What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living can mean many things, but it usually refers to a home where elderly or handicapped adults can live and receive help with their daily needs. The residents do not require the intensive care that a nursing home provides, but they usually need some type of assistance with their daily routines.

Cost of Assisted Living

The monthly charge for most assisted living residents is from about $2,500 and up, and depends on many variables. Some of those factors are: the level of care needed, whether you choose a single room with private bath, or one with a shared bath, and the home’s location.

When is it Time to Consider Assisted Living?

When it becomes difficult for an elderly or disabled loved one to live alone, and you are concerned about his or her health or safety, it is time to locate an assisted living facility where he or she will be cared for in a safe, friendly and nurturing environment.

Typical Services Include:

Nutritious meals and snacks
Meal times are usually family style eating in a dining room where residents visit with the other occupants.

Assistance with dressing, bathing and in the restroom if needed
Residents are allowed and encouraged to be as independent as possible, but help is always available as their needs change.

Medication supervision
Older people do not always remember if they have taken their prescriptions and either take too much or too little medicine, and the consequences could be serious.

Transportation to doctor appointments
Many residents prefer to be accompanied to appointments by family members, but when that is not feasible, the staff will be happy to provide that service for them.

Opportunities and encouragement to socialize and exercise
Residents will be happier and more contented if they make friends with their neighbors, and exercise is beneficial for their over all health and well being, so they are encouraged to participate in group activities and stay as active as their conditions allow.

Housekeeping and laundry services
Residents’ rooms will be cleaned regularly, and their clothes will be laundered as needed.

Location

A location that visiting friends and relatives can easily reach would be desirable. For someone with friends who do not drive, a home easily accessible by urban transit would be helpful. Your loved one will feel more contented if family and friends are able to visit often. If he or she enjoys spending time outside or looking out the window, a home in a pleasant area with a nice view may be important.

Privileges

Visitation

Inquire about the visitation policies at the assisted living home that you are considering. Are family members restricted to visiting at certain times, or are they welcome to drop in at their convenience?

Pets, gardening, cooking

Does the home allow pets to visit those who enjoy animals, and do they keep the animals away from those who do not appreciate them? Is there an area for plant and flower lovers to do some gardening? Are those who enjoy cooking allowed to use the kitchen occasionally?

The Staff

The owners of the assisted living home should have empathy and compassion for their residents and treat their staff well. If the employees are happy and like their jobs and their bosses, they will be more likely to treat the residents with kindness, consideration and dignity.

If possible, visit the assisted living home and observe the residents and staff. Do the employees treat the residents with respect and compassion?

When you select the right assisted living facility, you will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is being cared for with compassion, dignity, respect and gentleness, and that you are doing the very best you can for him or her. When you see the look of contentment and joy on your loved one’s face, you will be relieved to know that you chose wisely.