Assisted Living in Carroll, Iowa: Top Reasons to Choose Over Independent
A recent survey found that almost nine in 10 U.S. adults aged 55 or older want to age in place. Despite that, about one in three expressed concerns about being able to do their daily activities. Roughly the same number said they worry about being lonely.
If you or an older loved one is in the same boat, you may have wondered if it's time to transition to independent or assisted living in Carroll, Iowa. While it would mean living elsewhere, it can provide you or your loved one with a safer, more secure environment.
The big question is, which type of community should you choose?
In this assisted vs. independent living comparison guide, we'll discuss the difference between the two. So read on, as what you learn here can help you decide why assisted living may be your better choice.
Personalized Care Services
Assisted living senior care options in Carroll, IA, provide personal care services tailored to each resident's unique needs. These include varying levels of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Independent living communities usually don't offer such services in-house. Residents can still get personal care services, but they often have to find a third-party provider themselves.
So, if you or your older loved one needs help with any of these tasks, assisting living is a better choice over independent living.
Moving About
A community that provides assisted living benefits individuals with mobility concerns. Such issues include difficulty walking or climbing stairs, which affect about 12.2% of U.S. adults.
At an assisted living community, residents who can't move about like they used to can rely on trained caregivers. These care professionals can help them get up from bed and enjoy walks around the community.
Hygiene and Dressing
The caregivers in assisted living communities can assist residents with bathing and grooming. They're vital to maintaining one's health, as they can help prevent infectious diseases.
Likewise, residents can depend on their community's caregivers to help them dress appropriately.
Toileting
Compassionate caregivers in assisted living communities can also help residents with toileting tasks. First, they'll bring residents to the toilet. Then, they can assist with cleaning and handwashing.
Quality and Healthy Dining Options
A significant issue many seniors face is ensuring they get the nutrition they need. After all, as people age, their dietary requirements change. These changes are often due to waning metabolism, decreased physical activity, and a loss of appetite.
It also doesn't help that some older folks no longer have the energy to cook nutritious meals. So, those living alone may rely on fast food, takeout, or quick yet unhealthy food options.
Residents of high-quality assisted living in Carroll, Iowa, don't face those problems. Instead, they can rely on their community chefs to prepare and serve them nutritious and senior-friendly meals. Chefs also whip up delicious and healthy dishes for residents with special dietary restrictions.
Help With Medication
Some assisted living communities also offer medication management. The exact services vary depending on the resident's level of care needed, but they often include:
- Medication reminders
- Organizing and administering medicines
- Monitoring residents as they take their medications
- Refilling prescriptions
- Coordinating with their residents' prescribing doctors
These services can help seniors adhere better to their medications. They also help lower the risk of medication risks, such as double- or overdosing.
More Comprehensive Housecleaning Services
One of the primary goals of assisted living communities is to make their residents' lives as convenient as possible. That's why they provide more comprehensive and frequent housekeeping services. These include the following tasks often done weekly:
- Dusting
- Vacuuming
- Bathroom cleaning
- Kitchen maintenance
- Proper garbage disposal
- Laundry
Moreover, reliable assisted living communities provide 24/7 emergency home maintenance. For instance, residents can quickly call for help if their AC system breaks down. Likewise, they can count on their community's staff to help if they have a leaking tap or a clogged drain.
Availability of Additional Care Services
Some assisted living communities offering Carroll, Iowa, senior living options also provide memory care. They have professional and knowledgeable caregivers trained to help residents with dementia and Alzheimer's. They also provide compassionate care to older individuals with minor memory-related issues.
You'll also find some assisted living communities offering respite care. It's a short-term care service for people hospitalized due to illness or injury. It involves a trained team of caregivers who give the patients the support they need to recover and rehabilitate.
Activities Designed for Adults With Limitations
Both independent and assisted living communities offer social community events. However, the former's activities are more for active older adults. Pickleball and regular outings are some examples.
Assisted living communities plan social activities for seniors with varying care needs. They design these events so that even older adults with limitations can participate. Some examples are:
- Board games
- Card games
- Bingo
- Music and art classes
- Movie nights
Assisted living communities also offer health, wellness, and fitness programs. They develop these plans based on their residents' specific needs and abilities. For example, they may plan chair yoga or shorter trail walks and outings.
More Peace of Mind
Choosing assisted living can give you more peace of mind, knowing you or your older loved one is somewhere where trained caregivers are present 24/7. So, you can worry less about your aging parent fumbling to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. They can always call a caregiver or staff member for help if they need to.
You cannot enjoy that in independent living unless you hire a caregiver. Yes, they may have 24/7 security (assisted living communities do, too!). However, they often don't provide round-the-clock personal care services.
Explore the Benefits of Assisted Living in Carroll, Iowa
Assisted living in Carroll, Iowa, offers many benefits, from personal care services to tailored medication management plans. These are perks and pros you usually can't expect from independent living communities.
So, if you're ready to enjoy these assisted living advantages, it's time to tour our beautiful pet-friendly community. At Addington Place of Carroll, you can enjoy a spacious, well-appointed apartment, delicious yet nutritious meals, and big open spaces. We also make it a point to ensure our monthly calendar offers many engaging and stimulating social events.
Reach out to us today to schedule a tour of our welcoming community!