Helping you or your loved one prepare for assisted living

April 12th, 2019 | For Family Members

Making the switch to assisted living residences or senior homes can be tough. For you or your loved one, changing lifestyles, spending money on improved care, and even moving in, can be challenging. Sometimes, it’s tough to even know how to get into an assisted living community.

Answering these questions, finding the right assisted living residence to fit your needs, and setting up a tour are three ways to be proactive about assisted living.

 

What is the difference between assisted living and nursing homes?

Typically speaking, nursing homes and assisted living homes are extremely different. Nursing homes are for those who don’t need to be in a hospital, but need continuous skilled care. Many have a hospital, institutional environment. Assisted living, on the other hand, assists with health needs but also focuses on physical, mental, social and spiritual care through enriching activities, exercise, and proper diets. Most assisted living residents are self-sustaining and need assistance with just a few daily activities.

Assisted living or Personal Care provides the following in a comfortable home-like setting:

• Medication management: On of the biggest reasons seniors visit the emergency room is a mistake with medicine. Assisted living can help lower the risk of medication issues.
• Life enrichment: Assisted living programs reduce isolation and help meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Support services: Assisted living services assist with tasks like housekeeping, laundry management, and transportation arrangements.
• Secure environment: Assisted living communities are designed with security in mind. This can include hallway handrails, grab bars, emergency call systems, purposefully-designed apartments to reduce falls and on-site staff.
• Proper nutrition: Seniors can struggle with planning and preparing meals at home. Residents benefit from three meals and nutritious snacks all day long.

One obvious difference is their appearance. Nursing centers generally look more institutional because of the type of care provided, and residents often share a room. Assisted living, on the other hand, is more like an upscale apartment community, and you have your own suite and apartments.

Another big difference is the amount of care required; generally speaking, seniors at nursing homes require around-the-clock care and monitoring, while those in assisted living just need some help doing more difficult tasks, help with memory, help transferring from bed, bathing, or toileting.

 

What questions should you ask?

When you begin to consider assisted living, you may have so many questions that it could be overwhelming. Or you may feel like you’re leaving something out. Here are a few questions you can ask when you begin the search for assisted living or personal care.

• Are there shops, doctor offices, transportation, and hospitals nearby?
• Is the location convenient for family and friends to stop by?
• What types of apartments are available for those in assisted living?
• Is there outdoor space and room for exercise, gardening, and other activities?
• What types and levels of care does the residence provide?
• What are billing and payment policies?
• What is the staff-per-resident ratio?
• Can staff administer medications?
• Are there rooms available or is there a waiting list?
• Does the residence have staff on hand for people with memory issues?

 

Are assisted living homes pretty much the same?

Not all assisted living communities are the same. Some offer several programs, including maintenance-free living, personalized services, and continuing assistance, and services with more unique, tailored care.

Each residence offers different types of senior activities, memory skill activities, and life enrichment programs. Because everyone is different, needs are different. At Legend Senior Living, we customize care for each resident and their family. We monitor each resident’s progress daily to adjust wellness plans and our service delivery for each person.

It is important to understand the types of dining options available. Legend residences provide the highest quality food with the best nutrition possible. It starts with having chefs prepare meals and having anytime dining available to ensure residents can eat when they’re hungry, just like they would at home.

Wellness should focus on the entire person, including their mind, spirit, and body. Socialization is just as important to Legend Senior Living as physical activity, being spiritual, getting emotional support, medication management, counseling, and assistance with activities. You don't have to settle for anything less. Nothing matters more than your care.

 

 

If you think you or a loved one are ready for assisted living, we encourage you to schedule a tour with us today.