Many families today, when choosing assisted living for a senior relative, look for a community that offers a holistic approach to senior care. This approach looks beyond medical necessities and focuses on nurturing all aspects of seniors. Doing so helps heal the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms that are seen.
This type of resident-centered living arrangement allows for treatments beyond standard medical care. Residents may receive massage therapy or acupuncture. They often benefit from specialized diets, and communities typically offer activities promoting cognitive function.
Common Holistic Treatments
Senior communities that take a holistic approach may offer several treatments and therapies. Some address the physical and emotional elements of the individual’s well-being, while others address social, intellectual, and spiritual facets. What treatments might a person see in one of these communities?
Massage therapy involves manipulating soft tissues to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Seniors feel relaxed after one of these therapy sessions. Massages help improve a person’s emotional well-being by reducing stress and improving their quality of life.
Acupuncture is another treatment that may be offered in a senior living community. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The practitioner inserts needles into the individual’s body at distinct points. This restores energy balance and helps with pain management. Seniors often prefer this option because it is not invasive, yet they get relief from discomfort and improve their overall health.
Tailored Diets
Seniors often have many health conditions that their diet must address. Senior living communities that take a holistic approach incorporate foods and supplements into residents’ diets to improve their overall health and well-being.
When seniors follow a specialized diet, their overall health is enhanced. They find it easier to manage chronic conditions and ensure their body gets the nutrients it needs for optimal functioning.
Pet Therapy
Many senior living communities today have therapy animals. Interacting with these animals has been shown to offer therapeutic effects. Residents who have the opportunity to interact with the animals improve their emotional well-being. They feel lonely less often as they have a companion in the form of an animal.
Music Therapy
Some communities offer music therapy for residents. Music can help improve a person’s mood while reducing anxiety. It also enhances cognitive function. Seniors receive these benefits whether they listen to music or actively participate in it because they have an outlet for self-expression.
Self-Care
Staff members at a senior living community may educate residents on the importance of self-care in managing their well-being. The community may offer classes on nutrition and exercise or teach residents self-care techniques to improve their physical and emotional health. Family should discuss the offerings with different communities before selecting one for their loved ones.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors may adjust seniors to improve their overall health and wellness.
Chiropractic adjustments can address issues like back pain and joint discomfort caused by arthritis. In addition, they may be used to address mobility issues so seniors can maintain their musculoskeletal health without invasive treatments.
Holistic senior care offers multiple benefits. Personalized treatment plans allow seniors to connect with their caregivers and receive the highest quality of care. This approach focuses on the root cause of an issue rather than symptom treatment, allowing seniors to rely less on medications. Their quality of life improves, and they can socialize more, which helps stave off loneliness and depression.
This care also supports cognitive development and maintenance. Residents maintain their dignity and feel empowered. Thanks to the holistic approach, which focuses on every aspect of a person, they obtain spiritual and emotional comfort.
