Supporting Independence & Dignity: When Moving to Assisted Living Is Helpful

A common myth surrounding assisted living communities is the idea that one’s independence is lost when they make the move. Those faced with the transition from their home to a community often fear the loss of choices, possibilities and privacy, wondering how much of their previous lives they’ll be able to take with them.

“At Tuscan Gardens^®, we’re happy to disprove this myth,” says Nancy Clanton, Community Relations Director at Tuscan Gardens^® of Venetia Bay in Venice, FL. “Rather than an environment of limitations, we’ve created a place where seniors can truly live their lives to the fullest. Residents experience a perfect balance of support and opportunity, a combination we believe leads to the kind of independence seniors need to thrive.

“For those whose health keeps them from getting out of the house or performing day-to-day tasks, the support and services available with an assisted living lifestyle are often the solution for finding the independence and quality of life they desire.”

When Living Alone Is No Longer Easy

For aging loved ones, living on their own can come with risks and limitations that ultimately take away from their personal independence and dignity. When preparing meals, bathing or getting dressed become difficult and exhausting, seniors’ overall health and quality of life suffers.  The threats to their safety at home gradually increase with the risk of falls, malnutrition and isolation. They may be living in the comfort of their own beloved home, but genuine comfort might no longer be possible without help.

As physical and cognitive ailments start to take away a loved one’s health, mobility or energy, the definition of “independence” shifts from living on one’s own to living the life one deserves. When daily struggles drag the quality of life below par, finding support through assisted living could be the best solution.

Assisted Living for an Independent Lifestyle

Assisted living communities such as Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay offer the support services seniors need to stay well alongside specially designed options for leading an active, independent lifestyle. Benefits to making the move to assisted living include:

• Energy to Do What Makes You Feel Alive – When a loved one is living without the assistance he or she needs, even life’s simplest tasks, such as getting dressed each morning, can cause anxiety and exhaustion. Daily living support offered in assisted living communities eases the struggle of these tasks, saving energy and ambition for other activities. When seniors receive the necessary assistance with difficult tasks, they’re free to enjoy the rest of the day however they choose, doing the things they love and spending time however they want to.

• Maintaining Personal Care – Isolation can take a toll on seniors’ emotional and physical health. When faced with loneliness and inactivity, loved ones have less motivation to take good care of their appearance, personal hygiene or physical well-being, and their sense of dignity suffers. Assisted living helps seniors maintain their dignity through respectful support with daily grooming, as well as frequent company from compassionate caregivers and friendly neighbors who encourage self-care and promote a dignified, independent lifestyle.

• Social Connections That Make Life Meaningful – Interaction with others is a key component of living well. Assisted living communities allow seniors unlimited opportunities to make connections with neighbors and staff while socializing with their peers. Not only does social interaction help seniors stay mentally sharp and emotionally fulfilled, but it does wonders for self-esteem. A strong sense of self-worth can give seniors the boost they need to live each day to the fullest.

• Opportunities to Stay Healthy – Seniors who live alone usually have limited options for keeping their minds and bodies fit. Most assisted living communities offer plenty of opportunities to help residents reach their health and fitness goals. From senior-specific wellness centers to group exercise classes, healthy dining options and personal care staff (not to mention access to quality healthcare services), optimal health is within reach. Nothing promotes independence more than healthy living.

We’ve Turned Living Well Into an Art Form

“Receiving the support you need to live well shouldn’t cost your sense of independence or dignity,” shares Clanton. “At Tuscan Gardens, we believe that assisted living should promote our residents’ strengths and abilities while offering support when it’s needed. Our community puts all the pieces in place for seniors to thrive on their own.

“The founders of Tuscan Gardens were disappointed in the options available when they tried to find the ideal place for their parents to live. Out of this personal experience, Tuscan Gardens was born, emphasizing every service, amenity, characteristic and opportunity our founders wished their parents could have enjoyed. Since the beginning, we’ve worked to create an environment worthy of the people we – and you – love most.

“Every day is filled with choices. Residents enjoy the independence to do what they want, whenever they want. They pursue new interests and old hobbies, spend time with friends and family and experience the luxury and leisure offered throughout the community and beyond. At Tuscan Gardens, independence is the foundation on which our residents construct each day.”