Entering the next chapter of older adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. At some point, many older adults and their loved ones will consider assisted living. But how do you know if assisted living is right for you?
Assisted living may be suitable for older adults who desire a balance of independence and support within a community of peers and supportive professionals. These communities often offer helpful services and amenities, social opportunities, engaging activities, and the freedom to enjoy leisure without worrying about daily chores. See if assisted living is right for you.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a long-term care option for people who benefit from additional support but do not require intensive medical care. An assisted living community typically provides dining and housekeeping services along with leisure, socializing, and other activities. Residents generally live in their own private or semi-private apartment.
What Assisted Living Offers
The advantage of assisted living is that communities often come with a plethora of services, amenities, and activities that make life vibrant. For example, residents at Fountains of Franklin can enjoy:
- Private apartments: Many of our apartments come with a walk-in closet, separate bedroom, kitchen or kitchenette, and, with some floorplans, even an outdoor space.
- Security: Features like 24-hour building security and 24-hour emergency call systems can help residents and their loved ones feel at ease
- Health support: Our health needs can get more complex as we age, but services like an in-house pharmacy, in-house nurse practitioner, and medication management can help residents stay healthy
- Comprehensive services and amenities: Residents can enjoy housekeeping, laundry, dining, and maintenance services—there’s even a hair salon!
- Activities and events: Our robust calendar of events and activities can keep you socially, physically, and intellectually engaged
When to Consider Assisted Living
Choosing to move into an assisted living community is a big decision, and it’s often not an easy one. Here are some of the advantages of assisted living. If they appeal to your or your loved one, then it might be time to consider the transition:
More Support for Daily Tasks
As we get older, it’s natural to start struggling with tasks that used to be second nature, but assisted living can provide support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Examples of ADLs include:
- Mobility: Moving around the house to complete daily tasks
- Personal care: Bathing every part of the body and completing personal hygiene such as toothbrushing, grooming, and using cosmetics
- Eating: Chewing, swallowing, and using eating utensils
- Dressing: Independently putting on clothes and using prosthetics if needed
- Going to the bathroom: Control of bladder and bowel functions and independent use of the toilet
If you or your loved one struggle with these daily tasks, it might be worth considering the extra support that assisted living offers.
More Social Engagement
Many older adults experience loneliness and isolation as they age. For example, if you have mobility challenges, you may have trouble accessing community centers, event venues, gyms, restaurants, and shops.
Various health conditions have been associated with isolation and loneliness, including high blood pressure, weakened immunity, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety and depression, and more. Indeed, feelings of loneliness and isolation should not be taken lightly.
The advantage of assisted living communities is that socializing comes to you! At Fountains of Franklin, residents can enjoy games, social activities, outings, physical activities, and spiritual services. Indulge in a hobby you’ve always wanted to explore, or make friends with like-minded peers who live next door.
Additional Healthcare Support
Our healthcare needs can get more complex as we age. Medication schedules and doctor appointments can get complicated and become stressful to handle.
Trained staff at assisted living communities can help keep you on track of your health needs. For example, you can rest easier knowing that, at Fountains of Franklin, we have 24-hour security and emergency call systems, medication management services, an in-house pharmacy, and an in-house nurse practitioner.
Explore Assisted Living at Fountains of Franklin
Choosing an assisted living lifestyle is not an easy decision, but it can be a positive one that enriches you or a loved one’s life. The extra support you receive in an assisted living community can alleviate stress and create more time and energy for the things that matter, such as family, friends, and hobbies.
At Fountains of Franklin, we’re committed to providing a place you can call home. Along with supporting your daily needs, you can enjoy community amenities like:
- Restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals guided by a dietician
- Counseling and estate planning services
- Landscaped outdoor spaces including a courtyard and putting green
- Multipurpose and activities room for socializing, hobbies, games, and fun
- On-site barbershop and hair salon
What makes Fountains of Franklin unique is our underlying philosophy of love. Our team is committed to loving, serving, and doing good works. We consider what we do a special calling.
Ready to explore more? Book a tour with us today to discover how Fountains of Franklin can be a part of your next chapter.
