Assisted Living – What You Need to Know About Assisted Living Facilities

assisted living

Assisted Living – What You Need to Know About Assisted Living Facilities

There comes a time in many elderly seniors’ lives when a medical condition, loneliness or an inability to care for themselves force families to decide on where an elderly senior should be staying. Many times a difficult decision has to be made between remaining in a home with a visiting companion or in a nursing home. Choosing the right home companion services is crucial in assisting our elders. Although it may seem to the family members that they have made the right decision, in reality they have made the wrong choice and their elder is suffering needlessly. In this article I will highlight some of the major mistakes that families make with in-home care programs, and why it is crucial to select a company or professional with an excellent track record of caring and providing personalized, superior home companion services.

Not all assisted living facilities are the same. Some assisted living facilities offer services that are more extensive than others. Before you select an in-home care provider, it is important to do your research and find out what is included in the basic package and what additional services are offered.

Most assisted living homes have an in-home care package that usually includes 24 hour/seven days a week, round the clock assistance with basic tasks like house cleaning, meal preparation, light housekeeping duties, medication reminders, grocery shopping, medication dispensing, laundry assistance, transportation, dressing, medication reminders, telephone assistance, shopping and recreation aids, companionship services, exercise and fitness aids, and companionship opportunities. Services are usually billed per the “package deal” rather than on an hourly or daily basis. This can cause big discrepancies between what you are paying for, and the level of assistance provided. Most providers provide care for approximately 44 hours per week or approximately five days per week, although this can vary.

A self-funded or private assisted living community offers much more than in home care. They may also offer health care, social services, financial aid, adult education classes, and support groups. These communities are run by volunteer leaders who receive no pay from the community but are still responsible for their programs and ensuring that each resident reaches their maximum potential. Most communities offer a variety of different types of services for seniors including meals, housekeeping, laundry, clothing, transportation, shopping, entertainment, spiritual support and exercise.

There are many senior home care companies in the United States. They are made up of licensed professionals who have been through training sessions that provide them with specific experience and knowledge in dealing with Alzheimer’s patients. These trained professionals are responsible for the day to day activities of the Alzheimer’s patient. The tasks usually include helping the senior maintain personal hygiene, grooming, dressing and personal hygiene. They also assist with bathing and obtaining medical assistance where needed. Some assisted living facilities even have a medical attendant on duty 24 hours a day.

The most difficult task associated with assisted living is socialization. Most elderly citizens do not enjoy interacting with other people. They tend to withdraw from the world and become reclusive. This can be difficult for the caregiver, who is the person who helps them with their daily activities. Socialization is especially important for those who have difficulty communicating with others.

Most assisted living facilities offer a type of in home care. This type of care is much more hands on, similar to a hospital or nursing home care. It can involve visiting each resident in order to get to know them and help them become more comfortable with their surroundings. This is often done in the form of group activities that are supervised by staff members.

Medicare, Medicaid and various other means of financial assistance may be available to assist you in paying the costs of your assisted living facilities. There is also a variety of government benefits available through your local social service office. Remember, before making an investment into your future, consult with an elder care attorney to get additional information. Many people are unsure about the future of their situation and feel unsure of what to expect in the years ahead. An elder care lawyer can answer all of these questions and put your mind at rest.