Healthcare is changing as we know it. With so many unknown variables marking the future, figuring out a dementia care plan can seem a far-off plan in light of finding a regular doctor or a nearby clinic. However, dementia and Alzheimer’s is an issue that will only continue to see more prevalence as the population continues to age. Assisted living facilities are one such resource families can turn to when these diseases start becoming prominent, allowing your loved one to receive the care they need while still retaining an independent lifestyle.
How Common Is Retirement?
Retirement is only going to be more common as the years go on. In fact, a significant chunk of the population will be aging in just the next 20 to 30 years, causing many healthcare plans to change to better accommodate dementia, Alzheimer’s and chronic illness. The average age of retirement is around 63 years old, as well, and studies have shown one in three seniors will pass away due to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
The onset of Alzheimer’s is a major reason why many families seek out the aid of an assisted living facility or retirement home. A degenerative brain disease that cannot be slowed down or cured, Alzheimer’s has been found to be the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than three-fourths of assisted living residents have had at least two out of the 10 most common chronic illnesses. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia were the most prevalent, but high blood pressure, heart disease and mobility issues followed close behind.
What Is Assisted Living?
A dementia care plan should include the possibility of your loved one moving to an assisted living facility. These are designed from the ground up to provide day-to-day resources to people struggling with chronic illness, disabilities and the encroaching difficulty of age. While many fear that assisted care facilities are far-removed from the pleasures of daily life, it couldn’t be further from the truth. A study provided by Age Wave saw most people vastly underestimating the likelihood they could require long-term care in the future. While 35% over the age of 50 felt they may need it, the reality is closer to 70%.
What Do Assisted Living Facilities Offer?
The benefits of an assisted living facility can be felt by the loved one in question as well as the family. This is due to its nature of providing around-the-clock medical care on top of assistance for daily activities, such as bathing and driving, that can be made difficult by the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Assisted living residences will provide 24-hour supervision for more severe cases while increasing both independence and quality of life through social services, ongoing therapy and housekeeping.
Should My Family Member Attend An Assisted Living Facility?
If you know someone who is starting to experience the onset of chronic illness and needs more support in their day-to-day life, an assisted living facility can help. Staffed with trained nurses and filled with useful resources, they offer elderly and chronically ill populations the tools they need to live a safe and fulfilling life. Activities for assisted living facilities also include golfing, painting, book clubs, swimming and traveling. Studies have shown nearly 90% of independent living residents rate their overall satisfaction at their residence as either good or excellent, with another 85% eager to recommend their community to someone else. Don’t feel you and your loved one have to battle dementia alone. Consider a dementia care plan and contact your local assisted care facilities today.
