5 Ways Assisted Living Helps Senior Caregivers
From physical to emotional health, assisted living provides many benefits to residents. But did you know assisted living communities help caregivers in many ways too?
Senior caregivers often have burnout and stress. Assisted living helps by relieving the demands of caregiving. Consider these five ways assisted living may be a positive choice—not only for your loved one but for you as well.
Eases safety worries
Many medical conditions can make safety a concern for seniors. From falls to emergency health issues, caregivers want to protect their loved ones. But sometimes you can’t be there at every moment to ensure safety.
You may find these worries only add to your stress as a caregiver. Assisted living communities help senior caregivers by creating a worry-free senior living home. Assisted living apartments are designed for ease of movement. You can trust your loved one takes medications correctly. And processes are in place for care in an emergency.
Provides time for connection
Caregivers may focus so much on the practical needs of their loved ones. Sometimes, they forget to have fun. Assisted living communities give seniors built-in social events. Even more, it gives caregivers time to take up their own hobbies too.
This benefits both you as a caregiver and your loved one. Isolation is a major health concern for seniors. The National Institute on Aging says those who continue to do meaningful activities tend to live longer. Caregiving can be a lonely task. Assisted living allows you to find ways to connect outside of this role.
Reduces day-to-day tasks
As your loved one’s needs become more complex, your to-do list often grows. A poll by Gallup showed caregivers spent 13 days a month on average taking care of household needs. For example, these include shopping, meals, or laundry. They spend another 6 days a month helping with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or toileting. And that doesn’t account for the hours spent on health visits or financial needs.
Senior Caregivers may get caught up in trying to do it all. As a result, they don’t realize how much this is taking a toll on their health and time with others. Assisted living communities help senior caregivers by reducing these daily tasks. It allows them to let go of their never-ending list and get the senior care they need.
Renews the focus on your relationships
Often, the role of caregiver and care receiver changes the dynamic of a relationship. Instead of simply spending time with those you love, the need for caregiving defines you. It can also create stress in families beyond the care recipient. For example, the Family Caregiver Alliance says it’s common for siblings to struggle with dividing roles.
Assisted living often helps you restore quality time with your loved one. With health needs taken care of, you’re able to focus on your time together. This allows you to reconnect around activities you both once enjoyed.
Improves caregiver health
Long-term stress caused by caregiving may lead to health concerns. The Office on Women’s Health says these can include mental effects, such as depression or anxiety. The stress may also weaken your immune system. And it can put you at risk for heart disease or obesity.
In the end, fewer worries add up to better well-being for you. Just as assisted living benefits your loved one’s health, it benefits your health too. It helps caregivers reduce burnout, all while still meeting their loved one’s care needs. From short-term respite care to long-term assisted living, get to know the senior care options for your loved one—and for you.
When you’re ready to learn more about assisted living in Bedford, Parkwood Healthcare is here. See how we help your loved one keep independence while getting the care they need.
