Thinking of moving to an assisted living community or helping someone make the move? There are a few questions that need to be asked before considering the move.
What exactly is assisted living?
According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, assisted living is a long-term care alternative combining housing with health care and other support services. It’s a good choice for those that need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). These include bathing, dressing, meals, medication management, help with mobility, and assistance for those with memory issues. Typical assisted living residents, however, aren’t necessarily “typical.” Some residents may have just one of these issues, while others may have many.
How independent are the residents?
If residents are able to drive, cook, take medication, and can shower and dress without assistance, then assisted living is probably too much care than what is needed. It would be wise to look into independent senior living communities, but if any of these things are beginning to be a problem, assisted living might be the right option.
Is the need for assistance temporary?
Is the senior recovering from surgery or an injury? If so, the senior might be able to get the help needed from family members, meals from friends, or professional care from a home health agency. These options are also a possibility if the situation is permanent and if the senior needs help in one specific area, or if the senior’s condition is relatively mild and only requires assistance once a day.
Is it time to move?
Some individuals might prefer to stay in their own home. Is the house still manageable for them? If so, home health services could be the right fit. However, if they need help, are ready to downsize, and want to meet and interact with other seniors, then assisted living just might be the perfect solution. There are more than 31,000 assisted living communities throughout the U.S.; there is bound to be one that is a good fit.
The Greatest Appeal
The greatest appeal of assisted living communities is that they make their residents feel at home. With private rooms, fun daily activities, and a crackling fire beckoning residents in the gathering room, they find the atmosphere warm and inviting. Aston Gardens Senior Living Communities take that a step further. With resort-style amenities ranging from elegant rooms, gourmet chef-prepared meals, a heated therapy pool, tropical gardens with lush walking paths, and card and game rooms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Most senior-living communities have an on-site medical director and professional team members available 24/7 in case assistance is needed.
So, when it’s time to pare down the list of assisted living communities, be sure to remember to ask questions about the community and keep in mind that the communities will have questions as well. Each assisted living community will do its own assessment to determine the health and the level of care needed for the residents.
