Sometimes as elderly couples age, one spouse develops the need for additional assistance, and the other spouse struggles to adequately care for them while maintaining a home and yard, preparing meals, or arranging doctor’s visits. While assisted living may present a viable option, many couples are concerned that they may not be able to stay together if they move to a senior living residence. The good news is this fear is largely unfounded.
In many cases, assisted living offers married seniors the opportunity to stay together and still get the required assistance. Assisted living represents an all-inclusive lifestyle, providing nutritious meals, housekeeping and laundry services, social activities, planned social events, and help with ADLs if necessary. In these communities, married couples don’t have to worry about daily chores, home maintenance, and medical care – but can enjoy each other’s love and companionship as they continue to live together.
The following article discusses the benefits that spouses can experience by moving into an assisted living facility as a couple.
Health & Safety
When older couples still own their residence, most of the necessary work becomes the responsibility of the healthier spouse. Assisted living communities provide the opportunity to reside in a safe environment that has considered all the essential health and safety features. They are also fully staffed by professionals dedicated to the best quality of life for their elderly residents. These facilities typically provide 24-hour medical support and supervision for those who need routine medical care. Assisted living communities also employ nutritionists who work to create healthy, balanced meals – and take into account any unique dietary concerns. These health and safety measures make assisted living an ideal option for married couples who require some basic assistance in their daily lives.
Social Engagement for Married Couples
Assisted living residences strive to keep senior couples active and friendly, no matter how old they may be. Married couples who want to enjoy social activities will find a full and varied activities calendar, whether they wish to take advantage of activities separately or as a couple. The calendar can allow couples to pursue their interests and get back together for dinner.
Mental health experts know that engagement with peers is vital for senior citizens to avoid depression, feelings of isolation, and other mental health concerns. Social activities help seniors curate and foster meaningful relationships outside of their marriage and provide an excellent way to spend quality time with each other or among new friends. Social activities may range from game nights to worship services; educational opportunities to music classes; shopping trips to a picnic on the grounds. Remaining socially engaged provides the needed emotional connection to support mental health and can encourage physical mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength (depending on the activity).
Emotional Advantages for Married Couples
Living together in an assisted living community can offer emotional relief to senior adults and their loved ones. By staying together as they continue to grow older, seniors are given a chance to maintain their independence while still having access to the care they require. Their emotional health at this stage benefits significantly from preserving the most important relationship and connection in their life.
Married couples who wish to live together at an assisted living facility should understand the possibilities each residence offers. The professionals at My Care Finders work FREE OF CHARGE with
Moving to a new residence can be stressful, so don’t go it alone. Call My Care Finders today.
