Assisted living is a term which describes living arrangements where people who have lost the ability to care for themselves can find the assistance they need. These facilities can offer assistance with things such as cooking and cleaning, as well as help with mobility issues. They may also provide social activities and other services. However, it is important to be sure that a facility is reliable and safe. Some of the common concerns include costs, location, health stability, and services provided by the facility.
Costs
Assisted living costs vary depending on location, facility, and level of assistance needed. Typically, the average cost of assisted living is $3,293 per month, but prices can go as high as $4,500 per month. There are two main options for paying for assisted living, which include using personal funds and long-term care insurance.
Some facilities have all-inclusive pricing models, which include all services and amenities for one flat monthly fee. These are a popular option for many because it makes budgeting easier. However, these rates may not include hair and nail salons, general store purchases, or even medication management.
Locations
The big question is what should you do? Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there. A good rule of thumb is to ask for recommendations from family members and friends. As a bonus, you’ll get an honest appraisal of your own family’s needs and limitations. For example, if your kids are out of town, you might want to enlist their help when it comes to your senior loved one’s health and happiness. Of course, you’ll also need to find a place where they’ll feel at home. Plus, if you’re on the road a lot, you’ll want a solid emergency plan.
Nonmedical services
Assisted living is a type of senior community that offers non medical services. Some of these services include nutritious meals and social activities. Many of these communities also offer transportation for residents.
For those who are unable to manage their daily tasks on their own, an assisted living facility may be the best option. This type of community provides a safe, secure environment for seniors to stay active. They may also receive assistance with personal care, housekeeping, or even medication management.
Choosing an assisted living community can be difficult, especially if you have multiple loved ones. You’ll want to consider their preferences, as well as your own health.
Pets
Having a pet can improve the wellbeing of elderly residents. Pets can provide companionship, help alleviate depression and reduce isolation. They also offer a sense of purpose, which can encourage social interaction.
Research shows that a senior with a pet has lower blood pressure, cholesterol and cortisol levels than someone without a pet. This can help lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a pet can encourage physical activity and make aging adults feel better about themselves.
Caregivers report that pets improve the health and well-being of their residents. The pets also provide tactile stimulation, which has been shown to reduce stress. In fact, many Assisted Living Facilities are allowing more seniors to own pets.
Health stability
In the realm of assisted living, health stability is one of the more important aspects to take note of. It is not only important to ensure the quality of care you provide, but also to consider what type of care will be most beneficial for your residents. Using a comprehensive health assessment to understand your residents’ needs will enable you to develop service offerings that are appropriate for each resident. Ultimately, this will improve your residents’ quality of life.
One of the best ways to demonstrate your dedication to helping your residents stay in their homes is to provide them with a standardized health assessment. This includes a brief quiz, a medical history review and a physical examination. Your staff should also be familiar with the basics of palliative care, which can be a valuable resource for your patients. Lastly, a good discharge plan is crucial.
Social engagement
Social engagement in assisted living (AL) is a critical aspect of psychological well-being for older adults. Studies have shown that people who lack meaningful activities are at greater risk for cognitive and physical decline, and this decline can be associated with poor health and a higher mortality rate. Assisted living communities are designed to provide residents with a variety of social opportunities to maintain social engagement.
In a study published in Sociology, University of North Texas researcher Amini examined the factors that promote social engagement among older adults in AL settings. Specifically, Amini studied social engagement and the relationship between it and health-related quality of life in AL facilities. The researchers interviewed 29 men and women from eight AL residences in a Southern state. They used a sequential mixed methods design to obtain qualitative in-depth interviews. After the interviews were completed, the data was transcribed verbatim.