On a continuum of care options, assisted living sits between non-medical support services such as housekeeping and meals on one end and acute medical care on the other. Most long term care insurance policies cover assisted living options while Medicaid can offer assistance if applicable.
When searching for an assisted living residence, visit at different times (i.e. during activities and mealtimes) to assess its ambiance and feel.
Independence
As well as offering housing and care services, assisted living facilities also provide residents with freedom from cleaning or cooking duties; social activities; meals; and individual apartments (although some may be shared).
Residents participating in certain programs may also take advantage of on-site physical and occupational therapy services as well as help with medications. Some programs even provide support with this aspect.
Assisted living tends to be less costly than nursing homes and can often be covered by long-term care insurance or cash outlay; however, the upfront costs can still be very steep; New York offers several programs designed to cover them.
Socialization
Assisted living communities strive to offer their residents access to a vibrant community. Many provide events calendars featuring everything from group outings and classes, crafts, and hobby groups to regular group outings and group outings.
Engaging your loved one in community life can give them a sense of belonging and ease their transition into already existing friend groups, as well as serve to break into new social circles. While socialization may take some getting used to, its potential benefits include providing a sense of belonging while decreasing loneliness; slowing cognitive decline; improving nutrition by encouraging regular mealtimes and decreasing cognitive decline.
Health Care
As daily tasks become more challenging as we age, assisted living offers assistance for activities of daily living while offering safety in the form of 24-hour staffing and customizable medical, health, and dental services. Residents can choose their desired providers of such care services.
Communities must provide each resident with at least three hours per week of personal care services, along with general observation and health supervision. Furthermore, facilities with 24 or more beds must ensure a case manager is available 20 hours each week; for facilities with 45 or more beds this timeframe increases to 40 hours each week.
Individuals interested in applying for the Assisted Living Program must be mindful that exceeding income and asset limits could result in denial of benefits. Working with a Medicaid planning specialist is wise as this expert can assist in structuring financial assets to avoid such consequences.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation services offer nutritious snacks and lunches tailored to each senior client’s dietary health goals and calorie needs, helping seniors remain independent as long as possible.
Meal delivery services provide seniors with an alternative to fast food or unhealthy snacks to meet their hunger, helping to maintain a healthy weight and avoid dehydration.
Meal delivery services may be helpful for some seniors; however, in-home caregivers offer meal preparation services with meals ready-made and ready for heating up.
Transportation
Numerous assisted living facilities provide transportation services, which can assist seniors in attending appointments and social events. Public transit options available to them, including buses, rail and trolley systems as well as taxi services offering discounts to seniors are also options available to them.
Some private services provide cabulances that are designed to carry wheelchairs and medical equipment, providing door-to-door service with assistance for getting on and off, doorbell service and limited help with transporting medical equipment. Prices for such services can range greatly; some require membership fees while others are free or low cost – sometimes only available during certain hours, making them unsuitable for seniors who need travel at other times of day.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping services play a vital role in helping older adults live in an optimal living space and keeping them healthier by decreasing respiratory issues, which often stem from living environments that lack cleanliness.
Cleaning can be an physically strenuous activity that exposes older adults to falls, back issues and other injuries; that’s why assisted living offers assistance with these tasks.
When searching for your new home, be sure to inquire into how the housekeeping services operate. Some communities charge an all-inclusive monthly fee while others itemize bills based on specific services used. It is wise to be aware that these facilities may also enforce strict background check policies regarding employees who work there.