What Is Assisted Living?
It is expected that there will be more than 80 million seniors living in the U.S. by the year 2050. With Americans over the age of 65 making up 21% of the population, the challenge of providing daily support, financial assistance, social opportunities and health care for this group will continue to grow. This challenge will impact communities, families and, most importantly, seniors.
As we age, there are many things to consider, ranging from our physical and mental health to our social life, our happiness, our financial security and our overall safety. When a senior and their family begin to discuss a move to a senior community, safety is often the first priority. If there are concerns, the first step is often to evaluate the activities of daily living. Activities of daily living (ADLs) help to gauge how a senior completes basic activities that contribute to daily life. ADLs fall into six categories:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Continence
- Mobility
Advancing age can naturally decline a person’s physical function and ability to complete these activities. There are many levels of care for seniors who are no longer going to live at home and many choices to be made. One of the most popular options is assisted living.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is an excellent choice for seniors who are no longer secure living completely independently, but who still enjoy their freedom and personal autonomy. A senior who enters assisted living will be able to complete many activities on their own, but may require assistance with one or more ADLs. Assisted living offers residents:
- Private living space
- Opportunities for social connection
- Support with ADLs
- Nutritious meal and snack options
- Transportation options
- Opportunities for education, hobbies and entertainment
- Holiday celebrations
- Group and individual fitness programs
At Mount Prospect Senior Living, residents receive a care plan designed to support their individual needs and provide the support and assistance needed to live a full life.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Seniors moving into assisted living are entering a new chapter of life. This chapter includes time for hobbies they love, time to explore new interests and time for family and friends. At Mount Prospect Senior Living, the community and amenities are designed to bring health and happiness benefits to the residents:
Support for ADLs.
Assistance with activities of daily living can mean everything from help getting dressed to incontinence care or feeding help. At Mount Prospect, the team partners closely with the necessary doctors and caregivers to create an entire team of support for each resident.
Safety.
Safety considerations for seniors can range from ADLs to limiting tripping hazards. In the age of COVID-19, health concerns are also safety concerns. At Mount Prospect, the Healthe ENTRY™ community entry portal utilizes a safe wavelength of ultraviolet light to help eliminate harmful pathogens. It is just one of the many innovative resources to keep residents safe from the spread of germs and to keep loved ones together.
An Active Lifestyle.
As we age, it is important to stay socially active. The Vibrant Life® program at Mount Prospect does just that! It is an innovative activity program that helps residents to plan their day with meaningful, personalized activities.
Mental Stimulation.
Intellectual stimulation is shown to slow cognitive decline. When senior community residents enjoy an available calendar of cultural, spiritual, recreational, fitness and social activities, it helps to keep their minds and bodies healthy.
Healthy Choices.
A healthy lifestyle takes work at any age. However, elderly adults have unique nutrition and fitness needs. The Elevate® dining program at Mount Prospect is an exquisite culinary experience filled with Chicagoland’s traditions and the nutrition our residents need. Meals can be prepared according to personal preferences, and nutritional needs are always top of mind.
Finding Your Future
At Mount Prospect Senior Living, we want our community to feel like home. Our community is designed to meet the needs and wants of active, engaged seniors. The Mount Prospect team utilizes the Vibrant Life® program to allow residents to use creativity and personal preferences to create their day in any way they like. The program challenges and inspires residents, encouraging new adventures and making suggestions based on individual interests and physical abilities. We offer assisted living and memory care apartments to fit every need, and our team is here to help you make your new space into a new home!
At Mount Prospect, we would love to invite you and your family to visit our community and learn more about our programs, our culture and our care. Have questions before you make the trip? Call us at 847-250-6029 or email us at mountprospectdsm2@islllc.com today and we are happy to answer any questions you have!