Assisted Living Choices

By Janine Sanderstine


A time may come, probably due to advancing years, when we need assistance in our daily lives. In years past, seniors who needed assistance lived at home with relatives or in a nursing home. Generally, nursing homes are suitable for those that have special medical needs and are quite disabled. These days, it is not always possible to live with a relative at home.

We now have another choice: Assisted Living facilities, sometimes called residential care facilities, offer everything from independent living to assisted living with varying degrees of assistance. Assisted living facilities generally offer custodial care, however some are able to provide for terminal residents with the help of visiting nurses and hospice care. Meal preparation, transportation for outings, group activities, laundry service, and dining services are available along with care giving for activities of daily living as needed in this type of living arrangement. Help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and medication management are included as required. All this is offered in a homelike, secure, residential setting.
Board and Care assisted living facilities have recently become plentiful, offering an alternative in some states. They are generally operating in a residential home, housing from three to ten seniors. They are often operated by sole proprietors, who hire additional help so that they can provide coverage 24/7. The care is very personal, because the board and care homes are so small, and the residents often feel like they are living at home. Although they don't generally have licensed nursing available, by contracting with home health agencies, visiting doctors and nurses, and other services, they can provide all necessary services in a homey atmosphere.The board and care homes often operate with smaller overhead, as they don't have layers of management and skilled professionals like the larger apartment-like facilities. The operators often have a genuine love of the elderly, and care for them with the same love and affection as they would a family member. Due to their smaller size, they don't usually have a robust marketing plan, and often get their residents by word of mouth and referrals.

All assisted living facilities are licensed by the individual states,with different requirements in each state. There is no nationwide standard of care for assisted living facilities. There are many difference from one state to the next, and also differences within the same state. Some of the facilities are small, and can be operated in a residential home. Others are large, offering apartments and services in apartment building like settings.

Assisted living facilities usually offer a home like appearance, offering private apartments with doors that lock, instead of the hospital look of a skilled nursing home. Receptions or concierge are available to assist residents and greet guest instead of a nurse at a nursing station. Both large and small gatherings are held in the living and socializing areas which are strategically placed throughout the building. Arts and crafts, guest speakers and performers, music sing-a-longs and many other activities are offered regularly for the enjoyment of residents and their guests.

Separate wings are offered at many assisted living facilities for residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. There is a greater ratio of caregivers to residents in these memory care units, and security is offered
All assisted living facilities are licensed by the individual states,with different requirements in each state. There is no nationwide standard of care for assisted living facilities. There are many difference from one state to the next, and also differences within the same state. Some of the facilities are small, and can be operated in a residential home. Others are large, offering apartments and services in apartment building like settings.

Assisted living facilities usually offer a home like appearance, offering private apartments with doors that lock, instead of the hospital look of a skilled nursing home. Receptions or concierge are available to assist residents and greet guest instead of a nurse at a nursing station. Both large and small gatherings are held in the living and socializing areas which are strategically placed throughout the building. Arts and crafts, guest speakers and performers, music sing-a-longs and many other activities are offered regularly for the enjoyment of residents and their guests.

Separate wings are offered at many assisted living facilities for residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. There is a greater ratio of caregivers to residents in these memory care units, and security is offered to prevent wandering.Some residents of assisted living facilities live there simply because they find it convenient. Their needs are easily met, and they live in a place where they are able to make friends, go on outings and participate in group activities. They rest assured that should their need for assistance increase, the additional services will be available for them without relocating.




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