In-Depth Look: Healthcare Services Offered by Assisted Living Communities
More than 29% of the US population are caregivers for an aged family member or friend. They spend an average of 20 hours per week caring for a loved one.
Unfortunately, caregivers often neglect their health. In addition, aging parents need more help than their adult children can provide. An assisted living community could be the answer.
Assisted living communities' healthcare services include health and wellness and personal and memory care. This article takes an in-depth look at what this entails. It also reviews the benefits of assisted living, associated costs, and factors to consider when choosing a community.
What Are Assisted Living Communities?
Assisted living communities provide housing and personal care for seniors. This usually involves help with daily activities and some healthcare services.
There are individual and shared accommodations that offer a comfortable home-like setting. The communities are private and secure and encourage residents' independence. Their indoor and outdoor amenities facilitate socializing, relaxing, and exercising.
Assisted Living Communities' Healthcare Services
Assisted living communities' healthcare services usually do not require skilled nursing care for extended periods. However, they are critical to maintaining residents' physical and mental well-being.
Personal Care Services
Personal care services cover residents' basic needs. They often include activities that are now more challenging for them to perform.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Assistance with ADLs allows residents to manage their daily physical needs, including:
- Showering or bathing
- Dressing
- Getting in and out of a bed or a chair
- Walking
- Using the toilet
- Eating
Meeting these basic needs provides residents with a better quality of life. It also ensures they remain safe.
Medication Management
Almost 90% of seniors take one prescription drug regularly. Missed medications can have adverse health effects, making medication management crucial.
Medication management includes administering medications. A licensed physician supervises this process to ensure residents receive the correct dosages on time.
Continuous 24-hour On-Site Staffing for Emergencies
The effective management of health emergencies in assisted living communities is crucial. Complex health needs are often a part of elderly care, and emergency staff have the expertise to handle them.
Having healthcare staff on-site available for emergencies should reassure residents' families. The residents will also feel at ease knowing that help is near.
Health and Wellness Services
Health and wellness services for seniors maintain their overall well-being. They also help with depression and can increase independence. Here are just some of the services that help ensure this.
Health Assessments and Monitoring
These involve checking vital signs and a person's general physical condition. The results of these assessments may prompt healthcare providers to conduct further tests. They can also provide diagnoses or recommend a course of action, both of which can improve residents' lifestyles.
Health Education and Counseling
Health education can help improve overall well-being through improved habits and lifestyle changes. However, if residents have health issues, counseling can help. It teaches them how to cope and better manage their diagnosis.
Exercise and Fitness Programs
Exercise and fitness become more crucial for seniors. They can help prevent diseases and improve cognitive function. They also play a significant role in mental health and well-being. The risk of falls decreases while social ties strengthen.
Memory Care Services
About 5.6 million American seniors have Alzheimer's or related dementia. Memory care provides a specialized environment to manage their diagnosis better.
Specialized Care for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients
These services cater to the needs of the resident and the wishes of family members. Specialized care can involve cognitive therapy. It also includes activities focusing on residents' interests, preferences, and abilities.
Secure and Safe Environment
Assisted living communities have staff on-site 24/7, and many also have perimeter access control. In-room video monitoring helps to safeguard residents, as well.
Individualized Care Plans
Each resident has specific conditions, needs, and routines, and the goal of individualized care plans is to cater to these needs.
Benefits of Assisted Living Communities
When considering the benefits of assisted living communities, healthcare services top the list. Access to these ensures residents receive personalized care.
Daily care and attention can improve their quality of life. Assisted living communities provide the perfect environment for residents to socialize and engage in other activities they enjoy.
There is also trained staff on-site 24/7, ensuring your loved one gets the care they need in an emergency. This can put both residents and their families at ease. This sense of security also extends to physical safety.
Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community
You'll want your loved one to feel comfortable and safe in their new home. This starts with ensuring the home can cater to their needs.
In reviewing potential assisted living communities, consider the following:
- Is the community licensed and ensured?
- What training does the staff have?
- What is their protocol for medical emergencies?
- What is their visiting policy?
Touring the community will help you get a glimpse of what your loved one will experience. Sample the food, observe staff interactions with residents, and talk to the residents.
Of course, other factors would include cost and the proximity to family and relatives. You should also review all services included in the contract agreement.
Costs and Financing of Assisted Living Communities
The average cost of assisted living in the US is $4,500 per month or $54,000 annually. Financing options include:
- Medicare
- Private health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Home equity
Veterans, postal employees, and annuitants can also receive government assistance.
Providing a Safe Haven for Your Elderly Relatives
Deciding on assisted living care can be a hard decision for many relatives. Most may want to ensure their safety by caring for them at home. However, this can take a toll on loved ones who may not have the training necessary.
Assisted living communities' healthcare services provide seniors with the care they need. You'll want to choose a community that best suits the needs of your loved one.
Addington Place of Sparta does. We have a range of services and amenities, starting with comfortable apartment options. We also provide personal, memory, and respite care. These ensure our residents receive specific services to suit their needs.
But don't just take our word for it; schedule a tour today. We'll be happy to answer all your questions.