Seniors have several assisted living options to choose from. They can select the setting that allows them to live a comfortable and healthy life based on their needs. Finding the appropriate level of care is the first step. What should a person know when making this critical choice?
Levels of Care
Assisted living offers numerous benefits, and these benefits vary based on the different assisted living options. Most communities offer similar amenities and services, but they differ in the care provided to residents. The following are the most common levels of care.
Basic Care
For independent seniors who need a little help, find a community that offers basic care that is ideal for their needs. Staff members in these communities might help with medication management, meal prep, or housekeeping. Otherwise, the residents live life as they choose.
Moderate Care
Seniors in moderate-care communities need additional assistance but continue to do many things independently. Staff members help with activities of daily living, allowing the seniors to get the most out of every day.
Advanced Care
Advanced care assisted living communities cater to seniors needing help with most activities of daily living. The staff assists with eating, hygiene tasks, and more. Without this assistance, the seniors could not maintain their independence.
Increasing Care Needs
One concern for many seniors and their families is the progression of care needs. Seniors don’t want to move every few years because they need increasingly more care. A continuing care retirement community can streamline this process by allowing seniors to remain on the same property while moving to a new unit.
Easing This Transition
Families must monitor their loved ones and note any changes in their behavior, appearance, or demeanor. These changes suggest the senior might need more daily care. Talk with staff members to see if they have noticed similar changes. They may see things family members don’t. Furthermore, families should remain in close contact with seniors in assisted living. Doing so will provide them with emotional support.
Which Level of Care to Choose?
Families want to ensure they choose the right level of care. Doing so begins with an assessment of the senior’s needs. Consider their health and how it impacts their ability to do different things and talk to them to see what level they think would be beneficial. Finally, take with their medical team to learn how much care the senior needs now and how that might change in the future.
Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
Families might wonder if they should consider other options. Independent living is for those who don’t need help with daily living activities. They live independently while benefitting from prepared meals, housekeeping, and other amenities. Enhanced living communities offer minimal help with living activities, while assisted living is a step up from this. Residents receive daily help depending on the needed level of care. Nursing homes are for those needing specialized medical care, and memory care is designed for individuals with dementia and other cognitive issues.
Speak with several senior living communities to learn more about the options. Every person is different, so families must consider the individual and what will be best for them when choosing a community. The right community will allow the seniors to thrive in an environment that suits them perfectly so they have the highest quality of life.
