Assisted living can be a great option for people who need more assistance than family or friends can provide. 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. You should also ask lots of questions and visit every facility multiple times.
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Independent Living
Independent living communities allow seniors to lead a happy, stress-free life. Designed for active seniors, independent living communities offer residents the peace of mind of housekeeping and linen services, transportation, dining plans and security.
Many communities also offer many social activities and amenities that will make your retirement years enjoyable. 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. As seniors age or have health issues, some of these tasks can be more difficult.
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
Many seniors don`t have the opportunity to engage in social interaction, which is vital for both mental and physical health. 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 include help with mobility, personal hygiene and medication management.
Many facilities have pharmacies and doctors on-site, so residents can get routine appointments in their own community. This can save money, as well as time.
Social Security provides Supplemental Security Income (SSSI) and other benefits to low-income seniors, so many seniors can afford assisted living. 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 assisted living rooms in licensed residences across the state for qualified individuals. This program can be used as an alternative to nursing home care. It is regulated by New York State. This helps reduce the overall cost of assisted living in New York. These rooms are not available immediately. The State has plans to expand the ALP.