The process of selecting the right assisted living arrangement for our loved seniors can be so emotional and challenging. For those seniors who want to remain independent in a comfortable home-like environment, assisted living communities present a secure solution.
Let’s find out what assisted living offers and how to choose the right community for a loved one.
What is an Assisted Living Community?
The assisted living community is a housing option for our senior loved ones, who need some help in their daily tasks like eating, brushing, bathing, maintaining good hygiene and toileting, and monitoring medications.
The person living in an assisted community typically pays monthly rent for a private room and even shares the common areas like activity rooms, library, walking paths and other settings. These communities provide 24-hour staff facilities, three meals a day and good housekeeping and transportation services.
Pros of Assisted Living
Assisted living residences allow individuals to maintain independence, even when managing chronic health conditions, mild memory loss, or mobility challenges. Many choose assisted living because they may no longer be able to handle tasks like cooking or cleaning on their own, and they can benefit from enhanced assisted living services that offer comprehensive support with daily activities, personal care, and overall well-being.
These communities offer many benefits, including:
- Safety
- Peace of mind
- Social activities
- Improve the quality of life
- Reduce stress
Interacting with the staff every day, even if they are not overly engaged in activities, is good for older elders.
Services Provided in Assisted Living Residences
These communities charge extra fees for help with daily tasks, mobility and other services. Assisted living rent typically includes the following services:
An Emergency Medical Alert
Many assisted living spaces come with a medical alert staff to connect immediately if any emergency occurs.
Healthy Daily Meals
The price of the apartment rent includes three meals a day and access to snacks throughout the day.
Scheduled Transport
These residences offer free transport to doctor’s appointments, along with trips to the grocery stores and pharmacies.
Classes
They offer fitness, yoga classes and other physical exercises. They are also able to take classes on painting, writing, home safety and other topics.
The Different Levels of Care
Communities may offer different levels of care for their residences to move up or down as their health documents. These facilities are typically broken out into three facilities:
Lower Level
Those residents who need less assistance and can walk use a wheelchair and might need help in tying their shoes or buttoning buttons while getting dressed.
High Level
The seniors who need a high level of care, one-on-one help in bathing, toileting or getting dressed, and pushing their wheelchairs.
How to Choose Right Assisted Living
When choosing an assisted living residence, you may compare the cost that fits your budget and the location that is close to your family. Plus, it’s important to consider well-trained staff, security, emergency services, and specialized care for serious health issues like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Facilities such as benchmark senior living communities and similar others, often provide these essential features, helping ensure both comfort and safety for residents.
Conclusion
A right assisted living community can be a place where your senior loved one can enjoy, feel fulfilled, make new friends and truly call home.
