Assisted Living Helps Caregivers in These 5 Ways

If you’re thinking about assisted living for your loved one, there are many benefits. But the benefits often go beyond the care recipient. Assisted living helps caregivers in many ways also.

When it comes to providing senior care, stress and burnout happen. Some caregivers might be able to manage these with a short break or respite care. But many long-term caregivers need more support. While you consider the pros and cons of assisted living, consider these five factors that are a benefit to you.
Discover how Walnut Place assisted living community can help you and loved one.

Reduces feelings of isolation

Senior adults and caregivers alike often have feelings of loneliness. Assisted living communities provide help for both. When you choose assisted living, your loved one always has peers of like-age nearby. It also allows you to reconnect outside of your caregiving role.

Many caregivers have given up hobbies. Or they feel like they don’t have as much time for friends. By allowing you time for these activities, your isolation is reduced. In the end, this can improve your overall sense of balance and your physical health.

Reduces worry

Caregiver worry, specifically around safety, is common too. One of the top worries for caregivers is their loved one falling. The National Council on Aging says falls are the leading cause of non-fatal trauma admissions into the hospital for seniors.

Assisted living communities help caregivers by removing worries. With assisted living, you don’t have to worry about managing medications. You don’t need to make changes to the house or worry about fall hazards. And you can trust someone close by in an emergency.

Reduces time spent on daily tasks

A Gallup poll asked caregivers about how they spend their time each month. On average, they spent 13 days a month on tasks around the home. Caregivers spent another 6 days helping their loved one with dressing, bathing, or other personal needs. Many spent time on health care tasks or things like finances too.

All of these add up to a long to-do list. And it’s normal to find these tasks overwhelming at times. Assisted living helps caregivers by lightening this load. Most assisted living communities provide help with meals, shopping, personal care, transportation, and more. You may also be able to pick and choose the level of assisted living care that works best for your loved one.

Increases quality time together

When a loved one needs more care, families may struggle with dividing roles. It’s common for one person to take on most of the caregiving tasks. As time goes on, the caregiver spends so much time on this role that it defines their relationships.

Assisted living communities let you focus on your role as family again. By taking care of your loved one’s basic needs, assisted living allows you to simply enjoy your time together. This quality time not only benefits your loved one but benefits you too.

Increases caregiver well-being

In the end, the stress of caregiving can impact your health. This is especially true when stress lasts for long periods. The Office on Women’s Health says long-term stress can lead to serious health concerns. These include depression, a weak immune system, obesity, or other chronic conditions.

Even more, caregivers often delay checkups or other important health procedures. When you’re caring for someone else, it’s hard to take time to care for yourself. Assisted living gives you time to focus on your own health needs. So, if stress is causing emotional or physical concerns, consider how assisted living might help give you relief. An assisted living community may be the right choice to reduce stress and worry while increasing your well-being.

When you’re ready to learn more about assisted living in Dallas, Walnut Place is here. See how we help your loved one keep independence while getting the care they need.