The time may come when you need the help of an assisted living facility. However, before you make a decision on this option, you should be aware of what this lifestyle offers and the costs associated with it. Taking the time to consider these aspects will help you make the right choice for you and your family.
Social aspects
Assisted living facilities do a great job at focusing on the social aspects of their residents. The philosophy of assisted living is to encourage a well-rounded lifestyle that includes regular exercise, scheduled rounds and interaction with other residents. While the physical care is taken care of, a good dose of social interaction can lift a resident’s mood.
A recent study surveyed residents in 55 assisted living facilities in California and analyzed the relationship between a number of social aspects and their impact on life satisfaction. The findings showed that participation in social activities and a higher level of facility satisfaction were significantly associated with a good quality of life.
Although there are many factors that contribute to a senior’s health, a healthy social environment is one of the most important. In addition to having a positive influence on mental and physical health, social connections can also help reduce the costs of medical treatments. Several studies have found that socially isolated seniors are more likely to develop depression.
Maintenance-free lifestyle
There are many reasons to move to an assisted living community. These range from needing help with the basics like dressing or bathing to getting your affairs in order. Regardless of the reason, the community can provide the amenities to make life simpler. Some of these features include concierge services and on-site dining. Aside from the typical housekeeping and lawn mowing, these facilities can provide around the clock care, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free retirement.
An assisted living community may also give you the confidence to take your social life and hobbies to the next level. Aside from a plethora of on-site activities, you will have a community full of neighbors to keep you company. You’ll be in a better position to take advantage of a wide array of medical services and other amenities. Whether you’re interested in golfing, dining out or watching a movie, these communities have it all.
Regulations
An assisted living facility should follow a number of regulations. These regulations are aimed at protecting the rights of all residents. Whether or not a resident chooses to live in an assisted living facility, he or she deserves to have a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment.
An assisted living facility must be able to provide effective hand hygiene products to minimize the spread of infections. Each resident has a right to access medical records. The right to privacy must also be guaranteed. This includes the right to refuse visitors.
Each living space must be properly equipped with an emergency food supply. This must be nonperishable, rotated, and labeled. The quantity of the emergency food supply must be based on the usual resident census.
Costs
Assisted living costs can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. The amount of care needed, the number of occupants and the facilities’ location all play an important role in the final cost.
Most people pay for assisted living through private funds or through long-term senior care insurance. However, there are also many non-profit and government programs that help pay for eldercare.
Assisted living homes often charge an entrance fee, which varies according to the facilities’ location. The price can also depend on the amenities and services the facility offers. Some of these fees include extra for medication administration and transportation to medical appointments.
Prices can also vary due to the size of the apartment or living quarters. Some communities offer more luxurious and upscale units than others.
Signs that it may be time for assisted living
There are many things to consider when deciding if it’s time to move a loved one to assisted living. These include the benefits and drawbacks of the different levels of care, the benefits of the senior’s lifestyle and health status, and how the transition will affect future care needs.
If your senior loved one is struggling with household tasks, you may want to think about putting them in an assisted living community. This can be a good way to ensure that they can stay safe and healthy, while reducing your own stress.
In addition to taking care of their home, many seniors also struggle with the other essentials of daily life. For instance, if they are forgetful, they might forget to pay their bills, which could cause them to fall behind on their credit. They may also develop a lack of mobility. This may make it difficult for them to get around, and if they are not able to drive, they may become isolated.