6 Ways Senior Living Supports Your Independence

Posted on

Jun 25, 2021

Book/Edition

Utah - Utah

At Anthology Senior Living, were always searching for better, smarter ways to care for our residents. Our highly certified, passionate caregivers deliver proactive, personalized care with a focus on getting to know you and your family. From virtual care plans to specialized, state-of-the-art programs, our high-tech, high-touch approach to care ensures that residents receive seamless care from every team member. Were always here for you, no matter what your needs are or how they might change.
With that in mind, why do we find it so difficult to consider senior living?
It can be challenging for seniors to choose between receiving care at home or moving to a senior living community. Many times, this feeling is driven by the fear of losing control or independence. Lets explore the benefits of moving to a senior living community and how that decision can support your independence.
Peace of Mind
First and foremost, living in a senior living community allows seniors to live their lives to the fullest without worrying about daily tasks. In a senior living community, tedious or difficult tasks such as cooking, cleaning and home maintenance are managed by a professional team, leaving seniors free to spend their time doing the things they love. Here, you can decide what you want to do and leave the burden of what you HAVE TO DO behind.
Holistic Wellness
Living in a senior living community offers residents many options for wellness. Because the care one needs is always close by, there are no limitations to what seniors can or cannot dofrom exercise classes and fitness programs to many other enjoyable activities. Senior living communities offer an abundance of amenities, services and experiences that challenge residents to keep active and enjoy physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and environmental wellness. You can choose the experiences you want to be involved in for a fulfilled lifestyle.
Stress-Free Family and Friends
Family and friends often do all they can to assist loved ones when health issues make daily responsibilities difficult to manage; however, they are not always properly equipped or qualified to provide sufficient caregiving. Sometimes, the best decision for both loved ones and family members involves moving your loved one to a senior living community. Family and friends are encouraged to visit in a leisurely way, and residents no longer have to worry about burdening others or asking for caregiving.
Built-In Socialization
Seniors who remain home alone often feel isolated. In a senior living community, seniors have the opportunity to make new friends and spend time with them through an abundance of activities and social programming, including exercise classes, learning opportunities and daily meal times.
Serious Safety Measures
Seniors are often prone to accidents, which can be serious and require long, difficult recoveries. At a senior living community, residents have access to professional care 24/7, so team members are available to help with potential injuries and, more importantly, support the prevention of incidents.
Cost Control
Often, home care requires significant investment in terms of retrofitting the home, paying for home care and purchasing resources that help a senior to be safe and have access to prompt help if needed. Senior living communities, however, have become much more affordable and can be a far better financial choice than remaining at home. You have more control over your expenses at a senior living community, often making it a smarter financial decision for you and your family.

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Seniors can access mindfulness resources and guidance on emotional wellness through organizations such as Seniors Blue Book Utah. Social WellnessMaintaining an active social life is pivotal for seniors. The adverse effects of social isolation on senior well-being have been extensively documented (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Seniors are encouraged to participate in local clubs and community events, as promoted by Senior Expos, to foster social connections. Intellectual Wellness Intellectual wellness necessitates ongoing learning and mental stimulation. Seniors can embrace hobbies like reading and learning new languages to foster intellectual growth. A study by Verghese et al. (2003) associates intellectual engagement with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in aging individuals. Occupational Wellness Occupational wellness transcends traditional work and relates to engaging in purposeful activities. Volunteering, as explored in a study by Okun et al. (2016), offers seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seniors can explore volunteer opportunities through organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah. Environmental Wellness Winter introduces environmental challenges, such as slippery sidewalks and heating concerns. Seniors must ensure their living environments are safe and comfortable. The National Institute on Aging (2021) provides valuable tips for creating senior-friendly environments. Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness revolves around finding meaning and purpose in life. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, can provide solace and inner peace. A study by Carlson et al. (2016) explores the positive effects of mindfulness-based spiritual practices on well-being. Conclusion Balancing the 8 pillars of wellness is paramount for senior well-being, especially during the winter months. Evidence-based insights emphasize the need for regular physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and emotional regulation. Seniors can access resources and information from reputable organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah and Senior Expos to aid in their pursuit of wellness. By integrating these scholarly insights into their winter routines, seniors can not only survive but thrive during this season, enjoying a life marked by health, happiness, and purpose. References: American Heart Association. (2021). Recommendations for Physical Activity in Older Adults. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-older-adults Carlson, L. E., et al. (2016). Mindfulness-based interventions for coping with cancer. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373(1), 5-12.de Rezende, L. F. M., et al. (2014). Physical activity and preventable premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in Brazil. Journal of Public Health, 36(3), 514-522. Forrester, A. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder in older adults: improving mood and well-being through leisure interventions. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 41(1), 39-53. Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment, 2015, 1-6.National Institute on Aging. (2021). Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/infographics/winter-safety-tips-older-adults Okun, M. A., et al. (2016). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 31(6), 634-645. Rusch, H. L., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic growth among survivors of interpersonal violence. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(6), 936-946. Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508-2516.Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCS

June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month: Learn 10 Ways to Love Your Brain

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Copper Creek Senior Living

Memory Care 10569 River Heights Drive, South Jordan, Utah, 84095

Enjoy an elevated lifestyle in our beautiful Wasatch Valley community, where we create more opportunities for joy every day. Copper Creek Senior Living in South Jordan provides an upscale lifestyle in a community with unmatched amenities and services in the beautiful, close-knit South Jordan area we call home. Our vibrant senior living community is known for our outstanding events, diverse activities, and, most of all, for our sense of family and community that shines through our welcoming atmosphere each day.