If you are considering senior living communities, there are plenty of different options to choose from. Senior living is a blanket term for different residential options for individuals who need extra care and support in their everyday lives. A few of these communities include assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Here are some basic pieces of information about assisted living communities and how to choose one that is perfect for you or your loved one.
What is an assisted living community?
Assisted living communities offer residents a combination of independence and support. There is a large focus on maintaining independence, improving quality and life, and making residents feel as though they are a part of the community. There are often engaging social activities and medical care and support with tasks such as medication management, laundry, and housekeeping. This leaves the residents with more time to do the things they enjoy.
Who is it for?
Senior living communities are for those who need extra help completing certain daily tasks known as Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Your physician or adult care worker will be able to assess you based on various criteria, including physical and mental health and your completion of these tasks. In general, the fewer tasks you can complete on your own with assistance or prompting, the higher level of support you will need. Assisted living is just one of the many options available to provide a safe and comfortable community in which you can live when living independently is no longer a viable option.
Features and services
You will find common services and amenities in assisted living communities, including fitness centers and gyms, salons, restaurant-style dining, and an engaging social calendar. Healthy choices and lifestyle options are important when choosing a senior living or assisted living community. According to Brightview Bethesda, MD assisted living, questions you should ask include, “are there multiple menu options for each meal of the day?” and “Is there a calendar of events accessible to you?”. Choosing a community that you will be happy and comfortable in is incredibly important. Consider their facilities and amenities, location, and the kinds of social activities they provide. Many communities have programs to encourage engagement and enrichment in a variety of areas, such as art classes, lectures, group exercise classes, and cooking demonstrations.
Some communities offer short stays or respite stays, which are a great way to test out their facilities and see what options are available to you. Respite stays are for those who are cared for at home usually and involve a temporary stay in a senior living community whilst your family member is away. This is a very useful way to explore your options and help you plan for the future. With careful planning and research, and the input of experts and professionals, you can work towards choosing the right senior living option for you.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Lifestyle category
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