Assisted living facilities may seem intimidating at first, as their structures don’t offer consumer rating systems or details on staffing levels like nursing homes do. But this should not be the case! Assisted living provides access to care without necessarily offering as much transparency.
Be sure to conduct thorough research, while also consulting family, friends and your loved one’s healthcare providers for advice.
It’s a Home
If you are frustrated with maintaining your own home and depend on friends and family to transport you to medical appointments, assisted living might be the perfect solution for you. These facilities offer more than housing – such as prepared meals and transportation services – they can also provide all-inclusive care services and offer various amenities such as housing options that can assist with life transitions.
They also typically provide an engaging social environment and help residents maintain their health by offering activities like cultural, exercise, and culinary clubs – many even offer private studio, one bedroom, or dorm-style apartments with bathrooms and kitchens for residents to call their own!
When touring an assisted living home, be sure to ask plenty of questions and obtain feedback from current residents. Be sure to visit at various times, such as activities or meal time, so you can truly get a feel of how it operates. When helping family move into assisted living homes it’s also essential that they are involved in decision-making processes so they feel like home quickly while gaining the sense of control they require for successful adaptation.
It’s a Community
While most assisted living facilities are regulated at a state level, their offerings vary. Residents typically pay according to the care level required and receive prepared meals and housekeeping as well as assistance with daily tasks such as bathing/showering/dressing and toilet use.
People in need of additional support than family or friends can provide may consider assisted living communities as a means to maximize life while having peace of mind knowing help will always be there when necessary. Furthermore, many find the social environment of an assisted living community beneficial to both mental and physical health.
Be sure to visit the facility at various times, including mealtimes and activities, in order to gain an accurate representation of life in that facility. Be sure to pose lots of questions and take detailed notes while touring. Ideally, try splitting up the tour among family members if possible.
It’s Safe
As part of their overall care plans, assisted living communities offer safety features not available in regular homes. From handrails on walkways to safety alarms that alert staff when someone needs assistance, these amenities help seniors remain secure by preventing prolonged isolation that could cause serious injuries.
These facilities also feature layouts designed with safety in mind, such as wider hallways and walk-in showers that help minimize falls – one of the primary causes of emergency room visits among senior patients.
NCAL strongly suggests using a systematic, step-by-step search process when finding an environment for your loved one, answering their queries fully. Furthermore, make it a point to visit them frequently and let them know how much love and care you have for them – this will provide them with security during this process.
It’s Affordable
An excellent assisted living facility should provide residents with an extensive array of amenities, activities, and services tailored specifically to meet their needs. These might include on-site physical, occupational, speech therapy as well as medication management services – residents may pay either individually for these services or opt for all-inclusive plans that include them all.
Residents can also use Social Security benefits they received prior to retiring as a way of covering monthly living expenses in an assisted living community. Depending on how much money is awarded, this may cover most or all of their monthly rent costs.
If you do not qualify for Social Security benefits, other government programs may provide aid for assisted living community expenses pending your eligibility and income verification. Though they go by different names, most serve the same function and can be found across states.