If your parents, like millions of other older Americans, are fiercely protective of their independence but struggle to keep up with the day to day demands of living alone, an assisted care community may be the answer you’re looking for.

Nearly a million seniors across the United States reside in assisted living communities and, according to a 2013 survey conducted by the Assisted Living Federation of America, 94 percent of respondents said they are satisfied with the overall quality of their lives there.

And it’s no surprised that these elderly Americans are enjoying their communities when assisted care combines the independent living your parents are looking for with the support services they need.

Benefits of living in an assisted care facility

Adult children like you often feel guilty about suggesting that their parents consider moving into a community, but you both may be surprised to find how much more they are able to enjoy life in assisted living. These communities offer amenities and services that are perfect for dynamic and healthy seniors who need a little extra help with a handful of personal and household tasks.

1. Physical and mental fitness

Loneliness and isolation can set in quickly after retirement—especially when family lives out of town or in another state altogether. Assisted living facilities stimulate the intellect with social activities and lifelong learning opportunities which help preserve brain fitness.

Plus, many independent living facilities also provide access to fitness classes and equipment designed especially for older adults.

2. Safe living environment

Living at home alone can be unsafe, especially for seniors who are prone to falls or suffer memory lapses. While you can increase the level of safety at your parents’ home with gadgets like shower railings and medic alert bracelets, installing and purchasing these devices one at a time can be expensive and offer only moderate protection.

Architects design assisted living apartments with safety in mind, installing all the safety equipment you need. Furthermore, you are surrounded by caring and professional staff who are there to help in times of trouble. These facilities also provide security to keep you safe from intruders. Ninety-nine percent of respondents in the survey said they felt safe living in their communities.

3. Supervised nutrition

A retirement community may be a great choice for your parents if the thought of planning meals has them relying on microwaveable meals or takeout more and more often. The premier senior communities in Cincinnati offer outstanding dining experiences that feature delicious and nutritious meals in an elegant setting.

4. Support Services

Upscale assisted living facilities make keeping a beautiful home easy. Most offer upkeep and housekeeping services so your parents are able to entertain guests comfortably without worrying about things like not having enough hand towels in the bathroom because the laundry hasn’t been done.

 If your parents need need a little help performing the activities of daily life like dressing or grooming, assisted living professionals are always glad to lend a hand with these tasks which allows your parents to focus on enjoying life.

5. Independence

Believe it or not, moving to a community that offers assisted care can actually help your parents stay independent longer by providing relief from all those things that used to keep you homebound.

Your parents have more time for their book club when someone else is taking care of the housework. And you don’t have to worry about sorting out transportation to a doctor’s appointment because the community will make sure that they arrive on time.

Be wise to signs that it may be time to consider assisted care

There are a few clear-cut signs it may be time for your parents to transition into assisted living:

• More stale food than edible meals in the refrigerator.
• Wearing the same clothes every day— a sign that your parents need assistance with laundry.
• Getting behind in house and yard work.
• Missed pills or other errors in taking medications

If you’ve noticed warning signs in your parents, but aren’t sure how to begin the conversation about moving into assisted living, check out our blog on tackling tough conversations as a caregiver.