In honor of Senior Assisted Living month, today we’ll outline key factors that determine when an assisted living facility is the best option for senior housing. Our family knows this subject well, because my amazing wife is the Director of Activities in the premier assisted living facility in our area.
Assisted living is best described as having an independent living apartment in a facility that offers services that assist the residents with varied tasks and care of daily life. Most Seniors want to remain living independently for as long as they can, and assisted living is often a great way to extend senior independence by offering those added services and care as needed.
Key indicators that help determine when to make this move are easy to look for. Things like ease of daily living and the ability and stamina to complete tasks required to live each day. Are friends and family noticing any changes in these areas?
Medical care and coordination of multiple medical matters is possibly the single biggest factor in deciding that assisted living is right. Assisted living facilities offer prescription management, medical coordination, transportation to appointments and assistance with coordinated care. Doctors may also recommend assisted living when they recognize the need for it.
One indicator that we’ve talked about in prior articles is home care and upkeep and yard maintenance. For many seniors this can become daunting and exhausting, not to mention time consuming, less enjoyable, and even painful as they age.
Food and food services are no small undertaking for many seniors. Grocery shopping, meal preparation and clean up can become challenging for some folks. Quality assisted living facilities provide nutritious healthy food and snacks available at various levels of service. Many offer special food events for purchase, such as “Taco Tuesdays”, “Happy Hour”, “Ice cream socials” and “Pizza parties”.
Don’t overlook the important need we all have for social interaction. As we age, our prior social circle shrinks, and we have less opportunities to be a part of a social network. Assisted living facilities can offer wonderful solutions for this! The weekly calendar of social events where my wife manages activities is filled with fun and interactive thing to do throughout the week. Activities can include exercise classes, games, bingo, shopping, garden club, reading and puzzles and so much more! These inclusive activities allow for a wide range of skill level and interaction so there truly is something for everyone.
It's important to determine if caregiving is already being provided for some or all the things above. If that caregiver is YOU or a spouse, friend or family member, and it is becoming more and more difficult, stressful, or challenging, it may be time to choose assisted living. Make sure you consider how that care provider is doing and when they need a break or when it is time to tag this care off to the professionals. This is an extremely important indicator in the choice of assisted living.
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