Assisted living facilities are customized residences for older persons and individuals with disabilities. Although the ages vary, and some move to senior care facilities before the supports provided in assisted living environments are essential, 81% of assisted living residents are 75 or older. Some residents utilize minimal services, while others need the medical and routine care skilled nursing facilities provide.
The United States currently has 1,197,600 licensed assisted living units in 30,600 facilities nationwide. Although there are many assisted living residents, they represent just 1.4% of those 65 and older. Experts expect the number of seniors in the U.S. to grow by 47% between 2022 and 2050. Consequently, they expect demand for additional assisted living units to grow by almost a million during this time.
Moving to assisted living doesn’t mean completely giving up your independence. Many residents find ways to enjoy independence while in assisted living, allowing them to enjoy the support offered while making daily decisions that ensure their happiness and well-being. The tips explored here will help you maintain independence while in assisted living.
How Do You Maintain Independence As You Get Older?
‘Use it or lose it’ is a common expression for skill retention. Many apply it to specialized skills, such as guitar playing or drawing sketches. However, this expression also applies to routine, everyday actions, such as decision-making, and routine tasks, like buttoning shirts or tying shoelaces.
Seniors can promote independence by making choices about their daily activities. Identify your activity options each day and determine which activities you want to pursue. When you choose your itinerary, you’ll focus on activities you enjoy. You won’t surrender your independence to another person who dictates how you should spend your time.
Active elderly persons are also usually more independent. They retain muscle and bone mass because they engage in regular activities, which helps them retain their balance and motor skills. Regular exercise is essential to promoting healthy living for people of all ages, and the elderly benefit from exercise by staying healthy and retaining a higher degree of independence.
How Do You Maintain Independence in Aged Care?
People often move to assisted living and nursing facilities because they need assistance with some tasks. However, this doesn’t mean you must let staff handle all your tasks. You can promote independence while residing in an assisted living facility by continuing to perform tasks that are within your ability. Suppose you need some assistance with house cleaning and bathing but can dress yourself and cook. Continue dressing yourself and cooking meals to retain those skills and avoid relying on others to assist you with these tasks.
You can also promote your independence by pursuing your hobbies. Moving to an assisted living facility doesn’t mean you have to give up your interests. Look for opportunities in the activity schedule to engage in your hobbies. If you have specialized hobbies or engage in activities involving highly developed skills, talk to the staff or your family about attending classes or joining groups in the community.
Related: Preventing Falls in the Elderly
What Things Can You Do Independently in Assisted Living?
In an assisted living facility, you can do many things independently. Focusing on the things you control will help you retain as much independence as possible.
Plan Your Daily Schedule
You can choose your schedule. This begins with meals and includes morning, afternoon, and evening activities. Choosing your schedule allows you to shape your day to suit your needs and interests.
Socialize
Assisted living facilities offer social opportunities, but you can socialize independently. Take opportunities to get to know other residents and find those with shared interests. Make plans to enjoy activities together. Your plans don’t have to be fancy. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a shopping trip at a local mall one afternoon and plan to play cards later in the week.
Explore New Activities
Maybe you’ve never played shuffleboard. That doesn’t mean you’re too old to learn! Assisted living facilities offer opportunities to explore activities that are new to you, such as the following:
- Bingo
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Gardening
- Golf
- Karaoke
- Knitting
- Painting
- Scrapbooking
- Woodworking
- Yoga
Join a book club and talk about books with your friends. Plan a monthly shopping date. Go and get a manicure with your best friend.
Customize Your Space
Moving into assisted living doesn’t mean you must give up the personal touches that turn a room into a home. Use a bulletin board to display photos of your home and family members. Add a quilt you made to your bed. Hang artwork on the walls. Customizing your space is crucial to taking control of your environment and celebrating all the people, places, and things that have been important to you throughout your life.
Related: How to Cope With the Loss of Independence
Assisted Living With Independence
When it’s time to look for an assisted living facility near your location, visit Haven Heath. Our experts provide all the essential services residents need, plus social opportunities and activities to keep you engaged all day. We support your right to shape your schedule and find the activities that suit your interests and needs for an enriching, independent experience when you move to one of our assisted living units.
Sources:
Facts & Figures. (2023).
Mather, M., et al. (2024). Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States.
Rubin, E., et al. (2021). Assisted living statistics.