Is the well-being of your aging parents a concern of yours? This guide to senior living will help.
One of two things: either your loved one collapsed at home a few months ago, or you’ve noticed that they aren’t taking their medication as prescribed. These concerns may keep you up at night as you look for ways to ensure your loved one stays healthy and content.
The problem is that it can take some work to figure out how to start asking for assistance. The scope of the senior care industry is such that even the most seasoned consumer may feel lost or overwhelmed. Here’s some good news: we’ve compiled a comprehensive reference on assisted living, covering all you need to know about a common and helpful form of senior housing that may be useful to your elderly loved one.
Understanding Assisted Living
It is common practice for retirement communities to categorize residents into several degrees of assistance.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality outlines many fundamental features of assisted living homes, including round-the-clock care and monitoring, services tailored to residents’ anticipated and unanticipated needs, and assistance encouraging autonomy. Further, assisted living communities to provide a comfortable environment, individuality, and independence.
In conclusion, assisted living facilities provide a safe environment, with staff available around the clock to meet residents’ needs and promote more independence.
Which Services Does an Assisted Living Facility Provide?
Even though each assisted living facility is unique and has its own culture to accommodate its residents, there are a few things you can count on while touring the best of the best.
You can feel safe and at ease here. Usually, there are various floor plans to pick from, and each one provides residents with essential amenities like kitchenettes and grab bars in the bathrooms. Apartment complexes with outside spaces like patios and balconies encourage residents to use their patio furniture and decor. Housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation services are also available to residents, allowing them to unwind in retirement without worrying about mundane tasks.
Assisted living facilities provide excellent medical attention. Aside from being a constant presence, nurses can help with daily tasks, including medication administration, glucose monitoring, and doctor communication. Assistive living communities have excellent dining alternatives. Residents gather in the common dining area three times a day to enjoy home-cooked meals, fostering a more friendly and familial atmosphere.
Finally, assisted living communities can act as community centers, bringing together even the most isolated seniors. The planning, execution, and evaluation of outings and other activities for residents at assisted living communities are all handled by dedicated departments dealt with by trained professionals.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
When you start looking for assisted living facilities in your selected location, you could be taken aback by the cost. Retirement can be expensive but assisted living facilities typically offer a more cost-effective alternative.
Most assisted living facilities’ monthly rent is all-inclusive, covering housing, food, most activities, cleaning, transportation, and utility costs. Some service providers even throw in TV and WiFi for this monthly charge. Compared to the fees you’ll find for caring for your loved one at home, assisted living will likely be surprisingly low.
If your family member needs extensive medical attention, you may have to pay a higher monthly fee. This cost ensures that the necessary medical care and supplies for your loved one may be obtained. Additional charges for those who require special attention, such as trips and extra groceries, are minimal and won’t surpass this sum.
Who Could Benefit from an Assisted Living Facility?
The easiest way to know if assisted living is the right choice for your senior loved one is to talk to them about it. Numerous older people might benefit from the services provided by the best assisted living facilities. The following are some examples of seniors who might do well in an assisted living facility:
- Continually sick, requiring medical attention
- Very active in the community and socially active
- Likes being on their own yet is unable to handle routine responsibilities
- Sometimes gets injured in falls and stays at home
- Experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are home alone
- Together living seniors who would like some company
Tips for Identifying the Best Retirement Community
Once you and your loved one have agreed that assisted living is the best choice, it’s time to start researching facilities in your area of choice. Pay multiple visits to each potential assisted living facility and take note of the staff’s demeanor and the residents’ (are they healthy and happy?). Staying put to eat in the dining room or participating in an activity while accompanying a loved one on tour is highly recommended.
While touring each site, keep an eye out for indicators of high-quality care, like residents who seem happy and healthy. Requesting a weekly schedule of events ensures that residents get out of the facility and explore the neighborhood regularly. Check the weekly menu and see if the chefs will make unique dishes for your loved one.
Simplifying the Process of Moving to an Assisted Living Facility
Upon deciding on a facility, a staff member will conduct an assessment of your loved one. This assessment will assist the community in understanding your family member’s healthcare requirements and background and provide clarity regarding associated expenditures. During the review phase, the nursing staff will work with you to have your medications and medical records transferred to the community.
There will be a frenzy of activity on the day of move-in. As they assist you and your loved one in unloading the truck, the workers will stop by to introduce themselves. There will, of course, be those curious neighbors who pay a visit to offer their best wishes to your loved one on their new homestead. To help your loved one feel at home in their new community, pick up a copy of the most recent newsletter and schedule of events for the area.
In a shorter time than you might think, your loved one will feel comfortable in their new assisted living apartment. Delicious food, interesting people, and fun pursuits await you in this fascinating book. You should be most concerned that your loved one is safe, well, and well-cared for in their new assisted living home.
Do you intend to check out the local area’s most illustrious retirement communities for the elderly? Contact a representative now to learn more about what makes a Bridgeway Senior Healthcare, or The Avalon Assisted Living community the finest place to retire in your area. We welcome the opportunity to have you visit our home and would love to give you a personal tour. Let’s ensure your aging loved one has a happy and healthy retirement.
