Many seniors choose assisted living because they no longer want the hassle of house maintenance and home upkeep. A base fee usually covers housing, meals, housekeeping and transportation needs.
Assist your loved one in downsizing before entering an assisted living facility; this can be an emotional journey.
Costs
Many seniors who choose assisted living facilities must pay an exorbitant cost, often selling their homes or taking on additional debt to cover the care costs they require.
Costs vary significantly but typically cover housing, meals, 24-hour supervision, housekeeping services and daily non-medical assistance. Some communities also charge a one-time fee for medications management or health screenings.
Visit and tour a community to determine its costs, so that you can see its buildings, assess cleanliness, taste food samples, try activities and talk with staff members. Also ask about specials for move-in specials or ways to reduce care costs – they may be covered by long-term care insurance, life settlements, reverse mortgage funds, annuities or veterans benefits or personal savings accounts.
Accommodations
Assisted living offers similar amenities and living arrangements as independent living, but typically features additional features and space. Residents in assisted living environments receive assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing as well as meals and housekeeping as part of the rent payment.
Apartments designed specifically to protect senior safety come equipped with features such as grab bars in tubs and showers and wide doors suitable for wheelchair access. Residents can select between studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments.
Relocating can be challenging for seniors who possess many family heirlooms and personal items they treasure. Before making your choice, find out whether the facility allows residents to bring in their own furniture so their new place feels more like home, and inquire if a kitchenette is included as accommodations.
Meals
An assisted living facility’s meal options are essential to its residents’ enjoyment. Elderly people in particular have become more focused on seeking restaurant-like dining experiences with fresh, locally sourced and cooked-to-order cuisine. A good menu should take into account any dietary restrictions as well as size of residence. In addition, it must provide dietetic balance.
Many assisted living facilities offer various dining options, from room service, pub-style bistro, anytime dining and cafes – enabling residents to find one that best meets their individual needs and palate.
Some assisted living homes provide each unit with its own kitchenette so residents can prepare meals on their own, while others feature a communal dining area where meals are served. Furthermore, hybrid models exist which give residents access to a set number of meals every week or month for a fixed monthly base rate.
Activities
An assisted living facility should offer its residents a range of activities to keep them engaged and stimulated, helping to reduce loneliness and depression. Some examples include visiting entertainers, virtual classes and special events.
As one example, the facility could host a quiz night where residents compete to see who can answer the most questions correctly. Trivia games provide easy ways for seniors to engage with others while having fun!
Holding a talent show involving residents and their families is another fun and engaging activity to consider, helping build confidence while keeping seniors occupied. Gaining new skills is also great way to enhance quality of life for seniors.
Staff
Assisted living facilities employ various staff members to care for residents. Depending on the size of their residence, this could include medical professionals such as nurses and nurse’s aides as well as support staff such as food workers or administrative assistants.
An assisted living facility accredited to offer enhanced assisted living services must also provide case management, coordination of health care services by outside agencies and personal care services – such as monitoring and supervising daily activities such as assistance with daily chores or medication administration and management, in addition to nursing care and treatment services for residents.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated the benefit of having a full-time Registered Nurse on staff in an assisted living home; she can reduce transfer rates to hospitals or nursing facilities by 50% – this should be your primary goal, rather than ratios.