Understanding Assisted Living: A Guide for Loved Ones
Assisted living is a type of senior living that provides older adults with a unique combination of housing, personal care, and health services. It offers a sense of community, security, and independence for those who need help with everyday tasks, but do not require the round-the-clock medical care of a nursing home. As a loved one, it can be difficult to navigate the different options available for senior care and make the best decision for your loved one. This guide will help you understand what assisted living is, who it is for, and how to choose the right community.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a long-term care option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. The goal of assisted living is to help residents maintain their independence, while providing them with the support they need to live safely and comfortably. Assisted living communities typically offer a range of services, including personal care and assistance with ADLs, medication management, housekeeping and laundry services, meals and nutrition services, social and recreational activities, and transportation to appointments and errands.
Who is Assisted Living For?
As a loved one, it can be difficult to know when it is time for your older adult to consider assisted living. Assisted living is designed for older adults who need some level of assistance with daily tasks, but do not require the round-the-clock medical care of a nursing home. It is often a good option for seniors who:
Need help with maintaining daily routine
Want to have access to social and recreational activities
Want to maintain their independence
Want to have access to transportation services
Want to live in a community setting
How to Choose an Assisted Living Community
When it comes to choosing an assisted living community for your loved one, there are a few key factors to consider:
Location
Consider the location of the community in relation to your loved one’s friends and family.
Services
Make sure the community offers the services your loved one needs.
Staff
Check the staff-to-resident ratio and ask about staff qualifications and training.
Cost
Compare costs and check what is included in the monthly fee.
Reputation
Research the community's reputation by reading online reviews and visiting the community in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets Chapters Living apart from other Assisted Living and Memory Care communities?
Chapters Living offers a unique approach to Assisted Living and Memory Care by prioritizing the individual needs and preferences of not only our residents but our associates too. Unlike traditional Assisted Living and Memory Care communities that provide a one-size-fits-all approach, Chapters Living offers personalized care and services that are tailored to each resident's specific lifestyle and requirements. Each of our communities places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment that promotes socialization, physical activity, and intellectual stimulation. By combining personalized care with a holistic approach to wellness, Chapters Living is setting a new standard for Assisted Living and Memory Care that puts the needs and desires of its residents and the associates who care for them at the forefront.
How do I know if it’s time to move my loved one into a Assisted Living and Memory Care community?
As we age we experience changes in our abilities to accomplish everyday tasks and activities. Most of us desire to keep our loved ones at home as long as possible. If the loved one is living at home alone, care should be taken to observe changes that affect healthy living. Oftentimes it is not possible to continue living independently for the aging adult. When these changes become an issue of safety and or healthy living that is the time to make the move. It is always best to begin the process of exploring your options and finding the right place for your loved one before the time comes to make the move. Educating yourself on what is to come and visiting communities to experience the care and compassion provided are the first steps in making the proper choice.
What makes Chapters Living Memory Program different?
At Chapters Living, we believe that families deserve more quality time with their loved ones, and we work tirelessly to make that possible. Our program is designed to not only care for, but also treat those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Our priority is to provide the best possible outcomes for each of our residents. We are proud to be on the cutting edge of the next chapter of Memory Support, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of this important work. We also participate in ongoing research, which gives us hope for a world where memory loss is effectively managed, slowed, and even cured. At Chapters Living, we hope you find comfort knowing our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care, customized support, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our residents living with memory loss.
How much can I expect to pay to live at Chapters Living?
We believe transparent pricing is paramount in all of our communities as it allows potential and current residents and their families to understand the costs associated with living in our communities. Our pricing models can be found by visiting the Our Communities page and selecting the community you are interested in. This information can help families and residents make informed decisions about whether the community is affordable and suitable for their needs.
How many nurses are available during the day and at night? Are doctors available on-site?
Staffing in Memory Support communities requires a delicate balance of having the right mix of professionals in place at the appropriate times. Nurses of course are the leaders for this team of professionals but there are others that play a vital role in providing the purposeful experience we all desire for our residents. An appropriate number of nurses is always present as well as others such as the Nursing Assistants, the Life Enrichment associates, and others who complete the care team. Acuity is always considered in the staffing effort. The best way to determine if the staffing level is appropriate is to visit the community and observe how engaged the residents and staff are.
What programs are offered at Chapters Living? How often?
At Chapters Living - we have no shortage of activities! Planned life-enrichment events are an essential part of Assisted Living and Memory Care as they promote social interaction, physical exercise and mental stimulation. Engaging in programming helps our seniors maintain their physical and cognitive abilities, reduce isolation and loneliness, and improve their overall quality of life. In addition to the benefits for the seniors, themselves, family members are encouraged to participate in life-enrichment programs in our communities. From happy hours, to games, to concerts and more - we hope your family feels welcome to join in on the fun!
How often are visitors allowed?
Visitors are welcome (and encouraged!) to frequent our communities as often as they desire to visit. Chapters Living schedules regular events and programs that family members and friends are invited to partake in. We have recommended hours for everyone but if a family member or friend wants or needs to visit past these hours they are welcome to do so! We do ask that everyone consider the normal routines of our residents.
What happens if my loved one’s care needs change?
Over the course of time our needs do change. This is part of the aging process and while the changes are not necessarily apparent to us as individuals, we need to be mindful of our loved ones. When a resident lives in our communities, their changes are being monitored so we can help the family be informed. Our staff, along with the Physicians involved in the care of the resident will discuss best options as these changes occur. Normally, the changes that would necessitate a change of communities happen gradually and can be prepared for in advance.
Conclusion
As a loved one, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different options available for senior care. Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need help with daily tasks, but do not require round-the-clock medical care. It provides a sense of community, security, and independence for older adults, while also giving them access to a wide range of services and support. When choosing an assisted living community, it is important to consider location, services, staff, cost, and reputation. With the right assisted living community, your loved one can live comfortably and safely in their golden years.
Interested in learning more about life at Chapters Living?
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