Author: Westminster

Assisted living facilities provide much more than meals and assistance with everyday activities; they also provide residents with a sense of community that is critically important for both physical and mental health.

Here are a few reasons why it is important to build community in an assisted living facility.

Avoiding Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

Feelings of aloneness or isolation are very common among older people. It is natural to have your social circles shrink, families move away, and loved ones pass on as you grow older. All of these factors can contribute to feelings of loneliness.

Some of the greatest benefits of the communities you’ll find in Tallahassee, FL, assisted living centers are the new friendships and relationships that are built. Residents connect through community events, conversations in common spaces, and getting to know their neighbors.

These new relationships are invaluable for human connection to avoid loneliness and isolation. In addition, friendships play a critical role in healthy aging. 

Motivation to Stay Active

If you are engaging in many of your retirement activities alone, it can be difficult to stay motivated. One of the great benefits of assisted or independent living in Tallahassee, Florida, is that you’ll always have friends to accompany you during activities.

Whether it is tennis, golf, walking, crafts, games, or any other activity, having a buddy gives residents the extra motivation needed to stay active.

Community Helps Foster Independence

When seniors live alone, sometimes they tend to become overly cautious for fear of falling or wary of asking for extra help. An overly cautious lifestyle can quickly lead to inactivity and isolation, which accelerates the need for care.

In assisted living facilities, being surrounded by a supportive community creates a sense of safety. When seniors feel safe and supported, they are less likely to be too cautious, as they are encouraged to try new activities and hobbies and get out of their homes more.

Extending the years during which seniors can live independently is invaluable for both residents and their families. 

Health and Wellness Safety Net

One of the most critical features of a community is looking out for each other. In assisted living facilities, residents get to know one another and can detect if something is off with another community member. 

Subtle changes in mood, mannerisms, eating patterns, or other behaviors can be hard to catch, but community members who are around each other every day are keenly aware of abnormalities in behavior.  

When a community member recognizes that something is out of the ordinary, they can call attention to it and make sure their friend gets help. This level of daily monitoring is only possible through the communities that are built-in assisted living facilities.

Tallahassee, FL, Assisted Living

Tallahassee, FL, is one of the best cities for assisted living in the country. From the balmy weather to the wonderful facilities to the endless activities, Tallahassee has a lot to offer.

Searching for the right community may seem overwhelming, but with the help of resident experts and even virtual tours, finding the perfect community could be easier than you think.

Restorative nursing is an ongoing treatment program that helps seniors stay active and independent as long as possible. If muscle aches, joint stiffness, or old injuries are limiting your enjoyment of the golden years, you may benefit from restorative nursing. 

Is Restorative Nursing the Same as Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation services such as physical therapy are effective for helping seniors regain their strength and function after an injury or illness, but they are not the same thing as restorative nursing.

Restorative therapies help seniors maintain and improve their ability to perform all of the necessary activities of daily living, also known as ADLs. Rehabilitation comes after an event, but restorative nursing is available (and useful) at any time. In many cases, restorative therapy will be recommended after rehabilitation is complete.

Can You Get Restorative Nursing in Assisted Living in Tallahassee?

Seniors living independently and those in assisted living facilities are eligible to receive restorative therapies. Any senior who is having difficulty with ADLs is a good candidate for restorative nursing. Restorative therapies are designed to help people maintain as much independence as possible no matter where they live.

If you are considering a move to one of the many skilled nursing facilities in Tallahassee, FL, ask about the restorative services they offer. 

The Benefits of Restorative Nursing

The progress you’ll see while receiving restorative therapy isn’t always immediate, but it is long-lasting, and it can have a big impact on your quality of life. Consider the following four biggest benefits of restorative nursing:

1. Improved mobility

Simple exercises used to improve flexibility and strength are a big part of any restorative program. Staying mobile, whether at home or in a skilled nursing facility, is one of the most important goals to focus on when aging.

2. Improved Independence

A restorative nurse takes the time to fully evaluate your needs and focus on the activities you need the most help with. Whether it helps with bathing or dressing, restorative therapy provides the tools you need to stay independent.

3. Increased Safety

By improving your balance and strength, restorative nursing reduces the chance of falls or accidents.

4. Better Mental Health

Many seniors report a confidence boost by participating in restorative therapy. Knowing you can take care of yourself and preserve your independence helps you to feel better on every level.

How Can Seniors Receive Restorative Nursing?

A nursing license is not required to provide restorative therapy, though some nurses may choose to work in the field. Restorative therapy is specialized care that may be performed by CNAs, nurses, therapists, and professional care providers who have been properly trained.

If you are still living at home, speak to your doctor or a care provider about receiving restorative therapy. When you have had a recent illness or injury, it may be recommended as part of your follow-up care.

Seniors residing in assisted living in Tallahassee should have restorative nursing available to them as part of their ongoing care. Talk to a member of the physical therapy staff to learn more about how restorative nursing can help you live more fully.