As people age, they may need a higher level of care and assistance to carry out daily activities. This requirement can be easily managed by opting for assisted living facilities. Such communities are the perfect solution for seniors who want to remain independent in home-like settings (in the form of private apartments or rooms) but require some help with everyday activities, such as bathing, eating, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining personal hygiene.
Assisted living arrangements
Assisted living communities offer a unique solution to many senior problems, from help with carrying out daily activities to beating isolation. They offer comfort, independence, socialization opportunities, and personal assistance without compromising on independence for senior individuals.
To live in such arrangements, one has to pay monthly rent. These living quarters could range from a basic studio apartment to a one- or two-bedroom apartment with a dedicated kitchenette and some additional appliances. The facility management handles any appliance breakdowns or repairs, reducing the burden on seniors. To ensure the safety of the residents, many of these apartments also have emergency alert systems that help seniors connect with staff for aid and assistance.
Additional fees may be levied depending on the level of care required. The community has 24-hour access to on-site staff responsible for preparing and serving three meals a day, making arrangements for activities and excursions, offering housekeeping and laundry services and transportation assistance, and assisting seniors with other activities. Some assisted living communities may also offer classes, such as dance, fitness, yoga, painting, writing, technology, and more, to help seniors engage with others and sharpen their minds.
Apart from this, assisted living communities have several common or shared areas that residents can access. These specialized zones could include dining and activity rooms, cinema rooms, libraries, pools, walking trails, and spas. That said, some of these amenities may be limited to certain locations/communities, so it is important to check with the staff beforehand.
Benefits of assisted living
Moving into an assisted living community can be a life-changing decision for many seniors. Specially set up to meet the demands of aging, these communities offer a range of benefits that can help improve seniors’ quality of life.
1. Enhanced safety
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for most seniors and their families. This is completely taken care of at assisted living communities, as they have round-the-clock security staff. Many modern facilities are also equipped with camera surveillance and monitoring systems, which further improve on-premise safety. In addition, some assisted living communities have special emergency call systems, secure entrances, and trained staff to handle any unforeseen situations.
2. Assistance with daily activities
These communities offer seniors help with everyday tasks, such as cooking, eating, bathing, dressing, cleaning, and other personal tasks. This helps seniors maintain their independence while still receiving the support they need.
3. No maintenance requirements
A home requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance, which can make living alone difficult for seniors. At assisted living communities, the management or owners of the space are responsible for regular maintenance and upgrades, reducing the overall burden on seniors. From laundry and housekeeping to repairs around the area, the facilities take care of it all.
4. Socialization and community-building opportunities
For many individuals, aging may lead to a decline in mobility. This can make it difficult to connect with others, leading to social isolation or loneliness. Assisted living communities can help prevent that by offering seniors plenty of opportunities to interact with others in a similar age group. From gaming events to fitness classes and group outings, seniors get the chance to participate in new activities, build social bonds, and improve their quality of life.
Cost
The cost of assisted living communities varies greatly from one state to another. According to certain surveys and insights, seniors can expect to shell out an average of $4,300 per month for an assisted living arrangement.
Here, it is important to note that these costs are not covered by basic healthcare or insurance plans. One may need to sign up for long-term care insurance to make assisted living more affordable. Wartime military veterans (and their spouses) may be eligible for a monthly monetary benefit under the Veteran Administration Aid and Attendance program, which helps finance their stay in such communities.
Tips for finding assisted living communities nearby
The process of finding a suitable assisted living community doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Start by browsing through online assisted living directories. These are often sorted by state and city, making it easier to find communities nearby. Alternatively, a simple browser search with the terms “affordable assisted living community near me” or “assisted living nearby” can also help one get relevant leads. One can also narrow down their search and find assisted living options under $3,000.
- Based on the search, create a shortlist. Then, reach out to the facility’s management and ask for a tour; most staff members would be happy to accommodate such requests. This is also a good time to ask questions about the costs, amenities offered, and services included.
- During the in-person visit, talk to other residents in the community and get their reviews. Additionally, communicate with the care staff directly as well to have a better understanding of the level of care one will receive and to make a better-informed decision.
