Assisted living residences must offer or arrange for 24-hour monitoring, case management services, food services and personal care for each resident, along with an individualized service plan created with input from both them and their representative or physician.
On your visits, observe how residents interact with one another. Do they appear contented and relaxed?
What is an assisted living facility?
Assisted living facilities provide secure housing with non-medical assistance for everyday activities such as bathing, dressing and maintaining hygiene. Most states license assisted living facilities to offer housing and care services.
Residents usually live in private apartments or rooms similar to dormitories or hotel suites with beds, private bathrooms and kitchen areas – similar to dormitories or hotel suites – which resemble dormitories or hotel suites in terms of layout. Residents may share common areas; meals may be provided, property maintenance provided as needed and transportation provided between doctor appointments, grocery stores and social activities such as games, arts & crafts projects lectures trips etc.
Prior to moving into an assisted living residence, individuals must undergo an evaluation process in order to ascertain if its program can meet their needs. This typically includes both a medical evaluation and interview with staff members; it’s best to visit at different times such as lunch and activity sessions in order to get a feel of how it’s run.
How does an assisted living facility work?
Assisted living communities are staffed with professionals who offer 24-hour care for residents’ daily needs such as bathing, grooming and medication administration as well as coordination of outside health providers’ services. In addition, assisted living communities also provide social activities designed to promote physical wellbeing as well as spiritual interests.
Modern facilities typically consist of private apartments equipped with kitchens and bathrooms; others feature dormitory-style rooms with shared sleeping areas. Meals may be delivered directly to their room or eaten communal dining spaces, and housekeeping and laundry services are included as part of the base rent; transportation can also be arranged between medical appointments or grocery stores and these accommodations.
Be sure to visit a facility during activities and mealtimes, for instance, so as to see how staff interacts with residents. Do they appear friendly and genuine interest in those living there? Are they clean and well-dressed? You may also wish to tour the property and take note of any restrictions on pets (most states allow residents to own their own animals but some restrict breeds or sizes.).
What are the benefits of an assisted living facility?
When your loved one’s daily needs outstrip what family or home health care can provide, assisted living may be the best solution. Most facilities provide assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing; medication reminders; transportation to doctor’s appointments; as well as housekeeping services, laundry service and three meals daily.
Many communities also offer social and recreational programs to their residents that allow them to pursue their hobbies and interests, such as art classes, book clubs, movies and trips to cultural or religious events. Some even provide scheduled transportation services for grocery stores, doctors appointments and other essential errands.
Staff at assisted living residences typically undergo special training to assess each resident’s individual level of need, creating an individualized service plan and reviewing it periodically or whenever a resident’s condition changes. While most assisted living residences don’t provide nursing services themselves, they can arrange outside health care providers who can meet various medical requirements.
How do I find an assisted living facility?
Finding an assisted living facility requires research and a structured, methodical search process. Visits to a facility at different times (during activities or meal times, for instance) will give a better idea of life there; watch how staff members interact with residents; observe whether the facilities appear clean and well-kept. Furthermore, be sure to thoroughly consider any contracts before signing.
Request a list of services provided by each assisted living facility, then compare that list against your loved one’s needs to determine if any facility fits. If it does, help personalize their new home by adding meaningful objects. If it doesn’t feel quite right, consult with family physician or geriatric care manager for recommendations before trying again; visiting at least twice before making your decision (the initial visit should include taking a tour and watching staff interact with residents).