As we grow older, we often find it challenging to perform activities of daily living. This includes housekeeping, bathing, doing the laundry, cooking, and cleaning. This is when long-term care comes in to help. Facilities that provide this type of care have become a standard housing option for millions of older adults worldwide. Unfortunately, though, most people picture these homes as rundown nursing homes where residents aren’t adequately cared for.
An ideal assisted living community must be welcoming, comfortable, and offer the best personalized care for residents. In addition, the atmosphere should be conducive for residents to live healthy and independent lives. In this article, we’ll be taking a critical look at these modern facilities.
What is an assisted living community?
This refers to a type of housing for people with disabilities or seniors who can’t live independently. It’s somewhat similar to a retirement facility that caters to a much older adult population. The primary purpose of this facility is to help seniors carry out their activities of daily living (ADLs).
These facilities provide general supervision and coordinate the services rendered by outside health care providers. What’s more, these facilities monitor the activities of residents to ensure their safety, health, and wellbeing. So, if you know any senior living with Alzheimer’s disease or struggling with a disability, an assisted living home may likely be the best option.
Most modern living facilities have highly trained carers on their payroll. These lifestyle experts genuinely care about ensuring that the residents live out the rest of their days happy and fulfilled. While these homes generally help with routine daily activities, much of the residents are afforded some form of independence. Moreover, social isolation for seniors can lead to depression, dementia, anxiety, and many other mental problems. Unlike an independent living community, residents have access to Medicare.
When is it time to consider long-term care?
Just so you know, the United States invests as much as 18% of its GDP in promoting the country’s health care system. However, there’s no gainsaying that the Covid-19 pandemic had devastating impacts on the global economy. Most seniors find it challenging to afford increasing health care costs. These medical costs cover premiums for doctor and drug coverage but don’t cover the cost of long-term care. Ideally, the health care cost is financed by private insurance companies or the government.
Things like the kind of care, the type of coverage chosen, or an existing insurance policy can raise health care costs. So, from time to time, the United States government comes up with programs to help seniors and veterans manage their healthcare bills. For example, the U.S. government provides Medicaid and Medicare. The latter refers to a health insurance scheme for seniors older than 65. Medicare is a better alternative to purchasing a private insurance policy from a private insurance company.
Moving your loved one on time can make a world of difference in their quality of life. However, suppose a senior can no longer cope with the rigors of daily activities or requires a change in living arrangements. In that case, such a person needs to be moved to a facility. Besides, while some seniors or disabled persons may need help with one of the activities of daily living, many others may need intensive assistance with ADLs.
There have been a series of widespread controversies surrounding facilities. Many of them stand accused of neglect, mistreatment, and abuse of residents. This information is not intended to get you worried or alarmed, but it bolsters why you need to be careful when choosing a facility.
What facilities should you look for?
While a facility is suitable for aging adults, finding the best modern facility can be emotional and daunting. When it comes to choosing a modern home, the choices are endless. Most facilities offer various housing options like apartments, cottages, home-like suites, and shared living.
In addition, they provide specialty services like housekeeping, laundry, 24-hour emergency care, personal care, and recreational activities. Every modern home must feature medical care, comprehensive medical management services, and medication administration.
When looking for a home, check to see how much you’re willing to spend. Notwithstanding, make sure you rent a home that suits the specific needs of older adults. Also, the facilities should provide top-of-the-line personalized care for residents. A modern home should have recreational activities like group meals, happy hours, art classes, gardening, trail walking, and discussion groups. These fun activities will help residents stay active and healthy.
Before moving your elderly relatives into a home, make sure you consult with the team members to determine if the place is licensed. It has to meet specific regulations on quality and safety standards, staffing, and training. If you’re still undecided about the best home for your senior care needs, you can read online reviews or seek word-of-mouth referrals from trusted friends. Besides, nobody wants to risk the safety of their loved ones by placing them in a harmful environment.
