The Facts Versus Perceptions About Assisted Living

Finding the right assisted living community begins with thorough research into all aspects of the lifestyle. As you investigate your options, you’re likely to encounter many misperceptions about the assisted living concept.

Make sure you ask questions to get a clear understanding.

If you’re a senior who is experiencing mobility issues, then assisted living would be perfect for you. It’s also a great way to keep busy, active and social. Some people think assisted living communities are just fancier versions of skilled nursing care centers. But there are distinct differences. Assisted living communities offer the same services as independent living, but there are some distinctions that make assisted living unique, including 24-hour care, three prepared meals a day and tailored care plans.

At Charlton Place, we create an individualized care plan for you. The plan can always be adjusted, dependent upon any changes in health or mobility. Our apartments are modified throughout to ease mobility. You’ll notice wider doorways, walk-in showers or tubs, and safety bars to ensure convenience, safety and comfort.

Nursing homes focus on offering skilled health care and services at a higher level than assisted living residences. Charlton Place is designed for older adults for assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL). ADLs include tasks such as dressing, bathing, hygiene, medication management, housekeeping, meals and laundry. This is all included as part of your monthly rent.

Apartment sizes vary at our Deatsville, Alabama assisted living center.

You may think assisted living apartments are small and that you have to give up a lot of your belongings before you move here. Not so at Charlton Place! While you may have to downsize some if you are moving from a large house, our apartment floor plans vary. You may find it a relief to move to a more manageable-sized studio or one-bedroom apartment. Whatever the size, you are encouraged to bring your prized possessions like favorite furniture pieces, family photos and whatever memorabilia you most treasure.

Amenities and programs at assisted living communities keep residents busy.

There’s also a misperception that assisted living communities are boring. Not so at Charlton Place! Our community was designed to actually improve a senior’s quality of life. Our lifestyle is the perfect mix of personal care and hospitality tailored to meet the individual needs of residents. We believe in giving residents control over their lives and encouraging independence and socialization. You’ll love how our friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to meet new friends and fill your day with a number of fun and engaging activities. Our busy calendar of events is bursting with exercise opportunities, card games, clubs, educational classes, live performances and more. You’ll feel a sense of belonging and find it easy to form new friendships with neighbors.

Assisted living communities are regulated and licensed by the state.

You also may have heard another misperception that causes families to be unnecessarily concerned about regulations and a loved one’s safety. While there are no government ratings for assisted living, you can rest assured that assisted living communities are licensed at the state level.

Before opening, assisted living communities must have a license from the state. After that, state agencies inspect communities on a routine basis, often annually as well as when someone files a complaint. It’s during these surveys that deficiencies are noted. For each deficiency marked during a survey, a provider must provide a plan of correction with a timeline. States can suspend or revoke a license and impose penalties for failure to comply with requirements.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living, “there are approximately 28,900 assisted living communities with nearly 1 million licensed beds in the United States today. The average number of licensed beds in an assisted living community is 33.”

How affordable is an assisted living community for most seniors?

A final question to be resolved is about the affordability of assisted living communities. Make sure you compare apples to apples. Compare costs and levels of care, and ask about future cost increases. Communities may vary in the way they calculate rent.

When you add up all the costs associated with living in your own home, even if your mortgage is paid off, Charlton Place has been found very affordable for a wide range of seniors. Because we provide meals, transportation and a maintenance-free lifestyle with all the utilities covered, you and your family can plan better for the future knowing your medical care is being administered by us. You’ll also appreciate our monthly rental plan with no buy-in fees.

Here are some items that will no longer be part of your budget at our community:

• Mortgage payments
• Interior and exterior home repairs
• Utility bills
• Landscape maintenance
• Real estate upgrades to maintain values
• Groceries
• Property taxes and insurance
• Activities and outings
• Security systems and alarms

We welcome your inquiries as you search for senior living. We can give you a free assessment designed for your specific needs. Contact us today.