Seniors with limited independence might find assisted living an appealing option. It offers a home-like environment where residents can still enjoy their hobbies. Assistive living facilities also offer residents many opportunities for enrichment. There are many things to take into consideration when selecting an assisted living facility.
Assisted Living is a viable option
It's a significant decision to select an assisted living community. It's not all about the price. Many factors will impact the decision. Long-term care insurance covers assisted living. Medicare doesn't pay for it. Alternately, Medicaid, the federal/state program that provides health care for people with low incomes or assets, might cover the cost of assisted-living.
Assisted living can be a great choice for seniors who are unable or unwilling to live on their own. The assisted living community residents can live independently and still socialize with others, while they receive assistance in the areas that are most important to them. For example, one of my former caregiving clients struggled to prepare healthy meals at home and missed being around other people. Her new environment allowed her to share a table with other residents. This helped her maintain a sense both of independence and community.
It allows seniors the freedom to live independently
Assisted living is an option for people who need help with daily activities but still want to maintain their independence. This can help people retain their identity and dignity which will improve their quality of living. This style of living offers seniors the opportunity to connect with others who have similar interests.
Assisted living typically includes a monthly fee that covers housekeeping and maintenance, security, and nursing observation. It includes three meals daily and 24-hour supervision. A majority of assisted living facilities provide one to two hours per day of personal care. This can include assistance with dressing, toileting, and bathing. Some facilities offer subsidised programs to help seniors pay the monthly costs.
It offers life enrichment opportunities
An assisted living community can offer residents a lot of life enrichment activities. Seniors can enjoy a better quality of life by attending to their physical, mental, cognitive and spiritual needs. These activities are individual-oriented and tailored to each resident's specific needs. A resident can participate in arts, music, and gardening to fulfill their interests. They can also learn new skills.
A traditional classroom setting is a good way to keep seniors active and engaged. However, assisted living communities offer more than classes and social events. A life enrichment director can introduce new activities, programs, and people who have common interests. For example, a resident may enjoy dancing.
It is much less expensive than nursing home
A recent survey by American Health Care Association found that assisted living is more affordable than nursing homes. A semi-private space in a nursing house can cost almost $89,000 per year, while an assisted living area costs around $48,000 annually. In both cases, Medicare covers some of the cost.
But, assisted living is not required to provide 24/7 nursing care. The cost of hiring home health aides is high and not all assisted-living communities can provide such care. Also, assisted living facilities typically operate on a private pay model, so estimating costs is more difficult.