Health Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

The thought of leaving your home, or moving an aging loved one out of their home and into an assisted living community, can spark a lot of conflicted feelings. At Woodlawn Commons assisted living community in Saratoga, we help families work through the process by encouraging them to take the emotion out of the decision for just a moment, and consider the pros and cons.

Not only does an assisted living community provide seniors with a network of friends, social activities and a fuller, richer retirement, it actually offers several health benefits that can improve, and even extend your life.

Proper Nutrition

As we age, our nutritional needs change, and planning a menu, grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals can become a challenge. The result is that many seniors are malnourished and underfed.

At the Wesley assisted living community in Saratoga Springs, proper nutrition is a priority. While all of our senior apartments include a kitchenette, residents also receive three freshly prepared meals each day, created by a professional nutritionist and on-site chefs, who specialize in geriatric nutrition.

Less Risk of Falls & Injuries

Problems with balance and fragility are common in adults over 65. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in four Americans over the age of 64 falls each year.

While costly to install in a home, features like handrails, grab bars, non-slip flooring and proper lighting, can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Fortunately, these safety precautions are standard in most assisted living community’s common areas and apartments. As are emergency pull-cord systems and 24-hour licensed staff.

Improved Fitness

Many falls and injuries can also be prevented with proper strength and balance training. However, the majority of seniors are unable to implement and maintain a safe and healthy fitness plan at home.

With an assisted living community, seniors typically have access to an on-site fitness center, as well as one-on-on instruction and group fitness classes tailored to the needs of aging adults, including gentle stretching, yoga, balance and strength training. The Wesley senior living community in Saratoga even offers aquatic therapy.

Reduced Stress & Depression

The everyday tasks associated with maintaining the interior and exterior of a home, grocery shopping, laundry and paying bills can cause seniors significant stress, which in turn can lead to inflammation in the body, digestive issues, even an increased risk of heart disease. Living alone can also contribute to feelings of isolation and depression.

On the other hand, an assisted living community provides seniors with a totally maintenance-free lifestyle, as well as a network of friends and social activities. As a result, seniors in assisted living communities report less stress and tend to develop less chronic health problems. They not only make new friends, but they have more free time to enjoy them, leaving them less susceptible to depression.

Assisted Living in Saratoga Springs

At The Wesley Community in Saratoga, we realize that the decision to move into assisted living is not an easy one, but in many cases, it is the best one. We also acknowledge that every individual’s needs are different, which is why we offer several senior living options, including independent senior living apartments, long-term skilled nursing care and home care services, in addition to assisted living.

To help you determine the best senior living solution for you, or your parents, we encourage you to contact us, or call (518) 691-1525 to speak directly with our Community Living and Outreach Coordinator. We’re happy to assist in any way that we can.