Assisted living is a good option for older adults who need more help with their daily activities than family or in-home care can provide. Visiting several facilities can help you determine which one is right for your loved one.
A visit should include a tour of the community, and you should ask questions about the staff, amenities and residents. Also, make sure you ask about transfer and discharge policies.
Services
Assisted living communities provide a range of services to meet the needs of older people. These services include three meals a day; assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing and toileting; help with medication management; housekeeping and laundry; and around-the-clock supervision, security, and on-site staff.
Unlike nursing homes, which focus on medical care, assisted living facilities also offer social and recreational activities. The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) says these amenities can improve physical health, mental health and quality of life, while socialization reduces loneliness and isolation.
Assisted living communities range from standalone residences with just a few residents to large campuses with up to 120 people. In addition to a number of “levels” of care, these facilities typically have an administrator and a case manager, as well as resident aides for personal care.
Meals
Assisted living facilities offer a variety of meals to their residents. These meals can include a buffet, restaurant-style dining or private dining rooms.
Typically, the restaurant-style dining option offers a changing daily menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. It also allows elderly adults to choose their meals on their own, a service that gives them more independence.
Some assisted living facilities offer A la carte options for residents who have special dietary restrictions, such as vegan and gluten-free diets. These A la carte meal packages often come at a discounted rate.
Assisted living communities strive to provide healthy, enjoyable meals to their residents. They work with local grocery stores and other suppliers to ensure they have a diverse selection of fresh foods that meet their nutritional requirements.
Socialization
Socialization plays a crucial role in maintaining the physical and emotional health of seniors. It also helps them remain active and engaged in life.
Assisted living communities offer opportunities to socialize with others. They also encourage residents to exercise regularly and participate in activities that stimulate their minds.
These programs are designed to improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of dementia, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Seniors who maintain their mental health are more likely to avoid depression and anxiety, and have better overall mood and sense of well-being.
Many assisted living facilities offer social activities and events throughout the week. These include restaurant-style dining, fitness classes, book clubs, gardening clubs, and volunteering opportunities.
Safety
Assisted living communities take many safety measures to keep residents healthy and comfortable. These include things like flat thresholds, ramps, hallway handrails, wider halls, low- or no-entry walk-in showers, grab bars in bathrooms and good lighting.
Besides these, many communities offer 24/7 security and gated entrances. These help protect both residents and staff from burglary and vandalism.
The best way to ensure your loved one’s safety is to research a facility thoroughly before you make a decision. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Assisted living facilities are also required to follow National Patient Safety Goals, which have been updated in 2016. These goals require SNFs to improve patient care, reduce hospital admissions and prevent certain clinical harms.