One of the greatest fears most older adults have is the loss of independents. More often than not, our aging loved ones would insist that they can manage things themselves. Unfortunately, the reality is that of the people who are older than 85 years old, 1 in 5 requires or are currently receiving help in their day-to-day life. While it may seem like getting the help you need and maintaining your independence are mutually exclusive, there is a way to get the best of both worlds — assisted living.
What is Assisted Living?
Put simply, assisted living communities are residential communities that provide personalized care and support for older adults. The level of care provided determines the kind of license the community is awarded. These communities are for older adults who require more support in their daily lives due to the condition of their health.
What Can Assisted Living Provide You?
Aside from providing care that is personalized to your needs and health condition, assisted living will ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle through a customized fitness and wellness program, as well as a happening social calendar.
Most assisted living communities to take great pride in giving you the best medical and nursing care possible. The goal is to keep you or your loved one comfortable whilst managing their health condition. Their services may include medication management, glucose and insulin management, dining assistance, bathing or showering assistance, grooming, and personal care, amongst many others. It is also not uncommon for assisted living communities to provide around-the-clock nursing care.
However, medical care is only one part of what assisted living entails. The team is concerned with more than just managing your health conditions. Instead, they wish to help you achieve a vibrant and happy life. To do this, assisted living communities often have comprehensive fitness and wellness programs to care for your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Additionally, residents can look forward to daily activities such as bingo night, arts and crafts, and more. The activities calendar is ever-changing, ensuring that the residents are always entertained and have something to look forward to.
Lastly, in more premium assisted living communities, residents enjoy furnished apartments and other amenities. The apartments are always maintained by weekly housekeeping and laundry services. Delicious and nutritious meals are also provided along with snacks. In all, you can expect resort-style facilities and services.
What Does Assisted Living Not Provide You?
Assisted living care is not the same as nursing home care. If you or your loved one require more sophisticated or specialized medical care then consider looking into skilling nursing care or long-term care instead. These facilities are typically licensed by Medicare or Medicaid and are intended to provide rehabilitation and long-term care.
Benefits of Assisted Living
There is more to assisted living than just gaining a helping hand. Assisted living communities are designed to improve your quality of life and ensure that the burden of medical care or daily assistance is taken off your shoulders, allowing you to spend your sunset years peacefully. Not only will you be surrounded by like-minded peers who can understand you, but you will also have everything you need at your fingertips. From shopping malls to museums, yoga lessons to movie nights assisted living aims to show you that you are more than your age and that you still have so much to look forward to.
