What is an assisted living? Why would I need an assisted living?
Assisted livings offer support services to senior citizens who need help with their
daily care needs. Assisted living providers include licensed homes/facilities, including
apartment or group home settings, and support services in your own home.
Services include assistance with eating, bathing, taking medicine, and getting to/from
appointments as well as providing social/recreational activities to their residents.
Providers that assist individuals with their activities of daily living in their
own home may be listed under Home Based Support Care or Home Health Care Agencies. These assisted living providers offer support
services to those that need help but want to stay in the comfort of their own home.
The assistance under either scenario can be intermittent or 24/7.
The level of supplemental services offered can be different from one provider to
the next. Because everyone’s needs are different, you may want to consult with a
Geriatric Care Manager when deciding which environment will work best for
your family member. Some seniors may choose the comfort and security of assisted
living without the need for supplemental services while others may start with a
minimum of supplemental services and gradually increase their need for additional
services over their stay at the assisted living. For those that need the supplemental
services, there is assistance with: bathing, meals, dressings, toileting and mobility.
Seniors moving into an assisted living environment may incur a smoother transition
if there is some degree of freedom. Often seniors being considered for assisted
living services have either had a dramatic decline in their health status or an
increased need for assistance due to a gradual decline. These patients do best when
accompanying by surroundings from their previous living environments and assist
in the transition.
Not all assisted livings are licensed. The definition of an assisted living facility
varies from state to state. Interested seniors and /or family members can contact
their state to see if the facility of choice is licensed there.
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