Assisted living should be seen as more than just a place to reside; it should also provide an active social life and three nutritiously-balanced meals per day. When searching for assisted living facilities, look for ones which offer various social activities as well as three nutritionally balanced meals daily.
Moving into an assisted living residence can be a big transition for your loved one, so expect some adjustment period before validating their feelings and working through any concerns together.
What is an Assisted Living Facility?
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) offer 24-hour staff assistance and housekeeping services in an intimate home-like environment. Residents typically reside in self-contained apartments that receive up to three prepared meals daily plus housekeeping services.
An assisted living environment may be required if an individual requires assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating; they cannot complete these tasks safely or healthily due to declining mobility, increased isolation or neglecting household duties. Other indications may include declining mobility, isolation or neglect.
New York assisted living communities must provide general observations and health supervision in order to identify residents’ needs and coordinate services from outside providers. Furthermore, case managers and resident aides must be available for daily tasks that need completing.
How Does an Assisted Living Facility Work?
Assisted living residents typically reside in private studios, one-bedroom apartments or rooms with kitchenettes; sharing living spaces, social areas and meals with fellow residents. A base rent fee may apply as well as additional costs related to personalized care services that may include bathing or dressing assistance as well as medication management assistance.
Dependent upon their health status, seniors who reside in assisted living facilities can take advantage of a maintenance-free lifestyle while being cared for by trained staff. These staff include an administrator responsible for daily operations and compliance issues; a case manager to assist with housing related matters as well as refer them to local community services and activities; as well as resident aides.
Visits at various times–during activities and mealtimes, for instance–can give an accurate picture of how staff interact with residents and each other, creating an inviting and welcoming environment.
What Are the Basic Services Included in an Assisted Living Facility?
Considerations should be given when choosing an assisted living facility. Most facilities employ administrators responsible for daily operations and compliance; case managers who assist residents with housing matters and local services; as well as resident aides providing personal care.
Food and diet are another key consideration. Adult homes and enriched housing programs must provide three nutritionally-balanced meals daily plus an evening snack that conforms with recommended dietary allowances.
Residents should also be allowed to bring personal items that help make their room more homelike, and it’s essential that a facility has friendly staff and residents; these people will provide your loved one with care, as well as any services they might need.
What Are the Costs of an Assisted Living Facility?
Be wary when searching for an assisted living facility; be mindful of hidden or underestimated costs which could add up quickly without careful planning.
On average, seniors in New York who require low to moderate assistance can expect to pay about $3,500 monthly for one-bedroom units in assisted living facilities. Many seniors and their families finance this move through liquidating investments, settling with life insurance companies or using long-term care policies purchased previously, applying for wartime veteran benefits or working with banks on reverse mortgages.
Costs vary by region, with Ithaca and New York City being among the more costly locations. Check out the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021 to view specific pricing in your region, plus discover government resources that could assist with paying for residential facilities.
What Are the Benefits of an Assisted Living Facility?
If the health of a loved one has diminished to such an extent that maintaining their home no longer makes sense, assisted living residence may be the perfect solution. Not only will someone else take over chores like cleaning and raking leaves; facilities also often offer meals, amenities and activities designed to promote physical and mental wellness.
Many assisted living facilities provide scheduled transportation for medical appointments, grocery store runs and other errands, social and recreational events, educational classes, guest speakers and other opportunities to keep residents physically and mentally active. When selecting the appropriate living environment for your loved one it’s best to follow a structured and methodical process, make frequent in-person visits, involve them in decision making processes as much as possible and ask plenty of questions, according to NCAL.