Assisted living services provide assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing and eating. In some facilities they may also offer case management, coordination of health care services from outside providers and medication assistance services.
Social isolation can be harmful for seniors living alone. Many choose assisted living communities for the increased quality of life and connection. They host events and activities specifically tailored towards seniors to keep them active and engaged with life.
Choosing a Community
Touring different assisted living communities is vitally important for families. This will give them an idea of life there and feel for its atmosphere.
Search for a community offering social activities tailored to the interests of its residents, and consider the meal options included with your monthly fee and at what times they are served each day.
Research has demonstrated the importance of maintaining good health as we age, so it’s crucial for communities to provide their residents with welcoming environments, central meeting points and friendly staff – this will allow for meaningful interactions and keeps costs under control. Furthermore, understanding exactly what the monthly fees include helps you establish an accurate budget – our advisors can assist in developing one tailored to meet your specific needs while finding an affordable community.
Getting Started
Assisted living facilities typically offer a range of social, recreational, and health care programs for their residents. Many facilities employ dedicated staff who work directly with each resident to tailor a service plan tailored to his or her individual needs and preferences. Residents may also take advantage of nutritional assessments as well as housekeeping, laundry and transportation services available within each facility.
If your loved one is experiencing difficulty transitioning from their home to an assisted living community, allow them time and be supportive as they adjust. Acknowlege their grief and feelings of loss while making sure to contact them regularly.
Families needing assistance transitioning can enlist the services of a Medicaid planning professional to creatively structure assets and income to provide seniors access to affordable assisted living communities. For more information visit the New York State Department of Aging’s (DADS) website which contains personnel qualifications, building codes and service requirements of licensed assisted living communities as well as their locations and contact details.
Making Your Loved One Feel at Home
As much as possible, try to include your loved one in the decision-making process to help them feel empowered rather than forced into moving to assisted living. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule tours of each facility and meet administrators and staff members before scheduling tours of individual apartments or rooms for viewings. Inquire about dining options, the social calendar and look for residents who seem content and well-kempt.
Personal touches such as family photos, scented candles and favorite snacks may help ease their transition. In addition, you may bring along comforters or blankets they like as well as other pieces of furniture like small sofas and recliners that will aid them.
Frequent visits will show your loved one they still have someone close by, and can continue the activities they once enjoyed. They might also benefit from attending social events and trying something new; remember it will take months before everyone fully adjusts!
Staying Active
As we age, many everyday tasks become difficult or impossible to perform independently. From changing lightbulbs to taking showers, the risks of falling are greater than ever before – senior living residents in assisted living facilities can rest easy knowing staff are only ever one phone call away to provide assistance with daily activities and tasks.
Seniors staying active in an assisted living community by taking advantage of social events that meet their interests and abilities – bowling sessions, picnics in the park, salsa dancing classes and worship services are just a few examples.
Many senior communities offer state-of-the-art fitness centers and walking paths as a great way for residents to stay active and take in some fresh air. Furthermore, educational events on topics like fall prevention and nutrition education are held. Furthermore, most communities include accessible features like flat thresholds and hallway hand rails to reduce injury during everyday activity.