Are they in need of assistance managing medications, dressing themselves, and bathing themselves?
Assisted living offers seniors assistance with daily activities without necessitating nursing care.
Consider visiting at various times–meals and activities–to observe staff interactions with residents. Also inquire about pet policies, food options, and any fees charged.
Personal Care
Assisted living residents may require help with personal care tasks like bathing, grooming and dressing. Most residences provide personal care attendants to assist residents. They can also manage medications properly by keeping track of daily dosages.
Communities offer many social activities for residents to participate in. This may include physical and intellectual stimulation activities like current events clubs, art classes and book groups to combat loneliness – one of the leading causes of senior depression.
Most assisted living residences will conduct a clinical services evaluation of each resident before or at move-in to determine their hourly care needs. This sets their fee levels accordingly, from those needing little care up to those needing the most. Families looking for help affording assisted living costs should consult a Medicaid planning expert; these professionals specialize in creatively structuring financial assets to meet eligibility criteria for Medicaid benefits.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation services can assist your senior in eating a healthier diet and decreasing their risk of food-borne illness. By thoroughly cleaning kitchens and safely storing ingredients, caregivers can prevent contamination that could spread bacteria to cause illness.
Many assisted living facilities offer fully prepared meals in their dining rooms, which is especially helpful for seniors who do not wish to shop or cook themselves but need nutritionally-balanced food.
Intake forms should include questions regarding any dietary restrictions and allergies that should be taken into account as meal plans are developed. Depending on the facility, residents council or food committee meetings may discuss this matter and input from family members should also be considered when planning menus that meet or surpass recommended calorie allowances for adults.
Transportation
If your aging loved one cannot drive, transportation services are vital in helping them navigate life safely and independently. There are both public and private options in many communities dedicated to helping seniors access medical appointments or other important appointments. Check the Eldercare Locator or NADTC to locate services near your home.
Senior living communities frequently provide transportation for residents as part of their monthly fees, offering transportation programs to appointments as well as grocery stores or any other locations they may want to visit.
Para-transit services provide low-cost or free transportation for seniors who qualify, offering door-to-door service with assistance getting into and out of vehicles and helping with bags – some vehicles even accommodate wheelchairs! Private transportation may be more costly but is suitable for trips without an immediate medical need; moreover, private options provide more flexibility than taxi services with their set routes and schedules.
Housekeeping
Assisted living residences generally offer housekeeping services such as laundry, mopping floors and bathrooms, dusting furniture, sweeping and vacuuming – this can be especially helpful for seniors who find it hard to bend over or move as easily.
Seniors also find the companionship offered by home cleaning services invaluable, often developing strong bonds with their housekeepers and even becoming friends over time. It is crucial for any facility using professional janitorial products without harmful chemicals and toxins that don’t threaten human health and well-being.
The National Center for Assisted Living recommends families visit assisted living facilities several times and ask plenty of questions when touring them. Be sure to visit during group activities or meals, observe staff interactions with residents, look for friendly atmospheres with no tension between staff members and residents and observe whether there is good rapport between staff members serving elderly residents.