Many seniors nowadays are looking for the best long-term housing after their retirement. There are many options available, making it challenging to choose the best one. Finding the right option depends on the capability and needs of the person.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a housing and care option for seniors. Seniors who need this living option are those who are active but need support doing the daily activities. Activities of daily living include using the bathroom, bathing, and dressing. The good thing about this option is it provides personalized care, an array of social activities, and nutritious meals. The residents may also enjoy a safe residential setting.
Assisted Living Services
Unlike other senior living options, assisted living provides various amenities and services focusing on the essential aspects. These may include physical health, social connection, and intellectual stimulation. The primary aim of assisted living is to help seniors slow cognitive decline and promote a happier and healthier life.
- Meal preparation
The meal offered by the facility is one priority to consider. It is important to consider an assisted living facility that offers healthy and delicious meals. It’s a big plus if the meal is prepared by certified chefs. Residents would not only enjoy delicious meals but also dine with fellow residents, making it a social event.
- 24/7 supervision and support
Moving into an assisted living facility ensures the resident receives 24/7 supervision and support. The staff is well-trained to give the care every resident needs while protecting the privacy and promoting dignity.
- Medication Administration
We may think administering medication is simple. But some seniors are having difficulty taking medications on time. The staff in the facility monitors and helps administer the medication to ensure the health condition of the residents.
- Housekeeping, Laundry & Home Maintenance
Obviously, seniors would move to an assisted living facility because of limited ability to do the daily activities, including housekeeping, home maintenance, and laundry. Inside the facility, the staff will help the residents perform the ADLs.
- Transportation or transportation planning
Choose an assisted living facility that offers transportation. It is essential, especially if the resident cannot drive a car. With this, the facility can offer safe transportation when going to doctor appointments, local shopping, or events.
- Social and community services
Many seniors move to assisted living because of social isolation. Inside the facility, they encourage the residents to take part in social events. There is a calendar of activities allowing the residents to learn new hobbies or join a fitness class. Connecting to a bigger community makes life happier, thus preventing the feeling of isolation. It improves overall health.
- Health, wellness, and exercise programs or facilities
Moving into an assisted living facility gives a chance to uphold a healthy lifestyle. A medical team from the facility will evaluate the health condition of the resident and determine the best wellness and exercise program. The staff ensures to monitor the health status of every resident so that any changes will be noticed.
To maintain fitness, the assisted living facility offers amenities in which the residents can enjoy training sessions or group fitness. The facility may also offer brain fitness classes.
What Are the Requirements to Live in Assisted Living?
Not all seniors can qualify to be a resident of an assisted living facility. There are certain requirements to meet to ensure the facility would be the best living option for the senior.
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Criteria for Assisted Living
It is essential to meet the criteria for an assisted living before a senior can move. The criteria may vary in the facility. The criteria include:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Managing medications
- Other activities beyond the capability of the senior
Qualification
If a senior is living alone at home, it may cause depression. Being alone is one qualification a senior may qualify for assisted living. Other reasons to make a senior qualified cannot maintain a home, transportation issues, and safety.
Activities for seniors in assisted living
Inside the assisted living facility, the residents will learn new hobbies and skills like:
- Crafting – It is ideal as new hobby as it can be carried out individually or collaborate with other residents. It includes cross-stitch, crochet, and knitting and it helps promote motor skills.
- Music & Dancing – Adults love music lessons and dancing because it brings back old memories. For residents with dementia, music therapy is a good treatment.
- Learning new skills – Residents can also learn new skills using sensory equipment. Learning fine motor skills can also improve memory.
- Outdoor excursions – it is the best way to catch fresh air and sunlight. Assisted living facility allows the residents to enjoy day trips going to fun places.
Is an assisted living facility right for you or a family member?
As mentioned above, assisted living is the best option for those having difficulty meeting ADLs. That is why the staff from the facility provides help with dressing, toileting, bathing, bed transfers, and others. It is the best option for seniors with health conditions, limiting their ability to live on their own. Residents in assisted living usually experience heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, and early dementia. The assisted living facility is also the right place for seniors feeling isolated. They can become lively by joining the vibrant community. Inside the facility, the residents will enjoy various programs and social activities.
Bottom Line
Deciding to move into an assisted living facility is hard. But for many seniors, it is the best solution to make life easier. As we grow older, there are activities we can’t do anymore. Thus, we need other people to help carry out the task. The assisted living facility is an ideal retirement home.
Northfield Retirement Communities offers trustworthy and professional rehabilitation, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and specialty services for seniors. Call 308.632.4342 for more information.
