One of the common elderly problems is cognitive decline. One in 10 people aged 45 years and over are experiencing this, according to the latest BRFSS data. Cognitive decline can impair daily activities and, thus, the quality of life. For this reason, elder care has become crucial in our society.
However, caregiving isn’t always an easy task. A report from the American Psychological Association states that about 66.6 percent of unpaid caregivers have experienced at least one mental and behavioral symptom. It’s common for caregivers to encounter compassion fatigue, the exhaustion that affects their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Compassion fatigue compromises an unpaid and untrained caregiver’s ability to provide care. When caregivers and elders are in bad shape, the larger society will experience the ripple effect.
In such cases, assisted living facilities can be of great help. Here are the top reasons that demonstrate this.
1. Guaranteed Professional Care
Elders dealing with cognitive decline can become callous and aggressive. Untrained caregivers may burn out quickly, but professionals have better experience handling these situations. Visiting physicians and care specialists are also usually available to check on residents with chronic conditions.
At Varenita of Simi Valley, for example, they put a particular emphasis on memory impairment care. Aside from having dementia specialists, they also train every team member to understand memory impairment conditions.
2. Well-Designed Living Facilities
A key perk of assisted living facilities is the design and layout. Residents can go around independently because of the floor layout. The design of these facilities has the resident’s safety in mind, with guard rails and well-lighted hallways and rooms.
Communities also have amenities that promote an active mind and body to boost their wellness. Moreover, there’s an improved sense of self with a level of independence in doing simple, daily tasks when there are not many obstacles.
3. Relieves Family from Compassion Fatigue
It’s undoubtedly agonizing to witness aging loved ones’ health deteriorate over an extended period. Continuous exposure can lead to traumatizing effects, with some developing symptoms of depression, anxiety, weight loss, headaches, and insomnia.
Although proper self-care practices can build resilience, it doesn’t hurt to seek help from professional caregivers. Some households may find it challenging to assist in daily activities, but an assisted living facility can efficiently resolve this.
4. Social Stimulation for Well-Being
Isolation and lack of social support can cause or aggravate mental health issues. In an assisted living facility, stimulating social engagement can be fostered through management-initiated activities. Regular programs and events can also encourage residents to connect.
5. Boost Morale of Elders and their Family Members
Elders can experience better well-being when cared for by people with a calm and welcoming demeanor. They can also strengthen their relationship with family members when they don’t feel burdened with their care.
Trained professionals in an elder-friendly environment can provide excellent care for the elders. They can still enjoy living independently despite some possible health conditions that come with age. There’s also plenty of mental, social, and physical stimulation to boost their morale.
Aging can be a less emotionally and physically draining experience for both the elder and their primary caregiver. Assisted living facilities provide resources to help the senior community improve their quality of life.
