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| Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay |
The primary reason people consider moving in to assisted living is to eliminated loneliness and social isolation.
One way of eliminating isolation is for the elderly to engage in fun and easy one on one or group activities.
Being able to built connections and socialize with other people of almost the same age group provide more value and meaning to time and make the person happier.
Studies have shown that isolation contributes to depression for the elderly.
Socialization leads to communication with help greatly in cognition.
We shall get into all these activities in a moment.
But First...
What is assisted living for the elderly?
Assisted living provides elderly persons who are mostly mentally and physically able a home (shared or private) in a community with other seniors quiet often with a similar state with their expensive paid for on a
monthly base.
There most common reason people turn to move towards assisted living is due to health, social and security problems.
A typical assisted living resident is 80+ years old and majority are females.
In assisted living communities residence turn to give care as they to receive care, what this means is as staffs watch over resident, the residence in turn watch over other residence in the same community especially the disabled ones.
Assisted living communities should be design taking into consideration emotions and elderly issues.
On an average scale, most people living in assisted living communities need assistance with eating, transferring, toileting, dressing, bathing, walking, and activities of daily living (ADL).
Below is a chart of the actual percentage;
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| Image screen shot from Ben Pearce understanding assisted living YouTube video |
And here the average percentage for the assistant they need for those age 85 years and older.
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| Image screen shot from Ben Pearce understanding assisted living YouTube video |
Ideas for one on one activity for seniors with assisted living
Statistics shows that most assisted living resident need help with 2 - 4 activities of daily living.
The type of activity to choose greatly depends on the individual since preferences will vary from one individual to the other so it is very necessary to seek the resident’s opinion on what they would like to do before engaging in any activity.
Note that they aren’t any right mixture for an activity tailored to anyone, what you need to take note is if the activity is age appropriate.
A better understanding of residents gives you a clue of what they may like.
Apart from playing bingo and board games, here are some ideas of activities you can use to engage an elderly.
12 Easy Activities for the Elderly in Assisted Living that are Less Boring
#1. Gardening
This is a physical one on one activity the senior can engage in especially during spring break and when you are not around.
If they seniors have no garden, then you can get them a small pot where they can plant some herbs inside and watch them grow – that keeps the senior busy throughout the weeks especially if they don’t have anything to do.
#2. Art work – e.g. painting
This kind of activity allows the senior to manifest their own ideas in a stage of their life where they turn to feel limited and often isolated. This kind of activity also creates a sense of purpose.
#3. Baking/cooking
Some assisted living communities allow residence to cook their bake and cook their meals but often under the supervision of the community staff.
Baking/cooking activities are a great way for residence to showcase some of their kitchen skill.
#4. Tea ceremonies
This is quite common is most assisted living communities and it is a great way for resident to socialize and engage in fun discussions.
Such discussions bring smiles which is good for the senior’s well-being.
#5. Reading books
When seniors read, they pay attention and stay awake. Now you may be wondering that at that age the eyes of the senior may not be that good to read and yes you are correct but you can use audio book.
When the senior listen, it breaks out that extra strength using the mine and gives them the ability to think. Reading books is a good mental activity.
#6. Aromatherapy
Smell is known to triggers old memories and certain aromas are good for dementia and Alzheimer patients. A good example is a smell of pumpkin spice and recall baking.
#7. Senior Yoga
Senior yoga can be stress bands; they are perfect for seniors because they create a lot of tension that is good for the senior’s physical health so far as they do it over and over.
#8. Gate ball / golf/ indoor soccer
These are stretching activities for seniors in assisted living community. Exercise is a very critical component for their well-being for it keeps them active and to stay healthy.
#9. Massage
This is a sensory activity it not only great for body care but it also will elicit pleasant feeling and fun memories for resident; it is of great importance that an assisted living community offers treats like this.
#10. Film festivals
This is a pleasant activity that elicits old memories and brings out their fears. Film festivals are equally very engaging. Most assisted living communities have their own community cinemas.
#11. Shopping trips
Most assisted living communities should have shops nearby where residence can buy some basic needs. This kind of activities is called old role activities, it is a continuation of some of their old roles in their pass life and it helps build self esteem.
#12. Pet therapy
Pet therapy is good for seniors with disabilities, and animals good for such a therapy is the alpacas because they don’t bark, bite or shed. Cats are often found in most assisted living communities, in fact they are becoming members in these communities but they are strong and stubborn. Though an alpacas is big, they are calm and easier to take care of.
These listed activities are provided by both assisted living communities and nursing homes.
What's the difference between assisted living and private home care?
Lots of people thing assisted living and private home care is same thing but actually they are different especially the services they offer.
Assisted living
Assisted living services are more need driven and residence need help with 2- 4 hours with their activities of daily living. The care may include assisting the senior in taking their morning shower or putting on pajamas for bed.
Pros
- The senior engages with a lot of people and take part in lots of good activities.
- Assisted living is less expensive compare to a one on one care service like private home care.
Cons
- Assisted living offers limited care so in case a resident needs intense care, they will need to move out.
Private home care
Private home care offer daily home living services like helping seniors shower, helping seniors dress and make ups, helping seniors with their daily meals and other daily routines the engage in.
The cost involve with Private home care is per hour based and varies with geographical region. Private home care can get more expensive if more hours are needed.
The averagely cost per hour for a private home care service range from 20 – 25$ per hour but that may be less or higher in your area.
Pros
- Private home care offers better one on one engagement.
- The senior gets to stay in his/her own home. Most seniors like receiving care services at their residence.
Cons
- Home care is paid from private pocket therefore no insurance to cover the cost for the senior.
What is the difference between assisted living and nursing home?
The main difference between with this two is also the care they offer.
When looking for a caring service, you will need to consider the person’s care needs; it may just be basic things like helping the person to dress or assist to cook their meals.
For less intense care needs, assisting living is the choice and if the care requires specialize attention then a nursing home setting will be the right choice.
Assisted living
Assisted living doesn’t provide skilled care medical services that need to be administered by a train profession.
Assisted living communities often have train nurses but their essential role is supervisory.
Lots of persons in the assisted living self medicate so most often they don’t need a nurse to help them take their medicines.
They are more aware of what their medicines are and when to take them.
Nursing home
Nursing home is heavily regulated and it provides skilled and intense medical care services that are provided by a train medical practitioner.
Pros
- Focus more on the seniors need rather than their wants.
- Offers skilled care service.
Cons
- Very expensive offers, especially when being paid from a private pocket.
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| Image screen shot from Ben Pearce understanding assisted living YouTube video |
Conclusion
In case your love one has a complicated disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson disease, then It is important to find out whether or not assisted living community will be equal to the task of catering for their needs while offering them engaging activities.
Remember to choose only activities that won’t lead to frustration.
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