At times, in-home care is not enough for seniors. Despite the services of the caregiver, they may feel lonely. In such situations, a senior assisted living home can be an apt choice. Unlike in-home care, here the seniors stay in their own small apartments within a community, where all their personal and medical needs are taken care of. Most of the assisted living homes are either independent or a part of a nursing home or in-home care services.
What you can expect?
All senior assisted living homes and facilities must be licensed and should have the necessary papers. The services can vary. Some of the assisted living facilities offer time medical services, while others just offer basic care, companionship and personal assistance. Nevertheless, when you are looking for a nonmedical assisted living home, you should expect 24-hour supervision and security among other things.
The concerned facility will take care of the meals and offer help with daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing. They will also take care of the housekeeping work and laundry, besides taking care of medicine administration. Most of the facilities also arrange for community activities and other amenities for recreation. They also offer social services as needed, and may have special facilities like yoga classes and wellness programs. The staff members may also take care of special patients. As required, they can offer medical assistance, help with transportation and other occasional requirements.
The costs
The cost of senior assisted living is not covered under Medicare and insurance, so it must be paid from your pocket. The prices vary on the services offered, but in most cases, you can expect to get an estimate for each year. The national average is somewhere around $43,000, although there are cheaper and more expensive choices too.
Other things to note
Before you consider facilities around you, talk to the physician of your loved one, and ask them if the decision is right. At times, medical conditions may need more care, and your doctor may advise against assisted living. Secondly, do pay a personal visit to the concerned home before taking a call. You need to know if the staff members and caregivers are compassionate and caring. They should be trained for the job, and at the same time, the concerned facility should have a few criteria for selecting their staff.
If you have any specific concerns, ask the questions directly.