Do you need help bathing, dressing and managing medication for one or both parents? Assisted living could provide the perfect solution.
Discover all that a facility has to offer by visiting it yourself. Meet staff members, tour apartments and talk with residents.
Do research about fees, entrance deposits and monthly rent. Seek information regarding whether there is a resident’s bill of rights in place.
Socialization
Studies show that as we age, socialization needs do not diminish. On the contrary, frequent interaction with others helps ensure better health and a longer lifespan for seniors.
Numerous assisted living communities provide their residents with numerous socialization opportunities. From exercise classes, arts & crafts projects, discussion groups and dining together with fellow residents – which improves appetite and promotes healthy eating habits – to attending interest-based clubs like book clubs, gardening clubs or hobby groups where residents can connect with like-minded individuals (books clubs, gardening clubs or hobby groups), there’s usually something happening at each facility to encourage socialization – many even offer trending TikTok dance lessons to boost mood & fitness while helping combat dementia as well as alleviating feelings of loneliness & isolation that are so common among elderly individuals residing there – these facilities strive to offer something unique: socialization opportunities not found elsewhere among assisted living facilities that promote mental engagement by engaging residents reducing feelings of isolation common among elderly individuals who otherwise feel isolated from society as it would otherwise occur without social engagement activities!
Meal Preparation
Diet is key in providing your loved one with the nutrition they require, so when searching for assisted living facilities make sure they offer nutritionally sound meals and that their staff can adjust meals according to individual dietary needs.
Caregivers can assist seniors who have difficulty chewing or swallowing by providing altered utensils, pre-cutting food and verbal guidance during mealtimes.
Meal preparation should be a group project! Involve your loved ones in meal prep so they feel more involved and it will give them something to look forward to each week.
Transportation
Studies show that transportation issues often lead to missed appointments and medications being postponed or changed, leading to negative health outcomes. To combat this issue, most assisted living communities offer their residents scheduled and on-demand transportation services such as rides to stores or the hair salon as well as for medical or dental appointments.
Larger communities may provide their own transportation vehicles while contracting with private providers to offer various service options. Public transit is typically the most affordable choice and offers fixed routes and schedules to keep seniors connected; ride-hailing apps require smartphone usage but may be more costly; many senior ride-hailing services, like GoGoGrandparent specialize in offering discounted accessible vehicles with concierge service for seniors.
Health Care
An assisted living resident usually needs assistance with certain activities of daily living. This may include help with activities such as getting into and out of bed or chairs, toileting, bathing, dressing and eating – however a good assisted living residence will be able to meet this need while allowing independence and privacy for their residents.
Some assisted living communities will provide staff to assist with medication administration and mobility assistance as needed, while others may offer special programs designed to address memory care and dementia care.
Many assisted living facilities require that potential residents receive a health care provider evaluation prior to moving in, which may vary by state. Look for forms which include details about current medical condition and allergies of residents in order to better assess them; otherwise inquire as to the evaluation process at your facility of choice.
Medication Management
Medication can be confusing for seniors taking multiple drugs for chronic health conditions, especially if taking multiple prescription. Even one simple mistake could have serious repercussions.
State regulations mandate assisted living communities provide assistance with medication for their residents. Assistance may include reading medication regimens and reminding residents when to take their pills; opening bottles; pouring or applying topical creams.
Be sure to ensure the assisted living community of your loved one keeps in touch with their doctor regularly to stay abreast of any changes to prescriptions and dosages, such as using bubble packaging to identify each resident’s medication to avoid mistakes. NewBridge on the Charles offers Self Administered Medication Management (SAMM), included as part of their monthly rate.