5 Benefits of Assisted Living: What Families May Not Know

With an estimated 16% of Marylanders over the age of 65—almost 1 million people—more older adults and their families are beginning to plan for senior care. This can be a difficult conversation to have, especially when a person feels they’re facing a great personal transition. However, there are numerous positives to residential senior living. With the right senior community, the best may very well yet be to come!

Let’s take a look at some of the numerous mental, social, and physical health benefits that come with independent living and assisted living. Knowing these advantages can help make the decision to begin your search for senior care in Baltimore an easier one!

Live a Low-Maintenance Life

These days, many adults over 55 are choosing to enter independent living communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), and other 55+ apartment-style retirement homes even though they don’t need assistance with everyday tasks and chores. That’s because senior housing takes care of many of those chores straight away.

Imagine the things you could do if you didn’t have to worry about laundry, mowing the lawn, or unexpected expenses when home appliances break down. In many senior living communities, you can enjoy on-site maintenance and housekeeping services. These services relieve you of these burdens, leaving you to focus on making the most of your retirement.

Have Time to Focus on Activities that Matter to You

When you’re free of those daily chores and budget constraints, you’re free to pursue the things that truly matter to you. Senior living isn’t one-size-fits-all—you can choose a community with unique amenities and services that will enrich your already vibrant life. In this way, you have easier access to what you need to carve out a life of meaning and purpose.

If you’re looking for new pastimes, senior living communities are also an ideal place to be. With a rotating schedule of community events, planned activities, and other entertainment amenities, you’re free to explore new hobbies and passions like never before. Today’s senior housing options offer more than bingo—within these communities, there is a world of enrichment at your fingertips.

Enjoy Peace of Mind with Added Safety & Security

Safety and security measures in senior housing come in many different shapes and sizes. With keypad entry and security systems, residents can feel assured that they and their precious belongings are protected at all times. And for those with memory care needs, these same measures ensure that wandering behaviors are handled before they become a risk.

Many communities also offer health monitoring technologies to prevent falls and other health risks. With non-intrusive sensors, care teams can detect any falls that do occur and respond immediately, which is critical for long-term health outcomes. This article guides nursing homes on how to deal with falls. Their process can be used in assisted living and memory care settings.

Boost Your Social Satisfaction & Engagement

Up to a quarter of adults aged 65+ are socially isolated, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Loneliness has serious consequences for mental health that in turn, affect physical health. Without social connection and engagement, adults are at a much higher risk for dementia, heart disease, ER visits, hospitalization, and more. All of these factors are linked to a higher mortality rate.

That’s why the social aspect of senior residences may be one of the most important of all. That sense of connectedness, community, and understanding is critical for healthy aging. And not all housing options create this sense of community in the same way. So no matter if you’re introverted or extroverted, there’s a way to find meaningful connections for everyone.

Get Easier Access to What You Need for Health & Wellness

The focus of senior living communities is optimizing your health and well-being. Many communities have on-site medical facilities, transportation services, coordinated visits from specialists like physical therapists, and fitness centers with a variety of ways to stay active.

Many of the traditional barriers to wellness in home life are lifted in a senior community, giving you easier access to health tools and support than ever before. From group golf outings to yoga just down the hall, staying fit your way is easier than ever in a senior living community.

Depending on the level of care you or your loved one need, you can choose a community that has light assistance available when needed or full-time assistance with personal care and daily activities. This safety net ensures that chronic conditions are monitored and managed, nutritional needs are met, and potential health issues are addressed proactively—all important aspects of both short-term and long-term wellness.

What About the Cost of Assisted Living in Maryland?

The cost of assisted living varies depending on the area you live in, the amenities and services offered, and the type of facility (assisted living, residential assisted living, or CCRC). On average, senior housing in Maryland costs about $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year for the larger assisted living communities.

In Maryland, we have another option called residential assisted living. Their cost starts at $1,500 in Baltimore City and $2,500 for Baltimore County. The cost will increase depending on the resident’s level of care. For more information on residential assisted living, read our blog!

It’s also important to compare apples to apples when you’re seeking the right community for you. Make sure to compare the amenities and services included in each quote as you explore your options. Some communities don’t include things like housekeeping, transportation, and fitness center fees in the base price, while others do. A senior care advisor can help you navigate these plans and secure fully transparent pricing that you can easily compare.

Get Free Assistance From Your Local Senior Care Advisor

If you’ve been overwhelmed by your options when it comes to senior living, you’re not alone. CarePatrol of Baltimore is here to help you find the ideal living situation for you or your loved one. At no cost to you, we can assess your needs, listen to your preferences, and curate a personalized list of communities to consider.

But we won’t stop there! We’ll also schedule and may accompany you on guided tours, help you navigate your payment options, and coordinate moving day support. With ongoing check-ins and experts at your disposal to answer any and all of your questions, CarePatrol is your true partner in the senior care journey.

CarePatrol: Helping You Find the Best Senior Living Communities in Baltimore, MD

Get help narrowing down your search for senior care with CarePatrol of Baltimore. We’ve vetted hundreds of the area’s assisted living facilities and retirement communities to find the safest and highest quality senior care in Maryland. CarePatrol is proud that we are one of the few placement companies that have personally visited every community to which they refer. Get free assistance in your planning journey—call us at (410) 844-0800 or reach out online to speak to a senior care advisor today!