Having to choose the right care option for a family member or friend can be a rather challenging decision to make. There are a lot of different senior living options that can blend together. Maybe your family member needs help but does not require 24-hour care, which they would receive at a nursing home. It is possible they just need help with activities of daily living (or ADLs) like hygiene, eating, and medication reminders.

Because moving and leaving behind a home is extremely stressful, it is important to be confident in choosing the right community and senior care. This guide will help weigh the benefits of choosing an assisted living community over another care option.

WHAT IS AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY?

An assisted living community provides residents daily help with daily tasks. Residents living in an assisted living community maintain their independence, have freedom of choice, and receive all the benefits of a community’s amenities and activities. An assisted living community also offers the most home-like experience with available apartments or rooms that range in different sizes, daily meals, and a customized care plan for the resident.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY AND A NURSING HOME

When deciding on a senior living community, it is important to understand the key benefits and differences between assisted living communities and nursing homes. These two care options are often confused and assumed to describe the same level of care. This is simply not the case.

For example, nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care to individuals who require a more complex level of care and monitoring due to high medical conditions. On the other hand, assisted living communities offer a lower level of care, with more resident independence, and provide a focus on overall resident wellness instead of only physical wellness.

CHOOSING AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

There are many factors you should consider when choosing an assisted living community on behalf of a family member. First off, make sure they are licensed and insured. Also, when visiting a community in person, take time to speak to both staff and residents. By asking both a lot of questions it will provide you a good sense of whether your family member would feel comfortable in this community.

Some other things to consider when choosing the best assisted living community for your family would be the location, service costs, types of activities, transportation, medical options, and meals. Speaking with an employee from the assisted living community you are most interested in can help you determine if the community is the right fit for your family.

BENEFITS OF LIVING IN AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

There are many benefits to living in an assisted living community. This communal lifestyle can help encourage sociability for seniors who are experiencing social isolation and perhaps depression. Assisted living communities provide an environment that facilitates friendships through group activities. No matter a resident’s personality, there is typically an activity that they would be interested in participating in.

In addition to social benefits, it also provides their family with peace of mind that they are living in a safe and secure environment. Many families worry about their loved one’s safety if they are living independently. In a community, there’s always a friendly face right down the hall in the case of an emergency.

HOW TO APPLY

When applying to live in an assisted living community, your loved one must go through a medical evaluation consisting of a health and physical exam. This assessment checks their medical, mental, and functional well-being and determines if they will be the right fit for the community with the type of care provided by the community. In addition to the assessment, they will receive an agreement contract similar to a rental agreement that outlines all of the services and costs associated with living in the community.

PAYING FOR ASSISTED LIVING

Paying for senior living can be intimidating – however, there are lots of options. The most obvious choice would be to pay out of pocket, however, that’s not always an option. Look into cashing in retirement funds, insurance policies or selling any real estate holdings. If the potential resident is eligible, look at receiving assistance from Veterans Benefits. If you have any questions about paying for assisted living services, we would be happy to help! Please reach out to Woodland Ridge directly and our team will assist you.