the best elder care choice for those living in a tougher winter climate?
Reason #1: It’s all about safety.
One of the top concerns seniors and their loved ones have is safety. When a person is in their 70s, 80s, or 90s, it becomes increasingly difficult to do some of the most basic things around the house. For a senior in a house, that means keeping it warm, clearing snow and ice from the walkway or driveway, and more.
At a quality assisted living community, there will be staff to take care of the snow removal, clearing, and salting of ice outside, and ensuring that each room is as warm (or cool) as the resident desires (within reason, depending on what their physical and health needs are at the time).
Keeping aging seniors safe is the top priority of the best assisted living communities.
Reason #2: A sense of community.
One of the toughest things to deal with during the winter months is a feeling of isolation and loneliness. When the temperature drops and the snow and ice begin to fall, outdoor activities come to a halt for the most part. So, too, does a sense of heading out when it is frigid or the weather is icy.
At a quality assisted living facility, that sense of community seniors enjoy during the warmer months continues, but in a safe indoor environment.
Reason #3: Activities abound.
This isn’t true of all assisted living communities, so it’s important to research them well. But, for the ones that are dedicated to helping seniors stay active, there should be a number of resources and activities available, even during the winter months.
This might include arts and crafts, music, fitness, and much more. Where winter is the harshest, assisted living becomes even more valuable for everyday living.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Swansea, 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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