When the time comes that you or a loved one require some form of extra care and assistance, the feeling of having to make decisions can be overwhelming. On top of it, understanding all the different types of elderly care options, such as senior independent living, board and care, assisted living, and nursing home care, can be confusing. So here, we'll be focusing on the nuances of assisted living - why it might be the best option, what it looks like, and what you should consider when choosing an assisted living facility.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities like vivante living are designed to provide care and safety for seniors through support services. It also provides a social environment for seniors to interact with others in their age group, reducing the risk of isolation. Generally, seniors sleep in private or semi-private rooms arranged in common residential units and have access to shared-use areas such as living rooms, fitness centers, libraries, activity centers, and communal dining areas.
At an assisted living facility, seniors are assisted in dressing, bathing, eating, and taking medications. However, they are still free to live independently and access the facility's communal areas. The care staff at assisted living facilities frequently monitor seniors and talk to them to evaluate their well-being.
Why Choose an Assisted Living Facility?
There are multiple reasons why an assisted living facility can be the best option depending on the individual situation. Here are some of the benefits of an assisted living facility:
● Higher Level of Care - Assisted living facilities are suitable for people who require more help with daily activities than can be provided in their own home or a retirement home. Assisted living staff help with daily activities and provide medical care if needed.
● Social Support - Assisted living facilities are designed to provide a warm, social environment where seniors can interact with their peers. This way, seniors don't have to worry about feeling isolated in a single-family home or retirement community.
● Flexibility - Seniors living in assisted living facilities have more flexibility in terms of lifestyle. They can maintain a certain level of independence while still having access to the support they need.
● Freedom from Housekeeping - Assisted living facilities also provide housekeeping services, which frees up time for seniors to focus on activities they enjoy or family activities.
● Comprehensive Care - Assisted living facilities often have a full range of services for seniors, such as preventive health care, medical assistance, mental health care, and rehabilitation services.
What to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
When it's time to explore assisted living options, it is essential to keep various factors in mind to ensure that the best decision is being made in finding the right fit.
Location
The location is the first factor to consider when looking into assisted living facilities. When your loved one is living in a facility, it's essential to make sure that it's near people and activities you enjoy, such as family, friends, doctors, shops, and religious activities.
Size of Community
Another critical aspect to consider when finding the right assisted living facility is the size of the community. It's crucial to find a facility that's not too large and not too small, so seniors don't feel overwhelmed or isolated. You should also look for an assisted living facility with a favorable staff-to-resident ratio so seniors can help when needed.
Amenities & Activities
When choosing an assisted living facility, it's also essential to ensure that the facility offers amenities and activities that fit the senior's lifestyle and needs. Some of the features you should look for include living quarters, communal dining, fitness and health programs, recreational activities, and social events.
Safety & Security
When selecting an assisted living facility, see if the property is equipped with things like secure entrances and exits, electronic keycard access points, motion sensors, and adequate staff monitoring.
Cost
Lastly, you should consider the cost of assisted living. Of course, no one wants to cut corners when providing a safe and comfortable place to live and spend time with their loved ones. Consider the monthly fee and any other upfront costs when accounting for the cost.
Well-informed decisions are the best way to ensure that seniors needing assistance can find a safe, comfortable living situation. Considering all the above factors will help you make the best decision for your loved one.
