Many seniors today need help and find an assisted living community is ideal for their needs. What should they know when considering this option? What should they expect?
Understanding Assisted Living
Assisted living is for men and women who can live alone but need help completing certain activities. When comparing assisted living options, people find residents in these communities have their own living spaces. Staff members come into their living space to help them bathe, dress, manage their medicines, and complete other activities. Seniors who live in these communities can maintain their dignity and autonomy while receiving help as needed.
What Services Might Be Offered in Assisted Living?
People often don’t understand the services offered in assisted living communities. The services vary based on the needs of the residents to ensure they can live comfortably. These communities typically include housekeeping, laundry, and meals in the monthly fee residents pay, but staff members might help residents prepare meals in their rooms as needed. The community also has one or more staff members who plan social activities and outings for residents to ensure they remain engaged and active.
Family members should talk with staff at each community to learn whether they provide transportation for medical appointments and local events. Some communities plan outings so residents can go shopping or visit local attractions. Each community determines its services, so families must understand every community’s offerings.
Paying for Assisted Living
Families often wonder how much they will pay for assisted living for a loved one and where the funds will come from. They must understand that assisted living costs vary by location, care level, and services provided. The monthly fee families pay typically includes room and board, meals, and personal care assistance. Residents and their guests will have access to communal areas and activities planned by the staff. A community may also charge additional fees, and families must know this before deciding where the senior will live.
When researching costs, seniors and their families must consider how much they pay to remain in their homes. The senior may pay a mortgage, utilities, maintenance and repair fees, property taxes, meals, and more. When these costs are added up, they may be similar to the cost of assisted living. A family can’t know this until they do the comparison.
Selecting an Assisted Living Community
Multiple communities should be researched before one is selected. The location should be a major consideration, as seniors may want to remain in their community or move closer to family and friends. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio in each community to ensure every resident will receive personalized care. Ask about the services offered to ensure they meet the needs of the senior. Discuss activities provided within the community and whether the staff plans outings and events. Before making a final decision, consider the community’s safety record and reputation.
Many seniors benefit from assisted living, but this option is not right for everyone. Families must consider all options. If assisted living appears to be the best choice, they must then find the right community for their loved ones. Finding this community takes time, so every family should begin the process early. Doing so will allow them to make the right choice if the senior suddenly needs extra help. They won’t have to rush through investigating each community, which will give them confidence they made the right choice.
