Learning To Thrive In Assisted Living Environments

Assisted living provides the support for many Americans require when diagnosed with certain conditions. Today, over 1.4m Americans use assisted living (according to the CDC) to maintain their quality of life whilst retaining independence. Of these, between 75 and 85% are diagnosed with a condition that features chronic pain as a symptom.

Living in an environment that gives you the foundation you need to remain independent while guaranteeing your safety can be daunting, however. Independence is hard fought for, with many people seeking the help of support groups before taking the step into assisted living. Adapting is straightforward, but there are a few secrets to making it a success.

Figuring out your priorities

When you first apply for and become part of an assisted living situation, it is first important to learn exactly what the level of care you require is. This will help you to maintain independence in the long run and make carers and your family aware of what you will need assistance with. For example, if you are generally mobile, using an alert system to help raise attention when required will preserve a great deal of independence. This is especially important for those diagnosed with chronic pain, as a 2015 NCBI study found that chronic pain diagnoses affect independence where controls are not put in place to assist.

Adapting to the new environment

Moving to an assisted living environment with mandate contact with carers and other people in the same situation. As a result, it’s helpful if you stay open minded and form connections with the people around you. Making a wide range of connections can also help you to develop aptitude in therapies that are beneficial to managing chronic pain. A study by the University of Illinois found that holistic therapy is effective for chronic pain and it can be learned more quickly, and effectively, through interacting with a supportive community.

Focus on the amenities 

When looking for an assisted living space, it’s really important to pick somewhere with amenities that suit you as a person. Someone who loves cooking would benefit from a home with adapted cooking facilities, for example. Similarly, a keen gardener might be more at home with an opportunity to use a bespoke garden area, or a communal allotment. Remaining active with hobbies

is a great way to stay mentally stimulated and has been found, again by the UoI study, to help mitigate the effects of chronic pain.

Chronic pain can, in some instances, mean you have to reassess your living situation to guarantee your own safety and independence. What that doesn’t mean is that you have to accept a lower quality of life. Through remaining open minded, carefully planning what you need to be happy and choosing the right place, you can continue to manage your condition in a supportive, safe environment.