For many seniors, the idea of assisted living is not one that they wish to consider. However, sometimes our bodies simply don't work the way they used to and we need a little bit of help. While you can certainly hire someone to come into your home and help with many tasks, there are some advantages to considering moving into an assisted living facility.
Assisted living facilities are not nursing homes. They are facilities that provide a certain level of care but typically not nursing services. They can help ensure that a person takes their medication properly and on time, but typically that is the extent of the "nursing." The assistance given at these home facilities is more along the lines of helping with grooming and bathing and providing housekeeping services, laundry services and meals.
While these are not nursing homes, many assisted living residences offer a separate, secure section for adults with dementia, such as Alzheimer's. Alarms often are installed at entry and exit doors just in case a person wanders away, which can happen to those with dementia. In addition, the staff will be trained to make life as stress-free as possible for these residents, as dementia is often very scary and frustrating. Because of the social activities and amenities, this can be a good, safe option for a loved one who suffers from dementia but otherwise is in good health.
The type of housing available varies from site to site, but generally these facilities offer several different apartment choices, ranging from about 300 square feet to as much as 800 square feet. There are smaller studio apartments, one-bedroom options and sometimes even a two-bedroom option. All include a kitchenette, typically outfitted with a microwave and refrigerator, as well as a large disabled-accessible bathroom. Some floor plans might have a small living room and a few might include a balcony. You can bring your own furnishings or rent a furnished apartment. Some facilities, such as those with the Veteran's administration, are less private and offer shared apartments or rooms.
Each assisted living facility is different, but your monthly rates generally include all your meals, as well as snacks which often are available 24 hours a day. All of your housekeeping and laundry of linens and towels typically are included, as well. Utilities generally are included, although not your telephone expenses. In-room cable or satellite TV also is typically included, as well as transportation via shuttle. You can use the shuttle for everything from shopping to excursions to doctor's appointments. In addition, all the daily activities are included, and many facilities have exercise classes, a gym and a swimming pool.
If your budget permits, an assisted living community can be a great option as there are plenty of activities and amenities. All of this does come with a substantial monthly price tag, though, and you will need to carefully decide whether or not it fits within your budget. Often a less expensive option is to consider a board and care facility. These are located in actual residential homes, so they definitely feel more like being at home, and this can be very appealing to some people. You still will have all the help and assistance you need, as well as meals and socialization with the other residents. Generally there are no more than six residents in all. It is best to visit many homes and facilities to find one that best suits your needs and budget, as well as finding the one that most appeals to you.
Assisted living facilities are not nursing homes. They are facilities that provide a certain level of care but typically not nursing services. They can help ensure that a person takes their medication properly and on time, but typically that is the extent of the "nursing." The assistance given at these home facilities is more along the lines of helping with grooming and bathing and providing housekeeping services, laundry services and meals.
While these are not nursing homes, many assisted living residences offer a separate, secure section for adults with dementia, such as Alzheimer's. Alarms often are installed at entry and exit doors just in case a person wanders away, which can happen to those with dementia. In addition, the staff will be trained to make life as stress-free as possible for these residents, as dementia is often very scary and frustrating. Because of the social activities and amenities, this can be a good, safe option for a loved one who suffers from dementia but otherwise is in good health.
The type of housing available varies from site to site, but generally these facilities offer several different apartment choices, ranging from about 300 square feet to as much as 800 square feet. There are smaller studio apartments, one-bedroom options and sometimes even a two-bedroom option. All include a kitchenette, typically outfitted with a microwave and refrigerator, as well as a large disabled-accessible bathroom. Some floor plans might have a small living room and a few might include a balcony. You can bring your own furnishings or rent a furnished apartment. Some facilities, such as those with the Veteran's administration, are less private and offer shared apartments or rooms.
Each assisted living facility is different, but your monthly rates generally include all your meals, as well as snacks which often are available 24 hours a day. All of your housekeeping and laundry of linens and towels typically are included, as well. Utilities generally are included, although not your telephone expenses. In-room cable or satellite TV also is typically included, as well as transportation via shuttle. You can use the shuttle for everything from shopping to excursions to doctor's appointments. In addition, all the daily activities are included, and many facilities have exercise classes, a gym and a swimming pool.
If your budget permits, an assisted living community can be a great option as there are plenty of activities and amenities. All of this does come with a substantial monthly price tag, though, and you will need to carefully decide whether or not it fits within your budget. Often a less expensive option is to consider a board and care facility. These are located in actual residential homes, so they definitely feel more like being at home, and this can be very appealing to some people. You still will have all the help and assistance you need, as well as meals and socialization with the other residents. Generally there are no more than six residents in all. It is best to visit many homes and facilities to find one that best suits your needs and budget, as well as finding the one that most appeals to you.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For more information about assisted living Carlsbad facilities or for professional help finding board and care Escondido services, please visit the Care Placement site now.
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