5 Ways You Can Stay Independent in Assisted Living

Loss of independence is one of the most common aging fears, which makes it understandable that it’s top-of-mind as you or your loved one consider assisted living.

With the word “assisted” in the name of this senior living option, most people imagine that independence is the last thing they’ll find. That’s actually not the case at all. In fact, here are just some of the ways of staying independent in assisted living.

What to Expect in Assisted Living

Much like the name sounds, in assisted living, you can expect housing along with options for assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management. These communities offer onsite medical care, emergency call systems, wellness programs and a variety of social activities and enrichment opportunities, plus transportation in a welcoming environment that enhances the quality of life and supports independence.

While communities vary on specific activities, outings, and features, all of our Heritage communities offer these additions in assisted living.

Assisted living is ideal for seniors who:

• Have had a health scare or a chronic condition that’s worsening
• Are concerned about falling or have mobility challenges
• Have nutritional concerns including sudden weight loss or gain
• Are finding driving more challenging
• Need assistance with personal care and/or medications
• Want or need help with house cleaning, laundry, shopping and other chores
• Would like to be more active, social and have more opportunities to find purpose

Staying Independent in Assisted Living

While it’s typical to consider assisted living when you or your loved one begin to need a bit of extra help, there are much more to these types of communities. The lifestyle in assisted living focuses on overall wellbeing while striking the right balance of support and autonomy. Staying independent in assisted living is easy at the right community.

Here’s how we help residents stay as independent as possible:

1. A Personalized Plan of Wellness and Care – Not everyone’s needs and wants are the same, that’s why your wellness and care should be personalized to you. That way we provide just the right amount of assistance to help you thrive along with support for your preferences to help you feel right at home.
2. Choice of Accommodations – In assisted living, you or your loved one can select the floor plan that fits your lifestyle best, plus add those personal touches that make it uniquely you. You can even bring a small pet if you choose!
3. Peace of Mind – It’s hard to make the most of life when you’re worried about safety. Our communities are designed with features like emergency response systems, grab bars and wheelchair accessible options as standard. Not to mention an easy-to-navigate layout that minimizes steps and fall hazards. We also offer transportation to ease worries over driving and have staff onsite 24/7.
4. Freedom from Home Hassles – Instead of spending your time maintaining the house or going from one chore to the next, in assisted living things like home upkeep, weekly housekeeping and laundry – as well as restaurant-style dining are taken care of for you. So, you or your loved one will have the freedom to spend your days doing what makes you happy instead.
5. Opportunities to Get More from Life – At home, limited mobility or transportation challenges may keep you or your loved one from getting out as much as you like. In assisted living, you have opportunities to enjoy amenities like a fitness center, library, pub and movie theater right outside your door, not to mention a full calendar of events, activities, classes and outings from which to choose. We also have religious services onsite.

We often find that residents are staying independent in assisted living because everything they need is right here and they don’t have to call their family, friends and neighbors for help all the time. And with comfort and support always at hand in our community, they start to feel like themselves again.

Heritage Communities offers a range of options—from home care to independent and assisted living, memory care, and respite services for older adults—in Nebraska, Iowa, and Arizona. We encourage you to call the Heritage Communities location nearest you to learn more. Download our guide, How to Fund Senior Care and Housing, for information on the options to fund senior living.