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Common
Questions and Answers
about Assisted Living
Facilities...
What are the differences between Independent Living and Assisted Living?
The senior housing industry
has rapidly changed in recent years. Today there are multiple care
options available for you or your loved one- When making any decision
you first need to know all of the facts. Please use the following
descriptions as a guide to the basic levels of care that are available.
Independent Living
Independent Living represents
a lifestyle and availability of care that relieves the pressure of daily
activities while increasing your enjoyment of life. Say goodbye to
cooking and washing dishes, maintaining a house, paying mortgages and
utility hills. Instead, say hello to prepared meals, weekly housekeeping
and linen service, beauty parlors, transportation for medical
appointments, shopping and one low monthly rent payment. Independent
living provides an elegant lifestyle in an environment geared toward the
social needs of seniors Enjoy stimulating daily activities including,
dancing, bingo, live entertainment, and bridge and poker games along
with exciting outings to local theatre, beaches, shopping malls, fairs,
and flea markets.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living communities
provide quality health care and security for someone who does not yet
require round the clock skilled nursing care. Assisted Living services
include personal care assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming, as
well as medication management, personal laundry service and other care
needs. They may also offer rehabilitative services for physical, speech
and occupational therapy. Most Assisted Living care is offered in
levels, which allows you to choose only the options that you require,
but if your needs should change then you can always add or subtract
services. Although Assisted Living has a strong focus on providing
quality care, they also provide an “independent” lifestyle that includes
all of the same activities and amenities that are available to
Independent Living residents. The goal is to make sure that you can live
life to its fullest and not be handicapped by illness or injury.
Some assisted living communities also offer specialized care for those
with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. These programs
should be directed and staffed by compassionate and highly trained
medical professionals, who are well versed in the delicate issues that
pertain to these residents. The environment should he nurturing and
homelike, one where residents can safely and independently be a vital
part of their own community.
If I choose
one of these options, how will my life be different from living at home?
Living at an Independent or
Assisted Living Community is like staying at your favorite resort hotel.
You will enjoy numerous activities and events with the peace of mind
that you have access to quality health care if the need arises. Your new
residence is your home and you can enjoy the same luxuries, and more,
that you normally would. With the convenience of your own apartment and
many large common and activity areas, you will have plenty of room for
reading, socializing, or just relaxing. In addition, you will have
access to swimming pools, beauty parlor and barber shop services, guest
accommodations, private dining rooms, ice cream parlor, a fully stocked
library, and a wellness and fitness center.
When is
the
right time to move to an Assisted
Living Community?
If there were an easy answer to
this question, things would certainly be easier for many families.
However, the reality is that the right time changes for everyone. The
best advice is to move into a place that can accommodate your changing
needs. For example, if you move into an independent living community
that has an assisted living community on its campus (or in the same
building), you know that if anything should happen you will not have to
move to another community. This is known as “aging in place,” and it
will undoubtedly relieve the stress and burden of having to change your
residence because of your changing needs.
What
should you look for in an Independent or Assisted Living Community?
There are many elements to
consider when you are looking for the right place to call home. On the
top of the list you should want to have access to the best available
health care, a stimulating activities program, and to he sure that you
are comfortable with the atmosphere.
You
should also look at the quality of food
served in the community; keeping in mind you will be eating most of your
meals there. Another element to consider is the extra amenities that are
available to you, including, transportation to doctors appointments or
local shopping, private dining rooms, religious services, health and
wellness programs, nutritional and dietary counseling, and housekeeping
services. Finally, be sure to find out about the staff’s experience in
handling your evolving needs.
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