Assisted living facilities typically charge residents a monthly fee that covers rent, amenities and care support services. Some communities also provide special assistance for people living with dementia or other medical conditions.
As part of your research process, take tours of facilities. Ask questions and take notes as necessary; especially if visiting multiple communities.
Personalized Care
Assisted living facilities offer their residents a range of services, including medication management, assistance with bathing, eating and dressing as well as social activities and programs. Furthermore, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services may also be offered round the clock by staff members on hand at these facilities.
Assisted living facilities distinguish themselves from home care by screening potential new residents to ensure they will fit into the community and don’t pose a threat. Furthermore, they will assess each resident’s cognitive and physical needs so as to tailor an individualized care regimen specifically to them.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential facilities, visit each location to tour it and speak with administrators, staff members and residents. Be sure to bring along your loved one on every visit in order to ease their fears of abandonment while helping determine whether this place is appropriate.
Meal Preparation
Assisted living facilities offer their residents a range of meal options tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences. From restaurant-style dishes with fresh, flavorful ingredients to accommodating special dietary restrictions and allergies. Dietitians and caregivers track intake closely in order to prevent negative outcomes caused by improper nutrition.
Senior citizens can participate in cooking with their caregivers to regain a sense of pride and personal fulfillment, while at the same time enjoying not having to worry about grocery shopping or carrying heavy bags home.
Attracting and maintaining seniors in care settings relies heavily on providing high-quality food experiences. But older adults often have high standards and expectations when it comes to dining, making managing food an almost impossible feat without proper menu management tools such as food allergy tracking or restriction monitoring.
Transportation
Many assisted living facilities provide transportation services for their residents to maintain independence and remain engaged in the community. Transportation options often include scheduled bus service, town car service and on-demand rides – as well as some private ride services available – making transportation services ideal for seniors who require occasional travel with minimal assistance or assistance; they’re especially beneficial for rural residents or people unable to use public transit such as late-night or rush hour travel needs or those unable to use public transit themselves.
Uber and Lyft ride-hailing apps may provide affordable transportation alternatives to seniors. While these services have limitations – including needing access to a smartphone – seniors who have trouble driving may wish to consider paratransit service vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs or mobility scooters; typically these buses or taxis travel along fixed route public transportation routes while providing door-to-door service.
Socialization
Companionship and socialization remain crucial elements of health, particularly among senior citizens. Research suggests that seniors who spend time with loved ones enjoy greater quality of life and live longer than those living alone.
An assisted living facility should strive to give their residents numerous ways to engage with people who share similar interests through group outings, events and classes that provide education, inspiration or entertainment.
Be sure to inform a staff member of your loved one’s hobbies and interests so they can plan activities that align with those. For instance, if she enjoys doing senior-oriented yoga, the director may be able to add classes specifically targeted towards this interest; or if he enjoys working jigsaw puzzles together with several residents for extended periods without interrupting one another’s work.