Many people assume all senior living communities are the same. When they hear someone talk about assisted living, they wonder how it differs from other senior living communities. Don’t they all help with meals, housekeeping, and other necessities?
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are designed for men and women who can no longer live alone but need help with some daily activities. They may not be able to bathe or dress themselves, and some need help managing their medications. People must understand the assisted living resources offered to determine whether a loved one will benefit from this type of community.
These communities provide residents with private or semi-private rooms, and staff members are available to help them with activities of daily living. They don’t require full-time nursing care, but they have help with those items that are challenging for them. Furthermore, the communities provide meals and housekeeping, so residents don’t need to worry about those tasks. Staff members also plan activities to keep residents active and engaged.
The Cost of Assisted Living
Assisted living comes with a price tag. Families can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 a month for this care. However, when families consider this cost, they need to think about how much the senior is paying to remain in their home, including mortgage, insurance, utilities, meals, and other costs. Most assisted living communities assign the residents a care level and charge accordingly. Others itemize the services. Families must have this information when choosing a community.
Furthermore, families must know about initial charges when the senior moves in. They may be referred to as community fees or move-in fees. Additionally, learn whether there may be additional charges for nurse visits, cable television, and other items. These charges can quickly add up. Families should reassess the senior’s needs every few months to ensure they aren’t being charged for unnecessary items.
Charging Care Needs
A family must know what will happen if the senior needs additional care in the future. Will they need to move communities, or can they relocate to a new unit within the same community? The family might want to find a continuing care community so the resident won’t need to move to an unfamiliar environment.
Choosing a Community
Seniors and their loved ones need to compare multiple communities before choosing one. The goal is to find a community that meets the senior’s needs and not get distracted by a beautiful setting or high-class amenities. Quality care must be the top priority. Learn about the staff-to-resident ratio and whether there are licensed medical professionals on site. Finally, ask about staff turnover, particularly in upper management. If the turnover rate is high, it is a sign that the community has problems. It’s best to choose another one for the senior.
When touring the community, pay attention to how staff members interact with the residents. If they appear friendly and helpful, that is a good sign. Experts recommend visiting on a weekend when staff levels are lower to get a true feel for the community. Finally, ask about putting a camera in the family member’s room so they can be monitored remotely by loved ones.
Use all available resources to learn about different assisted living communities. Consumer groups are an excellent place to start, and a family might want to check with the local Area Agency on Aging. The state ombudsman is another excellent resource, and talk with the senior’s medical team. A person can never have too much information when it comes to the safety and well-being of an elderly relative, so keep asking questions until everyone is comfortable with a community and feels the senior will receive the highest level of care.
