What Does Assisted Living Provide?
Assisted living – it’s one of the most common options for senior housing, but what does it really mean? Read this blog to get a better handle on the unique offerings you’ll find in assisted living and learn how it compares to other levels of service.
What Does Assisted Living Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. Assisted living is a level of service found in senior living communities that offers essential daily living help. Think things like bathing, dressing, grooming and other day-to-day tasks that can get harder as we age.
What is the Purpose of Assisted Living Facilities?
Assisted living communities are built for adults of all abilities to help them live a more independent life. When living on your own becomes difficult or unsafe, assisted living is there to bridge the gap with support from a team of caregivers.
It’s important to remember that assisted living is not the same as skilled nursing care (also known as nursing home care). That kind of care is targeted toward older adults with chronic health concerns that require nursing attention available at all hours.
What Are Some Features and Benefits of an Assisted Living Facility?
At an assisted living community, you or your loved one will find real peace of mind – the kind of confident ease that makes life more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a whole neighborhood’s worth of new friends. And community style living can include any number of enticing amenities to sweeten the deal.
What services are usually included in assisted living? Here are some common features to look for:
- Up to three meals each day
- Medication monitoring or management
- Daily living assistance, including dressing and bathing
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- 24-hour emergency response
- Social and recreational experiences
- Light nursing care available
How Does Assisted Living Work Financially?
Most assisted living communities fall into one of two payment models. Some require you to pay a large entrance fee along with service fees after signing a long-term residential contract. Others (like The Gables at Charlton Place) operate on a monthly rental model. If you’d like to retain the most financial flexibility and freedom of movement, that might be the best choice for you.
When is Assisted Living Needed?
How do you know when you or your loved one need extra help? It’s a personal decision, of course, but there are common signs to watch for. Ask yourself or your loved one these questions:
- Are daily tasks becoming difficult or dangerous? When your daily schedule becomes too much for your abilities, it’s time to consider assisted living. That can take a lot of different forms – from trouble buttoning shirts and pants to difficulty with bathing or eating.
- Is frequent caregiving already needed? Whether you have an in-home health aide or get help from a loved one, moving to assisted living makes support more accessible. And if an emergency happens, you won’t need to wait for more help.
- Is living at home getting lonely? As your care needs and physical capabilities change, it can be hard to go out and see friends. Living at an assisted living community means that all-new friends and neighbors are just a few doors down.
Read this blog for more myths and facts about assisted living.
How Assisted Living Helps Your Social Life
Research has linked social isolation to an increased risk of high blood pressure, depression, cognitive decline and more – and unfortunately, it’s common in seniors who live on their own. When you choose an assisted living community, you aren’t just choosing the place where you’ll get daily support. You’re also picking a new neighborhood with a vibrant social scene. That’s the kind of community you’ll find at Charlton Place.
Reach Out for More Information
Still have questions about assisted living? We have answers. Reach out today and our team will respond promptly with the information you need to make an informed decision. Call us at 334-290-6990.