For many family caregivers, the constant demands of caring for a loved one can take a toll on health and relationships. It may also become difficult to manage household chores or grocery shopping.
Assisted living in Saint Augustine provides a safe, comfortable place to live and offers trained clinical professionals to monitor your loved one’s daily needs. This can help to catch health issues before they become serious.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities cater to senior citizens who require help with everyday tasks yet desire a high degree of freedom. They give the security of 24-hour access to care in an atmosphere that is reminiscent of home.
Residents typically live in private apartments, and meals, housekeeping, and laundry services are included in the monthly fee. Many facilities also offer physical and occupational therapy; some have a doctor on-site.
When considering a particular facility, it’s important to visit at various times—during activities and mealtimes, for example—to see if the staff is genuinely friendly and attentive to their residents. It’s also helpful to request a needs assessment, which will be completed by the community’s nurses and other healthcare professionals. This test is vital in ensuring your loved one receives appropriate care.
How Does Assisted Living Work?
Assisted living is a suitable option for older persons who need help with everyday duties but don’t need the kind of care offered in a nursing home. In exchange for a monthly charge for a private apartment or room in the community, residents get daily meals, assistance with personal care, and other facilities.
Employees assist in overseeing medication regimens and make sure elders are taking their prescribed quantities on schedule. They also remember significant occasions, including birthdays and doctor’s visits.
Most facilities offer scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and other errands. They may also have entertainment options, like movie nights and art classes, to ease boredom. These activities provide mental stimulation and social connections that can promote physical health and wellness.
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care?
Assisted Living can be ideal for seniors who need assistance with daily activities but do not require around-the-clock medical care. These facilities often include services like on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, room and board, medication management, housekeeping, and social and recreational activities.
A nursing home offers a higher standard of care, which often focuses on medical monitoring by a doctor’s plan. Medicare and Medicaid license these institutions to offer long-term care as well as short-term rehabilitation.
Look for a facility that is clean and well-maintained. Visit the facility at different times, including during meals and activities, to get a feel for the atmosphere and observe how staff members interact with residents. Ask about the facility’s policies and costs and whether they can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
Assisted Living offers many benefits to older adults. These include personalized care, safety and security, social engagement, nutritious meals, and a stress-free lifestyle. It also provides peace of mind for loved ones who know their loved one is well cared for.
Medications are also carefully managed in assisted living communities to ensure they are taken on time and correctly. This helps reduce falls and other health risks for seniors.
Many communities also provide recreational, cultural, and social programs to help keep their residents physically, mentally, and socially active and engaged. This can help increase happiness, improve cognitive sharpness, and reduce feelings of loneliness.
How Do I Know if Assisted Living is Right for Me or My Loved One?
If your loved one’s health is deteriorating by the day and they’re struggling to take care of themselves, it’s a sign that it may be time for assisted Living. They might also need to attend appointments or remember important dates, or they could begin neglecting hygiene, leaving dishes out, or leaving the stove on.
A lifestyle without chores and the stress of maintaining a home might relieve their anxiety and help them improve their overall quality of life. Plus, many assisted living communities provide transportation to medical and social events to help them stay active.
Consider working with a Medicaid planning expert if you’re concerned about paying for your loved one’s care. These professionals can help you creatively structure your loved ones’ financial assets to protect their estate while qualifying for Medicaid.
