A New Wave of Long-term Care
It is only in the last 25 years that the assisted living concept and assisted living facilities have sprung up to address the needs for people over the age of 65 who need help with managing some of the more everyday activities, but aren’t quite ready for full-time long-term care yet.
Showering or bathing, getting dressed, cooking, managing medications and schedules, getting to and from shopping or doctor’s appointments are just some of the help available at assisted living facilities.
The assisted living concept is based on the concept of providing quality of life and dignity to those seniors who still wish to live independently.
What is an Assisted Living Facility?
Assisted living facilities are actually residential arrangements for groups of seniors, usually apartments or condominiums. Part of the choice of which assisted living arrangement might be best for you or your loved one is whether or not an apartment building, house or campus-style living arrangement suits your particular needs, and if these kinds of facilities are available in your area.
Depending on where you are, terms like "residential care facilities" or "personal care homes" may also be used. It is also important to note that while assisted living facilities or residential care facilities may normally be associated with seniors, people with mental disabilities or special needs may also live there.
Assisted living facilities provide services such as:
• Three meals a day in a communal eating area
• Assistance with walking, eating, bathing, dressing, etc.
• Housekeeping
• Transportation to activities or appointments
• Immediate access to health and medical services
• Medication management
• Laundry facilities
• Social and recreational activities
Who needs an Assisted Living Facility?
If you need more help than your family or friends can provide, and day-to-day activities have become stressful or more difficult, then it may be time to consider an assisted living facility. Everyone needs to be socially active and involved with other people.
If you have become isolated because you can’t drive anymore or the people you know live too far away, an assisted living facility is ideal for reconnecting with others and keeping depression at bay.
If maintaining your home has become difficult (eg: cleaning, yard care, etc.) an assisted living facility can provide you with a home without the extra hassle of upkeep.
Of course, all this means that you need to be willing to ask for help. There is no shame in that. It's vital that caregivers and family members recognize when transition is necessary, or in their loved one’s best interest.
Sources:
Assisted Living Facilities. Helpguide.org. Web. Jan 19, 2012. http://helpguide.org/elder/assisted_living_facilities.htm
What is an Assisted Living Facility. AssistedLivingFacilities.org. Web. Jan 19, 2012.
http://www.assistedlivingfacilities.org/blog/what-is-an-assisted-living-facility
Assisted Living. Assisted Living Federation of America. Web. Jan 19, 2012. http://www.alfa.org/alfa/default.asp
Reviewed January 20, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith