Assisted living can help a person live a more independent life by helping them make the most of their current state of health and offer them new challenges. Some assisted living communities are residential facilities where a resident lives at one location in a home or apartment with other residents, while others provide services such as assistance with transportation, or even overnight care.
Most assisted living communities will provide partial or full-time care for an adult, but may not have the same level of attention, community spirit or great social interaction of the full-time care facilities. Many full-time care facilities have resident doctors or nurses that focus on routine checkups and handling emergency situations.
Assisted living is a home environment where the resident lives independently, possibly with a caregiver who offers help around the house. It is different from most residential facilities because the care provider (the home care professional) usually has special training to deal with people in the older and more frail stages of life. Many home care professionals work with adults in retirement communities and group homes.
The caregiver may be paid from the state or the retirement community. In addition, the caregiver may also work part-time or on a part-time basis.
A senior citizen does not have to be a senior citizen to be eligible for assisted living. They can be a family member, a friend, a colleague, an employee, a client or a patient. Many of the special needs available through assisted living require an individual or family member who is a physical or mental health expert, whether on the staff or with a caregiver.
Choosing to live at home instead of in a hospital, nursing home or long-term care facility requires a commitment. If you choose to live at home, you must take responsibility for your own care. If you are disabled or need help to manage your daily activities, you will have a team of people that will help you do so. You will no longer be responsible for your own needs and goals, as assisted living communities often place their responsibility in the hands of a trusted friend or loved one.
Most assisted living communities offer some or all of the following services: a meal plan, laundry service, housekeeping, contact with their local neighborhood, exercise and recreational activities, art and craft projects, and even cooking. Residents may have a preferred activity, so they can select which service is offered to them.
Generally, a resident chooses the name of the community they will live in, the staff and the type of care they will receive. They are able to communicate their preferences to care providers, as they are the ones providing the services. The activities offered vary, depending on the requirements of the facility.
Sometimes, the home-based care provider will interact with health care providers from the nursing facility. When visiting a senior living facility, healthcare providers will often attend a general education class or other meetings to learn about the residents’ specific needs. When the health care provider has seen the community, they may be able to refer the resident to the right care provider.
As mentioned before, seniors in assisted living communities are not responsible for their own care. The level of care provided varies from facility to facility, but it’s recommended that you and your loved ones get involved in selecting the best care for your needs.
Depending on the state’s requirements, there are different standards of care required in a living environment. If the resident experiences any of the following, they should contact the health care provider immediately: