Many people make New Year’s resolutions as a means to enact change in their life. They see that turning the calendar over for one year to the next as an opportunity for a fresh slate, a clean break, a new start. What if you or somebody you love is considered a senior, perhaps in their mid-to-late 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s and is having difficulty maintaining their own life without support?

You might have become their primary caregiver, at least for the most part. Most family members do. However, eventually things become more challenging, especially if that senior is not improving (such as they suffered a medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke or were injured, and are on the road to recovery, but it’s only getting tougher for them) there is going to be more pressure on you and other people in the family to make sure they remain safe.

Assisted living is the best option for aging men and women across the country who have difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Most people have misconceptions about assisted living.

Some often equate it with other types of long-term care services. In reality, assisted living is just what the name implies: living with assistance. That means seniors can live as independently as they wish without having the burden of home cleaning, general maintenance and upkeep, preparing meals, and so on while also being surrounded by men and women their own age who share common interests, challenges, perspectives, and even beliefs.

Instead of remaining home alone, perhaps dependent on you and maybe one or two other people in the family to stop by and check on them, support them, bring them groceries, take them to the doctor’s office, and so forth, they can wake up each morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to go spend time with new friends, perhaps old friends they have reconnected with recently, and so on.

Do you have to commit to assisted living right now?

Of course not. Even though the New Year is a perfect opportunity to start fresh and talk about different options for the future, it can be a touchy subject. Yet, the majority of people simply don’t realize that assisted living offers respite care services.

This doesn’t mean every assisted living facility is going to offer this option, but for those that do, it can be a wonderful gateway to help seniors and even their immediate family caregivers recognize the value it offers.

What are respite services?

Let’s say an elderly person is having difficulty with ADLs and relies on a close family member or friend, perhaps an adult child who lives not too far away or their spouse. Yet, it is exhausting for everyone involved.

An assisted living facility that offers respite services may very well allow that senior to spend the nights there, sleeping at the facility and waking up with the support staff members. Or they might provide daytime services. They may even offer short-term stays, like a few days a week or even a week or two at a clip.

It’s something to consider for this new year. It could be the perfect answer that helps you stick to those resolutions, too.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a move to Assisted Living in Phoenix Arizona  please contact the caring staff at MD Senior Living today. 480-267-9200