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Seniors need to look ahead and plan for many things as they age, including medical care, finances, and where to live as their health needs change. If you or a loved one are looking for a long-term care option that balances all three of these items, consider an assisted living community.
No matter what the senior’s needs look like now—or what they will look like—there’s a senior living community that can meet any demand. Learn more in this article about what assisted senior living is, who is an ideal candidate, and what to expect when choosing the assisted living home that’s right for you. Let Premier Senior Communities help you find a community now!
Assisted living communities are a type of long-term care that offers support to seniors of various ages and needs. These individuals typically do not require 24-hour medical care, but may need assistance with certain activities on a daily basis.
Assisted living facilities most often have large buildings or complexes of buildings with apartments designed with the safety and comfort of the senior in mind. They may also provide a unique type of care for those that need care on a short-term or temporary basis, but cannot return to their prior living situation.
Overall, assisted living helps improve the quality of life of seniors by freeing them from the burdens of daily life on top of offering a range of social activities that cater to their mind, body, spirit, and general well-being.
It’s important to note that assisted living communities are not considered nursing homes. For instance, nursing homes offer skilled nursing services from on-site RNs, therapists, and staff members. Meanwhile, assisted living simply offers access to these services if the need arises, but skilled nursing care is not the sole focus of the facility. Because of this, nursing homes are considered a higher level of care in comparison to assisted senior living.
A retirement home is a type of residential care that is commonly seen as the “in-between” from independent living to the higher level of care that is assisted living. It’s one of the most hands-off options in which residents can have all of the advantages of living independently, but still benefit from the peace of mind and personal connections made in a senior community.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia may require senior care facilities that can meet their increased needs. For example, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers both assisted living and memory care units for seniors affected by Alzheimer’s to varying degrees. Assisted living is ideal for these seniors and their caregivers because it allows them to age in place without having to move facilities when their needs change.
Assisted living is open to adults typically over the age of 55 who have certain care level requirements that have been identified by a primary care provider. The doctor may suggest this type of long-term care if the senior needs assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), which includes tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, showering, and moving about the apartment. More difficult activities, known as the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), may include shopping, medication management, cooking, and more.
[If you or your loved one do not need individualized care services but still want to live in a community of like-minded older adults, then an independent living community is a great option to look into! Take a look at our independent living page to learn more.]
While each assisted living community is different and offer various amenities, all communities usually provide the same common services that may include:
Other senior care facilities may offer some of the following:
The cost of assisted living can vary widely depending on many different factors, such as the size of the living quarters, the location of the facility, and what care services are necessary. Some assisted living communities operate solely on a month-to-month basis, while others may require a monthly charge and an entrance fee that is held to cover ongoing medical care.
There are a variety of options to help pay for assisted living, such as long-term care insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, veteran’s benefits, funding from a life insurance policy, and more. To learn more, go to the location finder on Premier Senior Communities to choose a senior care option that’s right for you or your loved one.
Most assisted senior living facilities offer the same basic services and level of care, but other amenities vary by location. The most common services and amenities include:
Other care facilities may offer some or all of the following:
The costs of assisted senior living can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including your location, which floor plan you select, and which health care services and amenities are available.
Some assisted living facilities require an entrance fee in addition to a monthly charge, while others operate solely on a month-to-month basis. Facilities that charge an entry fee sometimes hold this entry fee to pay for more comprehensive medical care should that become necessary.
According to caregiving financial company, Genworth, in 2018 the average monthly cost for assisted living in the US was $4,000. This is based on average monthly rates for a private, one bedroom.
Contact Caring Advisor today to get help in your journey.