7 out of 10 seniors require assisted living care in their life. It’s one of the most needed senior care options, and it may be right for your loved one.
Assisted and personal care communities are active social environments. They help residents feel connected and independent while receiving the care they need. Some may find there are so many assisted living options to choose from that finding the right one can be difficult.
If you’ve been searching for “assisted living near me,” there are several factors you’ll need to keep in mind before making your decision. Read on to learn what these facilities and communities provide and how to pick the right one.
An assisted living community is a long-term housing option for seniors who need help with basic and daily tasks. Their services vary, but most include help with meals, laundry, housekeeping, and transportation.
The 6 basic ADLs, or activities of daily living, are:
These are used to determine the level of care a senior needs.
Level 1 includes reminders for medication and appointments and supervision when checking blood sugar or taking injections. Level 2 includes assistance with at least one ADL and medication management. Level 3 includes assistance with multiple ADLs and medication management.
Assisted living staff asses seniors to determine what level of care they need. They consider factors such as their fine motors skills, mobility, and health conditions.
There are several benefits of assisted living communities. They keep your aging parent or family members independent, active, and safe. The fact that it’s a community means they’ll have the opportunity to be social with other residents. They may also provide access to amenities such as theaters, game rooms, craft rooms, outings, and so much more.
Ask your healthcare provider and your friends and family for advice about your senior care options. They can help you determine which community would be best for your loved one.
Make sure the assisted living facility and its staff are licensed and certified. Look at reviews to get a sense of their reputation and the experience past residents and their families have had with them.
Check the resident agreement to determine what the community offers and how much you’ll pay for care, amenities, and services.
Visit and tour several communities. Eat a meal and take a look at the social activities offered. Find out the resident-to-patient ratio, which should be around 1 to 15. Be on the lookout for red flags such as a low standard of cleanliness or safety.
Finding the best community is also a “follow your gut” decision. You know what your aging family member needs and whether the community provides it, so trust your instincts.
There are several senior care options to choose from for aging loved ones. An assisted living community may be the best fit, especially if they struggle with basic daily tasks.
Finding the best community requires research and time. You need to ask family and friends for advice, consider the cost, visit the facility, and determine its credibility.
Juniper Communities has decades of experience with creating quality communities for the aging population. Contact us today for advice on how to find the right one for your loved one.
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