Why do people move into assisted living communities? Failing health was the leading factor for 75 percent of respondents in a recent survey.
Losing the ability to drive, loneliness, and the loss of a spouse or partner are the other top reasons.
Assisted living offers safety, social interaction, and personal care to each resident. Anyone uneasy about living alone appreciates the social aspects of a community.
Keep reading to learn what you can expect from assisted living communities.
Healthcare Services
While an assisted living community isn’t a nursing home, there are healthcare services. The amount of help depends on the resident.
Medication management and pharmacy services match the resident’s needs. A staff physician or nurse provides wellness and medical checkups.
An emergency response system connects to each apartment. Trained staff perform emergency first aid.
Assisted living makes sense for a range of health-related issues. When someone has visual problems or is unsteady on their feet, living with others is safer. Fast help in a health emergency is a relief for someone with heart problems.
Help with Daily Personal Care
Most communities have caregivers who assist residents with activities of daily living.
These activities include dressing in the morning, help with eating meals, and bathing. Caregivers may provide extra help with tasks like toileting and dental hygiene.
Many communities have on-site salon services and physical therapy for residents. Staff members help schedule and coordinate appointments.
Social Activities and Engagement
Assisted living communities make it easy for residents to make new friends. Community libraries, cafes, and game rooms are perfect for casual social meetups.
Scheduled activities give residents a chance to meet and interact with like-minded people. Clubs, classes, and visiting entertainers keep everyone engaged. It’s easy to find a bridge game or start a book club.
Residents can opt-in to outings at local restaurants, theaters, and attractions. The community provides scheduled group transportation.
Fitness rooms, walking groups, and wellness classes keep residents active. A chapel with scheduled services offers spiritual support.
Assisted living gives each resident many ways to make new friends. Social and fitness events replace loneliness and isolation. Engagement with other residents reduces senior depression and related health issues.
Delicious and Nutritious Meals
Grocery shopping and cooking can challenge older adults. Someone who lives alone isn’t motivated to cook for one. They may choose unhealthy food options instead of cooking.
Residents eat chef-prepared meals served restaurant-style in a dining room. Dinner is more than a meal. It’s a social experience that aids in digestion.
The staff customizes meals to meet personal tastes, medical conditions, and diet restrictions. The menu changes every day to please tastebuds and meet nutritional needs.
Snacks and beverages are often available during the day. A shared meal or snack is a fun way to combine nutrition and socializing.
Housekeeping
Residents in an assisted living community don’t worry about housekeeping and maintenance.
Housekeeping staff is available 24/7 for emergencies, including spills, and toiling accidents. Weekly cleaning includes laundry and linens. Staff vacuum, dust, and clean the entire apartment.
You won’t have to worry about interior or exterior maintenance. Basic cable, WiFi, and utilities are part of the monthly fee.
Transportation
One of the reasons people move to assisted living is because they can’t drive anymore. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t go places.
The assisted living community schedules transportation for appointments, shopping, and recreational outings. Residents can always get around town.
Residents who drive have reserved parking with easy access to their vehicles.
Residents can use scheduled group transportation or arrange personal transportation for a fee. Use chauffeured transportation for appointments, classes, and errands.
Safety and Security
24-hour help removes the fear of dealing with an injury or illness alone. Residents can summon help anytime they need it with the emergency call system.
Residents know the staff is nearby to assist with health or housekeeping concerns.
The amount of monitoring depends on the resident’s health. Keep reading for a definition of assisted living levels of care.
Care Levels in Assisted Living Communities
Many families think their loved one needs a nursing home. Often, assisted living is the appropriate choice. It’s a vibrant residential choice that offers varying degrees of support and care.
An independent person may only want housekeeping and medication management. Another person who’s at risk for falls may opt for help with bathing and dressing.
Seniors who move into assisted living can maintain a high level of independence. They enjoy an active social life. They’re engaged in physical, mental, and artistic endeavors that suit their needs.
Daily activities keep residents active and engaged. Some assisted living apartments include kitchen and laundry facilities to encourage independence. Staff is always close by to lend a helping hand.
An assessment by a medical professional is the best way to decide on the level of care you need.
Assisted living residents are independent. Some may need help with bathing, dressing or medication management. Typical assisted living care includes:
- Medication Management. Prescriptions administered and reordered by staff.
- Bathing. A staff member helps you enter and exit the shower. The caregiver stands buy to give partial or full aid with bathing.
- Dressing. Help with balance while the resident dresses or undresses.
- Grooming. Assist with combing hair, shaving, and brushing teeth.
- Toileting. A caregiver helps the resident transfer on and off the toilet.
Assisted living care depends on personal preference and need. Everyone is different. It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate each resident’s personal needs.
Visit More Than One Community
There’s no single model for assisted living communities. Visit several communities to find the right one. Choose a community that supports aging in place so your loved one can stay as their needs change.
Look for a community with healthcare, housekeeping, and transportation services. Review the social and recreational activities. Schedule a personal tour to find the best match for your loved one.
Contact us today for answers to your questions on customized services and care.
