Although the aging process comes for us all, it can still cause angst when the personal reality of it can no longer be ignored. Whether a senior resists the waning of their independence, is anxious about their cognitive health, or feels lonely, friends and loved ones can deploy proven strategies to help them face aging without fear. Assisted living and memory care facilities can offer the professional support and compassionate reassurance that families and seniors need to walk confidently through this stage of life.
Anxiety is Natural – and Expected
Irrational fear of aging is not healthy, but anxiety surrounding the topic is normal. Health issues and worry about becoming socially isolated are two prevalent fears for aging seniors, but they are not the only emotions they experience. Everyone is unique, and how each individual copes with aging should be supported.
Senior adults may experience anxiety or frustration when contemplating a loss of mobility, sensory capability (vision and hearing) or cognitive ability. Another significant stressor is thinking about making the move to alternative housing – such as a senior residence. But while aging in place is an appropriate option for some, circumstances often make living alone a challenging prospect. For some seniors, selling their long-time residence and moving into an assisted living community seems like resigning themselves to the “last stage” of their life. That said, assisted living residences can help families of seniors who are experiencing fear and anxiety.
Assisted Living Communities Address Fears of Aging
Assisted living communities are designed to alleviate many of the fears that seniors experience as they age. These may include helping them to attend regular medical check-ups, as well as providing ongoing general health checks. These proactive strategies provide peace of mind by assuring seniors and families that chronic conditions are being monitored and unexpected health events will be noticed. Visits from healthcare providers can ensure that any potential issues are discovered and addressed promptly.
Additionally, the professional caregivers in assisted living residences can help residents to perform necessary daily activities, such as bathing, grooming and dressing. Providing this basic support allows residents to preserve appropriate levels of independence while maintaining the dignity they deserve. Assistance with these daily activities (ADLs) also allows seniors to live with less anxiety and embarrassment, facilitating a more leisurely and social lifestyle. Once they feel confident, a diverse variety of structured social activities will cultivate connection and belonging. Social engagement dissolves the fear of loneliness and isolation, providing the happiness and friendship needed to minimize incidents of anxiety and depression.
Professional counseling and therapy options are often made available to residents of assisted living facilities. These services can help seniors process their feelings of anxiety, fear or depression in a healthy way. Counselors and therapists offer a safe space for seniors to express their concerns without shame. As the fearful emotions surrounding aging are common, these professionals are uniquely qualified to help residents process their feelings.
Facing Aging in a Homey Environment
Recognizing how important a sense of “home” is to emotional state, assisted living facilities encourage seniors to personalize their living space with furniture, photos, mementos and personal possessions that inspire familiarity and comfort – not to mention, happy memories. Designing spaces to feel more like home cultivates a comforting sense of ownership, making the transition to assisted living less stressful.
While an assisted living community cannot address or resolve every fear that your senior loved one has, the caring onsite staff is trained to spot and address emotions that may be affecting your loved one’s quality of life and well-being. Contact A Banyan Residence today to schedule a tour of our facility and acquire a first-hand look at how we can help your loved one to be excited – not fearful – about their next stage of life.
