If you have an elderly relative or loved one, you may be concerned about their ability to care for themselves. If your concerns turn serious, you may decide to consider an assisted living facility. Most assisted living facilities accept people who need help with some activities of daily living. For example, they may need daily assistance with bathing.
You should be aware that standard insurance does not cover the costs of rooms, meals, and laundry. Unless someone is covered by long-term care services, room and board will be charged. If your loved one goes to an assisted living facility after a hospital stay, Medicare may cover the cost of their nursing or rehabilitation services, but it will not cover the cost of their room or meals.
Although many families decide their loved one will go to assisted living, other families prefer home health teams that supply helpers at home care. This is often a good option for clients with good family support to supervise the client overnight – or for those who can hire caregivers overnight. Regardless of your chosen setting, be aware that visiting elders may be the best gift you can give them. Considering these things will help you make the right decision.
Finding the right assisted living home can make the transition from independent living to assisted living care easier for seniors and their families. One of the easiest ways to decide which assisted living facility is right for you is to find out the benefits of each one. Of course, you should always research a facility’s reputation and safety rating, as well as visit in person to inspect the building and staff before you make a decision. With that in mind, here are some of the most common benefits to moving into an assisted living home.
One of the biggest reasons seniors move to assisted living facilities is to increase quality of life. This usually involves more nutritious food, opportunities for exercise, and encouragement to socialize. Nutrition and exercise are important to helping seniors remain independent, as well as preventing falls and other injuries. Socialization and exercise have also been shown to combat depression and feelings of isolation in people of all ages.
Accessible medical care is one of the most important things to look for in an assisted living community. Even if a senior is perfectly healthy, the assisted living facility should have trained medical professionals on staff 24 hours a day in case of emergency. A well-trained nursing staff will also be able to assist the seniors in case they need to begin a new medical routine.
Some seniors prefer moving to assisted living facilities so that they don’t have to keep up with housework. Cleaning, cooking, and laundry are all completed by community staff, so there is more time for the resident to spend doing things they enjoy. For seniors who prefer to spend time away from home, it can be safer to ride in a community van or bus than to drive. Many assisted living homes organize regular trips to local restaurants, shopping centers, and museums to give seniors a chance to stretch their legs and experience a change in scenery.
While there have been unscrupulous people using assisted living facilities to take advantage of vulnerable seniors, most senior living homes exist for the benefit of the elderly and their families. Finding the right assisted living home may take some investigation, but can make everyone’s lives better in the end.