What Is Assisted Living?
We all need a little help sometimes, and in the case of older citizens who need help with getting around or tasks associated with daily living, assisted living is a desirable option. You may be familiar with the concept of skilled nursing care – the highest level of senior care available outside of a hospital. An assisted living facility, on the other hand, is a community for seniors who do not need comprehensive nursing care. Residents have the freedom to live as independently as they want – engaging in social activities and personal hobbies, while having as much or as little assistance as they need.
Assisted Living Facilities Offer Comforts of Home
Assisted living facilities offer a home-like environment with common spaces for gathering and apartments that can be personalized with residents’ own belongings.
Picture a vibrant community of like-minded seniors with a variety of amenities and daily activities to choose from. They have the freedom to do whatever they like, and if they happen to need assistance with getting around or taking daily medications, then dedicated and certified health professionals are there to assist them.
What Assisted Living Services Are Available?
A variety of services are included in assisted living care that are designed to keep residents healthy, safe and comfortable. Services vary by community, but services offered in most assisted living communities are:
- Medication management: If a resident has a lot of medications to take daily, this service is to ensure that the right medications get taken consistently and in the correct frequency.
- Daily living tasks: These tasks consist of grooming, bathing, dressing, etc.
- A healthy diet: Many assisted living facilities offer three square meals a day packed with nutrients so that residents remain healthy and in good spirits.
Here at River Crossing, these services are available, along with the security of a 24-hour emergency response system and access to a certified care team. Our residents appreciate the conveniences and amenities, including an on-site beauty salon so residents can always look their best, a coffee bar for good conversation, and an activity and game area. Check out our full list of assisted living services here.
Some services may depend on the level of assistance that is required to ensure residents remain healthy and safe.
Types of Assisted Living
Assisted living is a delicate mixture of independence and 24/7 nonmedical care, so it’s common that assisted living facilities offer various levels of care to support the different levels of assistance needed for their residents.
Three to five levels of care are typically offered, but since assisted living facilities are regulated by state, levels of care do vary. The three most common levels of care are as follows:
- Level 1: This is considered basic assistance, meaning residents occasionally need help with daily living tasks, like getting in or out of the bathtub or being reminded to take their meds.
- Level 2: This is a little more in depth than level 1 and can include more one-on-one support with the activities of daily living (ADLs), including needing assistance with getting on and off the toilet, shaving and other activities.
- Level 3: In communities that only have three levels of care, this is the highest and most advanced level of assistance needed. Residents require a hands-on approach with most daily living tasks, and these residents may also have communication, physical or mental impairments.
According to Haven Senior Investments, there are over 810,000 residents in assisted living communities all over the United States, and nearly 7 out of 10 seniors require some sort of assisted living care later in life. If the time comes when your loved one is in need of assisted living, it’s important to do your research to know exactly what to expect in the areas of level of care, cost and services offered.
Assisted Living Benefits
Living at home can come with hassles like constant housekeeping and upkeep. Home maintenance can be especially challenging for seniors or caregivers assisting their loved ones in their homes. One of the values of an assisted living facility is that housekeeping and maintenance are provided for you.
Freedom and independence come naturally when you live in a maintenance-free senior living community. You also don’t have to give up your personal belongings (just transfer them) or your hobbies. Communities host a variety of events and social activities, so you don’t have to worry about giving up socializing, having fun or doing things you love to do just because you need assistance every now and again.
River Crossing Senior Living Difference
Assisted living is a desirable solution in many ways, but in the end, it is your decision whether it is the right choice for you.
If you’d like to discuss assisted living or learn more about what River Crossing can offer you or your loved one, request a personal consultation today. We look forward to meeting you.