When considering assisted living for your loved one, it is crucial that you visit multiple facilities. Take a tour and speak to administrators, staff and residents; ask about services, prices and transfer/discharge policies before making your choice.
Help your loved one settle in to their new community by accompanying them on lunches, volunteering together in clubs or groups they’re interested in and being patient and considerate when talking with them about how they’re feeling. Be understanding and considerate to all their feelings.
Costs
Assisted living may seem like an extravagant expense, but in reality it could save money over time and bring peace of mind for family caregivers. To understand the costs involved with assisted living is critical.
Cost of assisted living depends on its location, size, and level of care required. This may involve one-time fees to cover relocation expenses as well as monthly service charges to assist with daily activities like walking. Furthermore, rental rates generally include basic amenities like electricity and water.
Residents may pay extra to access on-site healthcare and pharmacy access. Other services provided can include upgraded WiFi in the apartment, transportation services and wellness programs. In certain instances, assisted living costs may be covered by life insurance policies or pensions from employment or investments; veterans meeting certain criteria can use VA Aid and Attendance benefits to pay for it as well.
Respite care
Caregiving for an elderly or disabled loved one can be both fulfilling and exhausting, which is why respite care services exist to give family caregivers time off while also knowing their loved ones are receiving excellent care.
Caregivers can benefit from respite care at their own home or at specialized facilities such as adult day care centers or assisted living facilities, which offer activities, meals and entertainment for their participants while giving caregivers some respite by temporarily helping with daily tasks.
Before choosing respite care, it is crucial to do your research and ask plenty of questions and visit potential programs before making your choice. When searching for home care agencies or referral services offering respite care services, look for those that offer pre-screened caregivers and have clear processes in place for resolving problems quickly and efficiently.
Medication management
One of the primary motivations for moving into assisted living is for assistance with medication management. Adherence to prescribed dosage is vital to maintaining good health and warding off age-related ailments, yet keeping track of multiple medicines stored in hard-to-open bottles may prove challenging.
Assisted living communities employ a Self Administered Medication Management (SAMM) system to assist their residents with this task. The process is straightforward: all medications for each resident are stored securely, then one of the direct caregiving staff will hand them to them on schedule and watch as they take their dose of medicine.
When selecting an assisted living community, make sure they offer a SAMM program that is safe and secure. Ask if verbal medication reminders are provided as well as what kind of training staff members receive in this regard. Furthermore, ask to see their medication records so you can see their storage method.
Socialization
Assisted living facilities provide seniors with numerous socialization activities. From group classes to game nights, these events aim to foster interaction among seniors and create lasting friendships while simultaneously improving nutrition and lowering stress levels – factors which could otherwise contribute to high blood pressure.
Socialization can significantly enhance cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia. Furthermore, it can strengthen immune systems and enhance quality of life – all key aspects for senior adults. Finally, socialization provides a sense of belonging and purpose – both essential components for maintaining overall wellbeing.
Socialization is an essential element of living a healthy lifestyle. It helps prevent depression, anxiety and isolation as well as reduce the risk of falls and accidents. Socializing also boosts confidence and self-esteem – something which can significantly change one’s outlook on life – while simultaneously decreasing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease risk and lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels.