The decision to transition into a senior living community should not be made hastily. Whenever possible, work with your loved one in researching and identifying which senior living option is the best choice. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead before immediate health problems intervene and force a decision on everyone. As you embark on this research, keep in mind that moving to an assisted living community is not a sad outcome. Even seniors who are mentally and physically active can become isolated and depressed as they age and lose spouses, close friends and neighbors. A vibrant senior assisted living community provides the social contact and stimulation that is essential for happiness and health.
Understanding Options
In times past, when mom needed help with daily living activities and basic health services, her only choice was a nursing home, where residences are typically shared and social activities are minimal.
Fortunately, many senior care options exist today. They include home care, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living communities and nursing homes. Learning the difference in these care models is critical so your loved one is properly looked after in a setting that meets his or her needs. Let’s review assisted living and nursing homes.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living residents receive help with the activities of daily living, including personalized health services. They have access to a wide variety of recreational and social activities, specially prepared meals, and an all-inclusive lifestyle. Mom chooses an apartment that she can decorate with her own furnishings and accessories. Some communities provide generously-sized apartments with lots of natural light and high ceilings. Many assisted living communities offer transportation to nearby destinations, such as shopping, health care facilities, restaurants and recreational opportunities.
Depending on the type of apartment mom chooses, she may have a small kitchen; but after a lifetime of cooking for her family, she’ll probably prefer meals prepared by trained experts and served in a beautiful dining room where she can socialize with her new friends.
Nursing Homes
This option is intended specifically for people with serious health problems that require long-term attention; or for those recovering from surgery and needing short-term rehabilitation in a facility with round-the-clock medical care. Nursing home residents typically share a single room, and have minimal activity access.
Why Choose Assisted Living
The popular choice for many seniors is assisted living and here are three good reasons why:
Cost
Skilled nursing residences are very expensive, because of the 24/7 medical care provided by licensed professionals. In 2014, the amount paid for a shared room in a nursing home averaged $212/day; for a private room (if available) the cost is 10 to 20 percent higher.
Assisted living is more affordable. In 2014, the amount paid for assisted living averaged $3,500/month (costs vary by state), which works out to about $115/day.
Amenities
There’s simply no comparison between the amenities offered by an assisted living community and those found in nursing homes. The latter are for people with substantial medical issues or who require intensive health rehabilitation. Conversely, assisted living residents have access to a wide range of amenities, including meals provided in a community dining room, fitness facilities, activity rooms and community theaters.
Social stimulation
Repeated studies conclude that seniors thrive when they aren’t isolated. Assisted living communities employ activity directors whose singular purpose is developing programs to stimulate the mental and physical health of residents, something not available at nursing homes.
If your loved one doesn’t require 24/7 medical attention or intensive rehabilitation, then explore the benefits of assisted living.
What do you love about your assisted living community?
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