Making a Successful Transition to Assisted Living
When it comes to senior living options, individuals find they have several choices available. At one time, a senior would either live with family members or move to a nursing home. Although these accommodations still remain popular, a senior can select the type of living arrangement that best meets their needs. For many, the first choice is an assisted living community.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities serve those who need some help with daily activities but don’t require full-time care. The seniors residing in this community live independently but have someone around to ensure their safety and security.
Most communities of this type offer meals and activities for residents. Other services that may be offered include medication management, transportation, and additional medical services. The family must learn what services are offered before making this choice with the senior.
What Should a Family Look for When Choosing an Assisted Living Community?
Assisted living communities try to recreate the feel of home for residents. Seniors typically need two things to feel comfortable in this setting. Their physical needs must be met, and the community should share characteristics and environmental connections with the home they are leaving.
Residents tend to do best with a minimal level of care. Seniors want to retain their autonomy and have the same types of choices they had when living alone. When a community allows for this, the residents typically have fewer health complications.
Continuing Care
When choosing an assisted living community, learn if other care options are offered. A senior will not want to relocate multiple times, but the day may come when the current accommodations no longer meet their needs. Some communities today offer different levels of care, so a senior can remain in place while receiving a higher level of care.
For instance, a senior may need memory care in the future. By choosing a community that provides both assisted living and memory care accommodations, the family can minimize the number of times the senior must relocate. This will help them adjust easily to these changes and ensure they remain comfortable in their final years.
Don’t wait until a senior must move from their home to explore various living options. Doing so early helps to ensure the right place is found for the individual. Although new communities may crop up while others disappear, a family will feel confident with the choice they make when they have ample time to learn about all possibilities. This provides all family members with much-needed peace of mind.
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