What is assisted living? An assisted living residence is a long-term senior care option that provides personal care support services such as meals, medication management, bathing, dressing and transportation. Assisted living facilities provide skilled caregivers who will help senior citizens with 2 or more activities of daily living, which can include showering and bathing, personal hygiene, feeding, mobility, dressing and more. The average age of an assisted living facility resident is 87. There is no right age for assisted living-you or your loved one should choose this senior living option whenever the need arises.
Most assisted living communities also provide (at extra cost) housekeeping, access to health services, Alzheimer’s care, staff available for personal needs, 24-hour security, an emergency call system, exercise programs, medication management, personal laundry service, and social and recreational activities. Communities typically consist of apartments of 25 to 120 units from single rooms to full apartments. Some are even in subdivided houses with live-in staff. They can be operated by non-profits or for-profit companies. In addition to housing and care services, assisted living facilities include numerous amenities for all residents. Most facilities include dining with at least 3 daily meals, as well as special dining options for senior citizens with allergies, diabetes or other dietary requirements.
Finding the best assisted living community isn’t easy. And it shouldn’t be. This is a new and important chapter in your life. The decision to leave your old life and start new is an emotional one. It’s a financial one and for many seniors, a necessary one. But it is a process that can be made easier with some guidance. There are many senior living options for aging seniors. Some people will want to retire in the state where they currently live, but some will want to relocate for numerous reasons-to be closer to family, for better weather, for better services or simply to make a change in their lives.
Aging seniors have a number of senior living options available to them and different lifestyles they can choose from, depending on their preference, financial situation and most importantly, their health needs. Think of the process in three steps:
*Decide what you need
*Find location that match your needs
*Evaluate location using multiple resources
Throughout the journey for your new home, keep the focus on finding a residence that will keep you or your loved one happy and healthy in the present and for the years to come. And below are various senior living and senior care options that every elderly person can take advantage of:
*Assisted Living Facilities
*Independent Living Communities
*Continuing Care Retirement Communities
*Senior Congregate Care
*Senior Veteran Housing
*Respite Care
*Senior Cooperative Housing
*Nursing Homes
*Adult Day Care
*Alzheimer’s and Memory Care
*Home Health Care
Assisted living facilities are great for seniors who need help with daily living but do not need as much care as is available in skilled nursing facilities such as nursing homes. Independent living Communities are great for seniors who can still do many, if not most of the daily living activities but want to live in a senior community. ome people desire a location near doctors and a major hospital, while others prefer a location central to shopping and entertainment. You may desire a location near your children and grandchildren.
Additionally, it is important to carefully consider the safety and assistance features you need now and those you may need in the future, especially if you have a progressive disease, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. While presently you may only need a grab bar in the shower and housekeeping assistance, in the future you may need wheelchair access and assistance showering and dressing.
Finally, set a budget. Prioritize your list from what you must have to what you would like to have and look for communities that match your needs.
Eileen Song