Maintaining Independence in Assisted Living: 5 Tips for Seniors
You have spent years caring for others, working outside the home to provide financially, or working at home to care for and nurture your family. Now, it’s time to focus on yourself.
Would you like to spend more time doing things you love, like walking in nature, trying new hobbies, reading, watching movies, listening to music, and socializing with friends? Maybe you’re tired of the stress of everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, dealing with traffic, and home repairs. Could you benefit from assistance with daily activities like bathing, grooming, medication management, and transportation?
If the above description sounds like you or a senior loved one, an assisted living community might be the perfect solution. Some seniors hear the term “assisted living” and think of a nursing home setting where they will be bored, sitting around watching TV all day. They worry they will lose their independence once they move into assisted living. However, today’s assisted living communities are far from that picture.
High-quality assisted living communities like the Mission at Agua Fria assisted living in Peoria, AZ, boast resort-like amenities and services that allow seniors a great degree of independence. Having constant access to the assistance they need frees them up to focus on hobbies and friends instead of worrying about daily tasks.
What do we mean when we talk about independence in seniors? The National Institutes of Health defines senior independence as the ability to accomplish basic and instrumental activities of daily living, social interactions, and making choices for yourself. So, how can you best maintain your independence while also taking advantage of the benefits of assisted living?
The following are five tips to consider to bolster your independence as you move into an assisted living community:
Keep Moving
Staying physically healthy and strong is one of the most important things you can do to maintain independence. The healthier your body is, the less assistance you’ll need with activities of daily living. Regular exercise and physical activity strengthen your bones and muscles, reduce the risk of certain diseases, help control your weight, and even keep your brain healthy.
One of the most significant benefits of exercise for seniors in assisted living is improved functional mobility, which, in turn, means they are better able to perform activities of daily living and self-care like bathing, using the toilet, and getting in and out of bed without any assistance.
Of course, exercise doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or be a bodybuilder. Daily walks help lubricate joints, improve balance, and strengthen muscles. Seniors who choose assisted living in Peoria, AZ, can take advantage of beautiful weather year-round and plenty of parks and walking trails.
The Mission at Agua Fria makes it easy to keep moving with a wellness center and exercise classes. Many residents work with physical and occupational therapists in the wellness center and enjoy a wide range of classes, from yoga to Zumba, all designed to enhance our residents’ mobility, balance, strength, and overall fitness.
Fuel Your Body Well
Another key component in staying as healthy as possible to maintain your independence is ensuring you get appropriate amounts of essential nutrients. When possible, focus on foods rich in the following:
- Calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.
- Potassium to help reduce blood pressure.
- Magnesium for heart health and overall immunity.
- Fiber for healthy digestion as well as heart health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease and help with joint pain.
- Vitamin B12 for healthy nerve function.
While eating right and focusing on your nutrition can be a struggle, assisted living at the Mission at Agua Fria makes it easy. Healthy, delicious, chef-crafted meals are available daily in a warm, inviting environment. If you prefer a night out with friends, you can take advantage of the Mission’s chauffeured transportation services to explore nearby restaurants.
Stay Connected
Mental and emotional health are essential to living well and staying independent in assisted living. An active social network and calendar will go a long way toward keeping you mentally and emotionally healthy.
At the Mission at Agua Fria, you will have everything you need for game or movie nights with friends, scheduled outings into Peoria, common areas to meet for quiet conversation, beautiful grounds for a walk with a friend, and plenty of other activities and social opportunities.
Never Stop Learning
Cognitive health means you’ll be able to make decisions for yourself and complete instrumental activities of daily living with little assistance. The more you use your mind, the healthier it will be. If you choose assisted living in Peoria, AZ, at the Mission at Agua Fria, you’ll have access to art classes, guest speakers, cognitive games, music therapy, and more to keep your mind sharp. Pick up a new hobby or spend more time on hobbies you already enjoy, and never stop learning.
Make Yourself At Home
Another aspect of mental wellness is creating a comfortable and stress-free living environment. Decorating your new home with familiar and much-loved items and expressing your personality with new bedding and decor can give you a sense of peace, comfort, and joy.
One thing to remember when furnishing your new home is to avoid overcrowding the space with overly large furniture or too many obstacles. You want to navigate your living area easily and not create tripping hazards.
See How The Mission At Agua Fria Helps You Maintain Your Independence
Schedule a tour to explore all the benefits of the Mission at Agua Fria assisted living in Peoria, AZ. We are genuinely committed to helping our residents live well, and we foster our residents’ independence through our services and amenities. Contact us today to discuss how we can best serve you and your family.