Monday, July 26, 2021

What is Assisted Living Care?



 As people grow older, their independence becomes of more importance to them. Most seniors state that losing their independence is one of their biggest fears. Most seniors prefer living in their own homes for as long as possible, and it is reasonable. They love their independence, and moving to a nursing home means losing all that independence. 

But the sad reality is that as seniors age, there is an increasing need for more specialized care and assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs). One of every five seniors above 85 years in the US requires ADL care and assistance. But how do they receive such care and assistance while enjoying their freedom and independence? By utilizing the services of assisted living facilities. 

What Does It Entail?

Assisted living care refers to specialized and personalized assistance given to seniors in a community setting. Care allows them to live well and independently while enjoying the peaks of their golden years. They get to retain their independence and have all the fun they want as long as it does not endanger them. It is the perfect setting for those seniors who require certain ADLs or health and well-being support. Assistance living facilities offer this type of care following the state regulations.

Besides, this type of care is flexible enough to leave room for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle which entails socialization and fun activities. Most care revolves around bathing, dressing, and grooming, using the bathroom, and managing medications. Other activities such as housekeeping, laundry, cooking, transportation services, and social activities are communal. The staff takes care of such things for the whole community. The staff also provides security.

Does Assisted Care Differ from Nursing Homes?

The short answer to this question is yes, it differs. Assisted living care is not similar to nursing homes in that the level of care and independence is different. The key differences are:

  • In a nursing home, the residents have full-time care provided by a professional nurse or a medical staff, while in assisted care, there is only assistance for professionals on activities of daily life. Nursing homes are good for people who require either long-term or short-term high-level medical care, while assisted care is best for people who only need assistance and care with ADLs
  • In nursing homes, independence and freedom are minimal, and only allowed hobbies and activities are allowed. On the contrary, assisted living facilities offer their residents assistance and care, but they do limit their independence and freedom in any way as long as they don’t harm themselves. Assisted care is great for seniors with minimal needs who want to maintain their independence. 

It is important to note that assisted living care facilities offer staff availability all round the clock. If a community member requires any form of care or support, they will receive it regardless of the time. Furthermore, these facilities allow seniors to carry their items and furniture to make the place feel like home. Doing so helps with psychological preparation and allows them to ease into the community with ease. 

When moving in, residents are assessed to determine the level of care they need. It helps with personalizing their service plan. The service plan is effective because it allows every member to receive proper care without fail. Some facilities also offer memory care to their residents, depending on the licensing. Others offer specialized dieting from members with special nutritional needs to ensure their health is optimal. 

Summary

Assisted living care refers to professional help and assistance offered to seniors with their activities in daily life. These activities include bathing, grooming and dressing, using the bathroom, and medicine management. It allows seniors to maintain their independence during their old age while receiving the special care they require.


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