What is a Residential Community?
An assisted living facility is a residential community designed to provide support for daily activities, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and medication management. These facilities provide a variety of social activities, recreational opportunities, and health services.
These communities differ from nursing homes in that they do not provide the 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical care available in a nursing home. Instead, assisted living facilities focus on providing support to those who are still independent but need help with daily activities.
Assisted living communities vary in size and services offered. Some may include apartments or private rooms, while others may consist of only shared areas. The most common services provided include personal care assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.
Assisted living facilities offer a safe and secure living environment with trained staff always available to help with activities of daily living or to respond to emergencies. This provides an ideal lifestyle for those who cannot live independently but do not need the full-time medical attention found in a nursing home.
Types of Assisted Living Facilities
The type of assisted living facility an individual chooses depends on their needs. There are three main categories: independent living, semi-independent, and complete care.
Independent living involves minimal help with daily activities and residents are more independent. These types of facilities are often apartment style, allowing residents to feel at home. Services may include meal delivery, transportation, housekeeping, and recreation.
Semi-independent living facilities provide more help with daily activities than independent living. Assistance may include help with medications, nutrition management, bathing, grooming, and dressing. In these facilities, support is available 24 hours a day and emergency call systems are in place.
Complete care assisted living facilities are designed for those who need full-time, round-the-clock care. In this environment, nurses and other medical professionals are available to provide medical care and assistance with activities of daily living.
No matter which type is chosen, all assisted living facilities must adhere to state standards and licensing requirements. Additionally, staff members must undergo background checks and receive special training.
Types of Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities come in a range of shapes and sizes. Depending on individual needs, there are a few types of assisted living options to choose from. These include independent living, semi-independent living and full care.
Independent Living
Independent living is best suited for those seniors who can take care of their own needs and just need a little help with day-to-day activities. This type of facility offers amenities such as housekeeping, transportation, dining, medical care services, personal care assistance and recreational activities.
Semi-Independent Living
Semi-independent living is ideal for seniors who require more assistance with managing daily tasks. This type of living arrangement provides more assistance with bathing, dressing, cooking, medication management and errands, as well as regular access to medical care.
Full Care
Full care is reserved for seniors who have extensive medical needs and limited mobility. This type of facility provides intensive personal care services, including assistance with bathing, dressing and eating. Medical services may also be available on-site or nearby.
Qualifying for Assisted Living
When considering assisted living, it’s important to understand the financial qualifications necessary to stay in such places. To qualify for assisted living, most communities require proof of financial stability to ensure that all residents can pay for their care and services. This is often done by reviewing income and assets, such as savings and investments. The financial qualifications help communities determine the amount of rent that can be charged for the assisted living room or apartment.
In addition to financial qualifications, there are also several forms of paperwork that must be submitted before you can move in. These documents can include an application form, proof of address and proof of health insurance. It is also important to have a full list of all medications, medical conditions and allergies that you may have, as these will be taken into consideration when providing care.
Life in an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities provide a home-like atmosphere where seniors can feel comfortable and safe. Residents in such facilities find it easy to maintain their independence and privacy while still receiving the necessary level of care and support. Daily life in an assisted living facility usually consists of various activities, communal meals, and socializing with other residents.
Activities and outings are organized for residents on a daily basis. These activities can include everything from exercise classes, arts and crafts, games, and educational seminars. Regular trips to nearby places of interest are also organized. Social gatherings such as movie nights, bingo, poker nights, or even special parties are often held.
Communal meals are served at least once per day either in a dining hall or in individual apartments. The staff may also serve snacks and drinks throughout the day. Meals are prepared with nutritional needs in mind so that residents stay healthy. Special diets can also be accommodated.
Seniors living in such facilities have plenty of opportunities to interact and socialize. There are usually common areas such as library, art room or computer room where residents can hang out and engage with one another. Some facilities even offer clubs based on specific interests.
Care Services Available
Assisted living facilities provide a variety of care services to suit different needs. With medical assistance, recreational activities and special diets available, there are plenty of options for residents.
Medical Assistance
For those that require it, medical assistance is offered in assisted living facilities and can include help with medication, mobility issues or anything else that may be required.
Recreational Activities
Residents can also participate in recreational activities, such as group outings, arts and crafts, sports and more. These activities help to provide social interaction and stimulate seniors mentally and physically.
Special Diets
Assisted living facilities also provide special diets, catering to any unique nutritional needs that an individual may have. Most facilities offer meals that are healthy and tasty, so there's no need to worry about missing out on a nutritious meal.
Safety Considerations
At any assisted living facility, safety is of utmost importance. It is essential that residents feel safe and secure, and each facility should have procedures in place to ensure this.
One of the primary safety considerations for an assisted living facility is security protocols. All staff members should be properly vetted and access to the facility should be strictly monitored. Each resident should also have secure access to their own rooms, with appropriate locks.
In addition, emergency systems should be in place in the event of a crisis. This includes fire alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. Each facility should also provide regular drills and training sessions in anticipation of any dangerous scenarios.
Finally, it is important to make sure that all residents are able to contact someone in case of an emergency. An emergency call system should be provided, as well as contact information for both family members and medical personnel.
These are just some of the safety considerations for an assisted living facility. By taking the time to ensure the proper protocols are in place, residents can feel secure and protected in their new home.
For more information on other safety considerations for an assisted living facility, contact your local provider.
Moving Out
Sometimes, circumstances change and living in an assisted living facility may no longer be the best option. In such cases, moving out to a private home may become the preferred solution. This is a major decision that needs to be carefully considered by the person, their family and the facility staff. Depending on the resident’s needs, there are a few different routes to take when transitioning out of an assisted living facility.
It is possible for the former resident to remain in a senior living community while their health condition improves. For example, if an individual was unable to care for themselves in their current living arrangement and needs more support, they could move to a memory care facility or a skilled nursing center.
If the resident is able to care for themselves and wish to return to their own home, then they must make sure that it is properly equipped to meet their changing needs. Some modifications may be needed, such as installing a wheelchair ramp, grab bars in the bathroom, and any other necessary changes. It is also important to consider if the person will have the necessary support system at home to help them with activities of daily living, such as shopping, housekeeping or medical appointments.
In order to ensure the safety and comfort of the former resident, their family and the facility staff should discuss all aspects of the transition. This includes addressing any concerns that either party might have, as well as assessing what help and support the individual will need.
Conclusion
Choosing to live in an assisted living facility can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. Allowing seniors to maintain their independence and autonomy while still having access to medical care and supportive services, these facilities allow for peace of mind and security in knowing you will be safe and well taken care of.
The types of facilities available range from independent living for more independent seniors to complete care for those with more serious health needs. Understanding the costs, paperwork and qualifications necessary for admittance are important steps in determining which kind of facility is best for you or your loved one.
Once settled, life in an assisted living facility often involves communal meals, activities, socializing with other residents and access to various types of care that may be needed. Safety protocols are always in place to ensure no resident is ever in danger or uncomfortable.
Moving out at a later date is also an option, either to a private home or another assisted living facility. Ultimately, the decision to move into an assisted living facility should be taken seriously, considering all of the options available and researching the facilities that are best suited to your individual needs.