Assisted Living: It’s All About the Living

Mar 13, 2018
Seniors spending time together at a park

The term “assisted living” often has a bad connotation – particularly for the aging adults these facilities are designed for. To them, assisted living symbolizes the end of independence. The end of control. The end of life as they know it.

In reality, these assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Because while sure, moving to an assisted living facility does mark a huge change in life, it’s almost always a change for the better – one that improves an older adult’s quality of life, not worsens it.

Do you have a loved one or family member who cringes at the phrase “assisted living?” Are you worried about entering an assisted living facility yourself? Read on to learn more about how assisted living facilities enhance life, making it more rewarding, more fulfilling and more satisfying.

Group of senior women sitting outside on a bench talking

A Robust Social Life

One of the biggest benefits of assisted living is the connections it allows you to make. Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and socialize. From the neighbors down the hall to your nurses, cooks and staff members, the opportunities for connection never cease.

Most of them will be your age, too – people who like the same things as you, who come from the same time and background as you, and who understand what you’re going through and how you’re feeling. Enjoy dinner with a friend, a game of cards with a neighbor or just a good chat with your roommate any time of day, whenever you like. If you’ve been living on your own for a while, this can be quite the game-changer when it comes to quality of life.

Opportunities for Continued Learning and Growth

You’ll also never stop learning and growing in an assisted facility. With access to a full calendar of classes, game nights and even outreach opportunities, there’s something every day to expand your mind and keep you on your toes.

Here at Gantons, we offer piano lessons, trips to the local interfaith center for community service and even a series of talks called Countryside conversations, designed to spark discussion about important issues to our residents. It’s something we take very seriously at our facility, as we want our residents to feel excited and challenged – both mentally and socially – during their stay with us.

Man and child holding hands walking along a path

Improved Health and Wellness

From expertly planned and cooked meals to state-of-the-art rehabilitative facilities, better health and wellness is right at your fingertips in assisted living. You have access to trained and experienced physicians, nurses, therapists and every medical expert you could need – all working closely to ensure you’re at optimal health. The ultimate goal? To help you live as long and happy a life as possible.

Ease, Convenience and Support

There’s nothing easy about living alone – especially as you age. Dressing, showering and even just making a meal become a chore, and it can start to weigh on both your body and mind over time.

In assisted living, these menial tasks are no longer a worry. You get help with whatever you need, no questions asked. The result is an easier, more convenient, less stressful life in which you get full support in everything you do.

A-plus Amenities

When you move into an assisted living facility, you also get all new amenities as well. With free wi-fi, satellite TV, spacious living quarters and comfortable furniture, you basically get a home makeover with full-service care and support thrown in for good measure. Add in the fully provided meals, food and housekeeping, and it’s a resort-style getaway you’ll never want to end.

Key in a door lock with the door ajar

Safety and security

Worried about safety late at night? Don’t have a plan if an emergency occurs? No ride to the hospital? These problems are no longer an issue in assisted living. With 24-hour staffing, an emergency response system and on-site nurses and doctors, you’re always in safe hands – no matter what the issue or when it occurs. It’s peace of mind you’ll never find when living alone.

Not All Assisted Living Facilities are Equal

It’s important to note that not all assisted living facilities are the same. To enjoy all the benefits we mentioned, you’ll want to make sure to vet your facility very carefully. You’ll particularly want to pay attention to:

  • Reviews and ratings – Most states have a health services department that keeps files on all medical and assisted living facilities within its jurisdiction. You’ll want to check with your state’s department before choosing a home and make sure there have been no reports of abuse or poor care. You’ll also want to check online for reviews from past customers and residents.
  • Facilities and amenities – Some assisted living homes offer the bare-bones – just a bed, a chair and two roommates, while others offer more private-style living with spacious arrangement and plush furniture. You’ll also want to look into the facility’s services, like housekeeping, laundry, meal service and more. These are what can really mean the difference in quality of life.
  • Events and offerings – Not all assisted living facilities offer events or programming. Before you choose a home, visit the facility and check any calendars posted on the wall or website. See what residents are up to on a day to day basis, and make sure there is plenty to do, see and keep your mind active on the property.
  • Staff and health professionals – All assisted living facilities have staff, but not all of them have staff that’s specially trained in health and medical care. If you want absolute safety in times of emergency, as well as the opportunity for optimal health and wellness, make sure you choose a facility with a full staff of nurses, doctors and aides who can make it happen.

Cast all your preconceived notions aside. In today’s world, assisted living can actually improve an aging adult’s life – maybe even lengthen it. Are you interested in assisted living for yourself or a loved one? Stop by Ganton’s Countryside today. We’d love to show you around.

For information about Countryside, please call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.

assisted living near me

Recent Posts

8 Ways an Independent Living Community Supports Your Lifestyle

What do you want out of retirement? The freedom to roam? Relief from all the responsibilities of owning a home? Time to pursue self-fulfillment? Exceptional services and amenities? No matter how you perceive your desired retirement lifestyle, take a look at some of...

Health Changes to Look for When Visiting Mom Over the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time to get together with family and friends, but they also offer an opportunity to assess the health and well-being of a senior loved one. This is especially true if it has been weeks or months since the last visit since changes will...

Dementia: Understanding Sundown Syndrome

Dementia is a devastating diagnosis with many implications, not the least of which is a condition known as sundown syndrome. Also called sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome this condition generally strikes late in the day as the sun goes down but can occur anytime...

5 Tips for Better Mornings with Arthritis

“Arthritis” is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases and conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation.  While people of all ages can have arthritis, seniors often expect arthritis to occur as they age and when it does, mornings can be especially painful....

Why Everyone Needs an Advance Directive

Do you know what will happen if you are suddenly incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself? While it’s human nature to adhere to the “that won’t happen to me” mindset, the reality is that no one knows what the future holds. That’s why every adult needs an...

5 Decorating Tips for Your Senior Living Retirement Home

After years of living in a family home, moving to a senior living community and starting anew means decorating a new senior living home, something that can be a fun and exciting experience. But where to begin? Whether the new home is a house, condo, cottage or...

The Alzheimer’s Disease Challenges Women Face

Alzheimer’s disease is devastating and its prevalence is on the rise. According to the alz.org report, “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures,” in 2023 there are about 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older with the disease, and as the population ages, that...

Home Safety for Older Adults: A Checklist of Top Considerations

Home safety for older adults is top of mind concern for loved ones and adult children. According to the AARP Home and Community Preference Survey,  79% of seniors (ages 50 and above) prefer to live at home as they age, but only about 34% recognize they may need to...

When One Partner Has a Dementia Diagnosis and the Other Doesn’t

A dementia diagnosis is a devastating event in any marriage and one that really changes everything going forward. Suddenly there are so many unknowns, so many new concerns, and so much sadness that the healthy spouse may be overwhelmed. One of the greatest of the...

What Services Do Memory Care Communities Provide?

Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one to a memory care community should be a well-informed one. All memory care communities are not created equal, but the best have several things in common. When comparing memory care communities be sure to include the...

Share This