What Is Assisted Living Care?
You may have heard of a nursing home, but what is assisted living and what’s the difference between the two? Assisted living aims to help vulnerable populations, such as the elderly community, with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, or other daily personal care needs.
In short, assisted living is for folks who may need assistance with their ADLs but not as much medical attention as a resident in a nursing home. Typically, assisted living care facilities offer their residents more autonomy with private apartment-style lodgings, 24-hour staff, security services, medication administration, and even meal planning or catering.
Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide more advanced medical care than the simple distribution of medication. This can include physical and occupational rehabilitation services, 24-hour dementia care, and speech therapy. This is why some seniors come to a nursing home to recover from surgery, then transition back into their home when they no longer need medical attention.
Why Assisted Living?
If assisted living is not typically for individuals requiring intensive medical care, why make the transition from a private home in the first place? Fortunately for residents at assisted living car facilities, not only are their physical and medical needs met, but there are often opportunities for group exercise, creative expression, spiritual practice, or other forms of social gatherings as well.
Too many seniors report feeling isolated in old age. By electing to live amongst folks of a similar age, elders are more likely to form social connections and forge meaningful relationships in their golden years than toughing it out on their own at home. You might not think socializing as you age is important—but studies show that loneliness can literally become lethal if ignored for too long—so surrounding yourself with a support network of peers is an important aspect of holistic health. Not to mention having attentive staff to assist with ADLs simplifies and streamlines living!
Top 10 Things to Look for in an Assisted Living Care Facility
While there are many benefits to living in an assisted living care facility, not all are created equal. If you are thinking of making the transition to an assisted living facility or are starting that conversation with a loved one, you’ll want to do your research before you settle on the best one for the job. Here are the top 10 things to look for in an assisted living facility:
- Basic medical assistance: Even if this just means reminders to take your medicine, this form of care can go a long way towards encouraging longevity and empowering residents to take action to take care of themselves.
- Included food plans: Most quality assisted living facilities offer three nutritious meals a day—and the best ones also provide healthy snacks. This takes the pressure off of the senior to do things like going grocery shopping, preparing meals, and tidying up after cooking.
- 24-hour staff: Staffing at a senior care facility plays a huge role not only in the success of the facility but the health of the seniors within. For example, compassionate, attentive care can mean the difference between surviving and thriving—and good staff will be constantly monitoring residents’ behaviors, moods, or changes in physical or cognitive function. Staff should be available to help seniors with ADLs at all hours of day or night.
- Security: The elders in our community are a valuable resource, but they are also a vulnerable population. Take care that the assisted living care facility has a security plan in place so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is being well looked after.
- Housekeeping: It doesn’t matter your age—no one likes chores! As you get older and time becomes all the more precious, you don’t want to worry about spending it cleaning; not to mention activities like cleaning a shower or bathtub can be dangerous for some. Finding an assisted living facility with housekeeping services is a must!
- Provision of basic hygiene items: Will your loved one be expected to provide their own toilet paper, soap, or other items that would otherwise have to come from a store? I thoughtful facility will provide these things for its residents to remove the stress of having to venture into town to run errands.
- Enrichment activities: Some people feel a mixture of feelings—some of them negative—at the thought of transitioning to an assisted living facility. There is a misconception that this change is the end of autonomy and life as we know it. In truth, where you end up can make a world of difference. Finding a facility that offers activities like group exercise, gardening, painting, or flower arranging can help your loved one find joy in the simple pleasures and flourish.
- Laundry services: Seniors have more important things to do than laundry! It’s best to find an assisted living facility with this amenity included.
- Fully furnished accommodations: Newer senior care facilities will often come fully furnished so you don’t even have to buy new furniture to transition your loved one. What’s more, a good facility will also have fully-furnished community areas for social gatherings, games, and more!
- Community: What kind of culture is your facility known for? Do they specialize in medical care, community enrichment activities, or quality staffing? Making friends at an assisted living facility can help seniors feel less isolated and more supported—and open up new avenues to find joy and have fun. If you’re really dedicated to discovering the truth of an assisted living care facility’s culture, it’s always best to take your loved one and visit the program so you can feel for yourself what it would be like!
Sacramento Area’s Premier Assisted Living Care Facility
While it can feel daunting at first to make this major life transition, there can be a lot of good ahead for seniors who transition to an assisted living care facility, whether they choose to do so at age 65 or age 95. With the proper research ahead of time, you can ensure that your loved one gets the care and attention they need with the autonomy and opportunities for social interaction they deserve. Making this transition doesn’t have to be a challenge—in fact, in the right facility, it can open new doors and possibilities for our beloved senior community.
Are you looking for the best assisted living care facility in Sacramento that emphasizes holistic senior wellness and attentive, 24/7 care? Contact Jazba Care today to start the conversation, or book a tour of the facility here!
