Assisted living communities allow seniors to live independently while receiving the necessary care and assistance. They can enjoy their favorite activities and feel like part of a community.
Loneliness can be a severe problem for seniors, but social interaction is a powerful remedy. Many assisted living communities encourage residents to build friendships and rely on one another for emotional support.
Personalized Care
Personalization creates a more collaborative approach between individuals, their families, and the care team. This new relationship can improve healthcare outcomes and increase consumer satisfaction by aligning the system to an individual’s needs, goals, and preferences.
A personalized care approach also benefits the health of the community as a whole. It reduces social isolation, which is a severe risk to older adults and can cause depression. It also reduces the pressure on stretched health and social care services.
Visiting assisted living, St. Petersburg, FL communities is a great way to explore what’s available and talk with staff. Look for facilities that offer a wide range of social activities and programs, and ask about amenities like onsite recreation and fitness centers. Please inquire about the monthly fees, whether they are included in an insurance policy, and what services are offered at different levels of care. Some assisted living communities even have emergency call systems in each apartment.
Independent Living
Independent living offers a more structured lifestyle for seniors in good health who want to minimize daily chores and eliminate the burden of home maintenance. Often, these facilities offer apartment-style living and include amenities like laundry, dining rooms, and scheduled social activities.
These communities can also provide medication management and support for the tasks of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. They may also offer fall prevention programs, such as textured flooring and a range of mobility aids to help prevent falls, which are a leading cause of senior injury.
Before moving day, take the time to visit a community and familiarize yourself with its layout. Look for signs of a clean, well-maintained environment and consider the level of care offered. For example, is transportation available to doctor’s appointments and social outings? Ask about planned life enrichment opportunities like culinary classes and holiday gatherings. These can help your loved one discover new passions and enjoy their golden years.
Social Interaction
Loneliness and isolation are a big problem for many seniors. Assisted living communities are designed to offer various social interaction opportunities for residents, promoting friendships and a sense of community. This helps combat the negative health impacts of loneliness and isolation, such as an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
Whether participating in group activities or visiting neighbors in the dining room, seniors can reap the benefits of regular social engagement. This includes better mental and emotional well-being, less stress, lower blood pressure, more robust immune systems, and a greater sense of purpose and joy.
During your search for the right assisted living community, make sure you visit and tour multiple facilities. Take notes as you go, and try to speak with as many staff members and residents as possible. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, ask to see a sample of their monthly fee schedule, which typically covers the cost of room, board, housekeeping services, onsite social activities, and transportation to doctor’s appointments.
Health Care
Previously known as residential care facilities, assisted living communities provide 24-hour onsite staff to assist with daily living activities and ensure seniors’ safety. Typically, residents are served three prepared meals daily, have access to housekeeping services, and participate in community-based activities that encourage physical wellness.
More and more research shows that social interaction and engagement are crucial to health. Visiting your loved one in their new home and encouraging participation in onsite programs can help them feel happy and at ease.
A comprehensive in-person assessment is typically done before your loved one moves into an assisted living residence. Be sure to ask about fees for each level of care they need, including a minimum monthly base fee and additional charges for things like a shower chair or walker. Also, consider the facility’s history of annual rate increases. Families with limited financial assets may want to consult a Medicaid planning professional who can explore creative strategies for structuring their estates to ensure they qualify for assisted living.
