Are you concerned about your aging loved ones? Perhaps an aging parent or family member fell at home a few weeks ago, or you’ve observed that they aren’t taking their prescription as recommended. These are normal concerns that might keep you awake at night as you try to figure out how to keep your loved one healthy and happy.
However, it might be tough to begin the process of looking for help. The senior care market is vast, and other family members might become overwhelmed in the midst of it. Fortunately, we have put together a comprehensive guide on assisted living facilities that includes all you need to know about a typical and extremely beneficial assisted living level of care at Vivante Living in Costa Mesa that might benefit your aging parents.
What are assisted living facilities?
Assisted living facility is a long-term elder care option for seniors who require assistance with personal care services but do not require round-the-clock skilled nursing care. Senior living communities strive to combine residents’ freedom with personal care help, medical care, 24-hour security, and social and recreational activities. Assisted living communities also include services including housekeeping, laundry, and food.
As opposed to nursing homes, a senior living community provides an entirely different style of living atmosphere. Assisted living facilities provide care, community, and much-needed safety for older adults who do not require the 24/7 medical treatment of nursing homes.
Are there different levels of assisted living services?
There are several types of assisted living facilities. Some institutions, for example, cater to certain cultural groups; nonetheless, the majority of facilities provide care on a monthly fee.
The purpose of an assisted living community is for individuals to keep as much freedom as possible while receiving assistance in areas where it is required. For example, if your loved one is struggling to maintain their health since it is difficult to continue making healthy meals. Or they miss engaging with others on a daily basis. you can choose an assisted living facility with prepared meals and a common dining room, allowing them to eat and socialize with other assisted living residents.
If you require assistance with medication management and have difficulty bathing but otherwise function properly, an assisted living home would allow you to live relatively normally. You’d just add two interactions to your week: staff members coming over to remind you to take your prescriptions and a primary caregiver helping you bathe.
Do you or your aging loved one qualify for an assisted living facility?
If you or a loved one meets the following conditions, you are eligible for assisted living:
Assistance with daily living activities – Unlike nursing homes, many assisted living communities include human services such as dressing and bathing, making one of these senior living options an excellent option for persons who require assistance with these everyday duties.
Mobility – Those who want to live in assisted living facilities should be able to go around with minimum assistance, which means they should be able to walk or use a wheelchair or scooter on their own.
Health Stability – Potential tenants should not require regular medical care or medical emergencies They should be able to handle medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis on their own.
Self-Efficacy – Because homes do not provide 24-hour care, residents must be able to live alone in private apartments. Having said that, support is naturally accessible when they require it.
What to expect in assisted living communities
Assisted living accommodations sometimes provide a few levels of care, and those with more care requirements generally demand a higher monthly rent. Although services and facilities vary depending on the institution, most assisted living facilities provide residents with the following:
- Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Every day, three meals
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- health care
- Medical appointments
- 24-hour surveillance
- rehabilitation services
- Transportation for the elderly
- Assistance with social services
- Religious pursuits
- Activities for education
Length of stay – The typical duration of stay in an assisted care facility, according to the AARP, is roughly 2 1/2 to three years. The most typical reasons for leaving an assisted living care for a nursing home are failing health and the need for more care.
Pets – Pets are welcome in most assisted living settings. However, much like any other apartments, there are regulations governing pet ownership. Exotic animals such as reptiles and birds may be prohibited, and canines of a specific breed or size may be banned. Make sure to inquire about the facility’s unique pet policies, as well as if they charge an extra pet rent.
Spouse – Couples are often welcome to move in jointly because most assisted living organizations provide a choice of room sizes. In our experience, when spouses move to this sort of neighborhood together, they find it a lot more comfortable and delightful.
Alcohol – Unlike pets, which are nearly usually permitted, the restrictions regulating alcohol in assisted living vary greatly. Some independent living communities serve alcohol with meals, while others need formal permission from a doctor before members may consume it. If you often use alcohol, make sure to ask a representative from a potential community about their drinking regulations.
When to move from assisted living to nursing facilities
Assisted communities only meet a portion of the senior living solutions. Many seniors may require a greater degree of care than the facility can supply at some time, based on their requirements and the capabilities and rules of the assisted living home.
If the community did not ask for a relocation to a nursing home. you may decide that your loved one needs to transition from assisted living to a skilled nursing facility, memory care community, or smaller independent living community for a variety of reasons. Memory care may be more suited if your loved one is suffering from dementia or needs speech therapy. On-site physicians at nursing homes are generally more attentive to your loved one’s complex medical requirements.
The relative level of independence that comes with assisted care is one of its better features. Most communities allow residents to come and go as they choose, as long as they are well enough to travel and have a loved one to notify the facility and offer adequate assistance.
