If a loved one is at risk of falling, an assisted living facility can evaluate and take steps to prevent accidents by offering classes about fall prevention.
Visit a facility during different activities and meals to observe how its staff interacts with residents. In the end, amenities matter less than how comfortable the environment feels.
Socialization
Seniors moving into assisted living often become the “new kid on the block.” It takes time for them to familiarize themselves with all members of their new community; feeling lonely or isolated could have adverse repercussions for both mental and physical wellbeing.
To alleviate these effects, assisted living communities offer many socialization activities to allow residents to interact with one another comfortably in an assisted living community setting. Activities may take place in communal living rooms or dining areas or group outings – each helping improve mental stimulation, cognitive function and promote a sense of purpose and belonging that are essential components of senior health; as well as helping prevent feelings of isolation or depression that could decrease quality of life over time.
Meal preparation
Caregiver visits during meal times can help your elderly loved one reduce loneliness while simultaneously deterring unintended weight loss due to poor eating habits or decreased appetite. This approach is proven effective against unintentional weight loss caused by decreased appetite or improper nutrition.
Long term care (LTC) facilities used cafeteria-style tray line operations managed by kitchen staff; now, many homes offer restaurant-style meals where people order directly from menus placed at each table.
Culinary teams provide restaurant-style foods while meeting nutritional requirements, offering low-sodium options, Kosher-style dishes, and gluten-free choices. Dietitians may adjust menus for individuals suffering from dysphagia – which affects swallowing and chewing – recommending pureed or mechanical soft diets to aid with chewing and swallowing difficulties.
Personal care
Assisted living residences may provide additional and specialty services as part of their residence fees, which vary by state and facility.
Personal care homes (also referred to as residential care homes or board and cares) are small, private facilities operated by families. They typically accommodate 20 or fewer residents living in rooms that can be shared, and provide daily assistance from staff for daily tasks and assistance during emergencies. Staff may even be present round-the-clock.
As part of your efforts to ease their transition, plan regular in-person visits as well as virtual call updates with your senior loved one. This can make them feel included and connected while keeping you updated about their care – helping alleviate feelings of isolation or abandonment for both of you.
Transportation
Seniors typically opt to age in place, yet accessing transportation is often essential to maintaining independence. Without adequate transportation options available to them, older adults could miss essential medical and other services and eventually require placement in long-term care facility.
Many communities provide public transportation programs designed to transport wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen tanks safely from one destination to the next. Private companies also offer special vehicles known as cavalcades designed specifically to serve those with greater medical needs.
As part of your tour of assisted living facilities, ask about their transportation offerings. In general, larger assisted living communities tend to offer scheduled and on-demand rides for shopping and other errand locations as well as town car service. In addition, many aging organizations have created travel instruction programs designed specifically to make seniors comfortable using public transit – some even providing companions until seniors feel ready to travel solo.
Respite care
Respite care may take the form of having a care provider visit your home or choosing to have your loved one spend some time in an assisted living residence or respite program. These facilities often provide activities, social interaction and group meals as well as assistance with daily needs such as medications.
Caring for someone who is sick or elderly can be both physically and emotionally taxing, leading many family caregivers to burnout. With respite care, your loved one can stay in a safe community while you take vacations, travel for work, run errands or simply rest and recharge – the cost can even be covered by some long-term care insurance policies and Medicare/ Medicaid.