Assisted living is a great option for those who require more help than their family and friends can offer. It can relieve stress for families, take pressure off other caregivers and help seniors live independently without sacrificing their quality of life.
It is important to search for an assisted living community that feels like a home to you and your loved one. It is also essential to ask plenty of questions and visit each facility multiple times.
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Independent Living
Independent living communities offer seniors the opportunity to live their lives in a stress-free environment. Independent living communities are designed for seniors who want to have peace of mind, with housekeeping, linen services, transportation and security.
In addition, many communities offer a variety of social activities and amenities to help make retirement years the best they can be. There are so many ways to meet new friends and discover new interests, such as cooking lessons, painting lessons, or book clubs.
Regardless of your age, the most important factor to consider when choosing an independent living community is the amenities and social programming that you or your loved one will enjoy. Ask about onsite recreational spaces and planned daily activities, like fitness classes and workshops, or happy hours and weekend excursions.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Independent living is defined as the ability to do daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, dressing and toileting. Some of these basic tasks become more difficult to accomplish as a senior ages or develops a health issue.
Assisted living, or a residential facility where people receive help with ADLs, can provide seniors with these basic skills and make it easier for them to live independently. It also helps older adults maintain their independence in the community and prevent them from depleting their resources and assets.
One tool used to assess a person`s abilities is the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Kitz). The simple checklist measures six ADLs: dressing, toileting and mobility. Each item is assigned a score between 0 and 15.
Social interaction
Social interaction is essential for mental and physical health, but many seniors do not have access to this type of socialization. Fortunately, senior living communities offer a variety of activities to keep seniors engaged and connected with others.
Studies show that regular socialization can prevent depression. Socializing can also improve seniors` nutrition and screenings, which will help them stay healthy.
Poor mental health is linked to loneliness, which is a major risk factor in aging adults. Loneliness can increase the risk of cognitive decline in seniors, so it is important that they socialize regularly.
LTC professionals can promote social engagement by encouraging residents to make meaningful connections with one another and staff through shared interests, activities, and events. They can also support residents in finding ways to help other residents (eg, by assisting lower functioning residents with their daily activities).
Health Care
Assisted living communities offer a variety of health care services. These services include assistance with mobility, personal hygiene, and medication management.
Some facilities have on-site doctors and pharmacies, which means residents can receive routine appointments right in their community. This is a great way to save time and money.
Many seniors are able to afford assisted living thanks to Social Security, which provides Supplemental Security Income and other benefits for low-income individuals. Medicaid can also help with the cost for assisted living. However, it is not an entitlement program so there are limitations on how much money you can get.
New York State`s Assisted Living Program (ALP) pays for rooms in licensed assisted living residences throughout the state for qualifying individuals. The program is an alternative to nursing home care and is regulated by the state. This reduces the cost of assisted living in New York. However, there is a long wait list for these rooms. The State plans to expand the ALP.