While many people are familiar with elder care homes, assisted living is another common term for senior housing and nursing homes. Many seniors need some assistance in their day-to-day lives; this is where assisted living comes in. Assisted living is an option for seniors and other individuals who don’t need full-time care. It allows them to live in an independent environment with services and supervision provided by on-site staff.
Advantages Of Assisted Living
While communities in facilities differ, assisted living facilities provide amenities and services that concentrate on critical components of senior citizens’ well-being, such as general health, mental challenges, and human engagement. These three elements are essential in slowing down cognitive deterioration. Thus, they help the elderly stay healthy and happy.
Here are some services offered in assisted living facilities;
- Medication reminders
- Help with personal care.
- Transportation
- Meal preparation
- Help with daily tasks.
- Supervision on a 24-hour basis.
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Repair and home maintenance
Assisted living facilities provide families with relief and contentment that their loved ones have the proper care they deserve. They also enhance the lifestyle of senior residents, among other numerous advantages. Aside from the assistance residents get from living facilities, they enjoy the companionship of their neighbors and staff.
Many amenities provide convenient, safe, and comfortable environments while obviating any travel needs. The following are some of the amenities available in assisted care communities:
- Beauty parlors, barbershops, and hair salons
- Libraries
- Movie theatres
- Spa and swimming pool
- Community gardens and courtyards
- Studio for arts
- Fitness studio
- Chapel
- Private event locations
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What Assisted Living Does Not Provide
Assisted living services are different from nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. Residents at nursing facilities need round-the-clock care from specially trained clinical professionals. This type of qualified long-term care is necessary for residents who need close health monitoring.
On the other hand, assisted living facilities do not have physicians on-site. Some of these facilities have healthcare professionals like nurses on staff, but this is not the norm. Instead, a medical officer oversees the nursing personnel in these facilities.
The Activities of Daily Living(ADL)
Elders prefer assisted living facilities, thanks to their ADLs. Individuals requesting help usually need support with a minimum of two daily chores. According to studies, the following are the most prevalent ADL requirements among residents:
- 64% need assistance with dressing up.
- 57% require assistance with walking.
- 48% require help with changing.
- 40% need assistance with toileting.
- 29% require assistance when transferring to bed.
- 19% need assistance with feeding.
Life In Assisted Living Communities
Assisted care communities are similar to independent care communities in that they offer identical lifestyle and interaction advantages. Besides, they also provide initiatives and opportunities tailored to meet the needs of assisted living occupants.
The United States has nearly 29,000 assisted care communities today; this provides the elderly with a range of options. Although assisted living facilities range from apartment complexes to multi-acre facilities, plus other alternatives, their outlook is similar: accord all community members dignity, respect their privacy, and promote independence. Throughout all 50 jurisdictions, strict regulations apply in running these facilities. Always double-check your state’s laws before settling on a facility.
Cost Of Living In Assisted Living Facilities
The cost or expenses of assisted living vary from one facility to another. It relies on a home’s size, necessary services, and location. Regardless, it’s usually less costly than nursing care and home health facilities.
In the 2019 Genworth research on care costs, the average national monthly charge for assisted living was $4,051, or roughly $135 per day. In essence, private rooms at nursing homes cost approximately $284 per day, about $8,517 per month, as per the same poll. Further, the average cost of a home care assistant is $141 per day.
Medicaid Or Medicare Cover On Assisted Living
Medicaid or Medicare do not cover assisted living, in most cases. However, each jurisdiction has its own set of restrictions and rules. While your healthcare and prescription coverage remain functional, Medicare doesn’t usually cover assisted living. Generally, assisted living customers pay for services out of pocket or use long-term care insurance limited benefits.
On the other hand, most states provide home and community-based subsidies to aid low-income clients in paying for assisted living. If you’re considering assisted living, keep in mind that it isn’t about surrendering your freedom or the beautiful events in society. It’s all about having the correct aid, which helps you maintain a sense of wellbeing.
