Assisted living facilities offer seniors who require additional assistance in daily tasks more than family and friends can provide with daily living assistance, along with tailored service plans that include health and safety monitoring.
Assisted living tends to be less costly than home ownership or independent living, so individuals concerned with finances should work with Medicaid planning specialists for assistance when selecting this form of housing.
The Basics
If you are considering assisted living for yourself or for a loved one, it’s essential that you understand what lies ahead – including costs associated with staying in an assisted care facility as well as strategies to cover these expenses.
Most assisted living residences tailor their pricing structure based on the level of assistance required, meaning seniors who only require minimal assistance may pay less than those needing more intensive or specialized support.
Many assisted living communities allow residents to bring in pets; however, each residence may impose specific rules regarding which species of animal they accept and which ones they don’t. Furthermore, some communities may charge an extra pet rent fee.
Personal Care
Most assisted living residences provide their residents with personal care services like assistance with dressing and grooming as well as assistance using the bathroom. Additional services may include meals, housekeeping services, transportation as well as social programs and activities – some may even offer on-site physical and occupational therapy!
Residents’ needs are assessed when they move in and then assessed regularly to ensure their plan of care meets changing needs.
Some individuals on Medicaid can qualify for a special supplemental benefit that can help cover the expenses associated with an assisted living residence. To learn more, contact your local Social Services office, Area Agency on Aging or Medicaid planning professional – but remember that New York Medicaid programs typically have asset limits and waiting lists before acceptance into participation.
Meals
Assisted living communities strive to offer meals that are nutritional, delicious and satisfying. Their chefs understand that maintaining a diet high in nutrients is crucial to senior health; eating balanced meals helps avoid vitamin deficiencies. Furthermore, these communities avoid foods high in sodium that could aggravate certain conditions like kidney disease and high blood pressure.
Many facilities also provide low-sugar desserts and beverages to meet individual dietary requirements, and promote fiber-rich foods to support digestive health while simultaneously lowering cholesterol levels.
Senior care facilities also understand the difficulty associated with chewing and swallowing for seniors can cause discomfort, so they offer meals with soft textures like mashed or pureed food to ease swallowing and provide three to five large glasses of water daily to promote hydration.
Transportation
Reliable transportation can be essential to senior wellbeing, particularly if they have difficulty traveling independently. When touring assisted living communities, be sure to inquire about their transportation services.
Some assisted living communities provide scheduled bus service to local destinations like grocery stores, doctors appointments and church services; other locations may have town car service for on-demand rides. Public transportation options in rural and metropolitan cities typically consist of bus, rail or trolley lines with discounted fares available exclusively for seniors.
Paratransit services, provided by private companies, offer curbside-to-doorway service for people with disabilities. Assisted living facilities often purchase insurance that covers transporting costs for their residents while protecting both themselves and staff against liability risks.
Activities
Assisted living communities typically offer their residents an array of activities designed to enrich their lives and ensure fuller lives for seniors.
Many activities for seniors aim to keep them socially and physically active. Some examples of such activities may include:
Other activities may be more relaxed, like bingo or concerts. Some facilities even partner with universities to bring professors in to discuss subjects that interest the residents.
Some communities also partner with museums and cultural attractions to allow residents to go on field trips. This provides residents an excellent way to socialize while discovering something new; loved ones may even join!