When it comes to senior care, you want to find a place your loved one will feel happy and safe. That may mean choosing the right assisted or independent living facility for your loved one’s needs.
Visiting different facilities can help you determine if they’re a good fit for your family. But there’s nothing like living in a community to give you a sense of what it feels like.
Cost
The cost of an assisted living or independent living facility varies by location and level of care. It’s important to know what you’re paying for and compare it to other facilities, including a senior apartment in your neighborhood or a home health aide if you need one.
Assisted living communities generally charge more than independent living. They also typically provide fewer medical services and may not be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or other financial aid programs.
Independent living communities are more affordable because they do not include health and personal care assistance in their monthly prices. However, they may require additional fees for meals in the dining room or at a restaurant and may have higher monthly costs than basic senior apartments.
Dining
Dining is a significant part of the assisted living and independent living experience. Seniors need meals that are nutritious, tasty, and well-balanced.
Food service menus should be flexible and healthy, ensuring that all residents receive the proper ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, milk, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and oils.
Assisted living facilities should have dining services that comply with federal and state regulations, healthcare dietary guidelines, food quality standards, and sanitation requirements. They should also ensure that their staff, senior caregivers, and dining services teams are trained in preparing meals for seniors with varying dietary needs.
Respite
The role of primary caregiver is challenging, and sometimes unexpected events can take a toll on you. It can lead to stress, resulting in illness and depression.
Respite care is an excellent way to relieve some of this pressure and bring balance back into your life. However, choosing the right option to fit your needs would be best.
Many types of respite care are available, including home health aides, residential facilities, and referral services. To find the best respite options, visit a few places and ask plenty of questions.
Personal Care
Assisted living facilities provide a range of personal care services to residents. It may include bathing, eating assistance, medication reminders, and mobility help.
Many seniors need a little more care than they can give themselves at home. Choosing the right personal care option for your loved one can make all the difference in their well-being.
Fortunately, there are many different options available to choose from when looking for an assisted living or independent living facility. But the best thing you can do is to ask questions about important aspects of the care, lifestyle, and environment before making a final decision. These will help narrow your search and ensure your aging parent has the best possible experience in their new community.
Activities
An assisted living and independent living facility should have a variety of activities for seniors. It can help keep them mentally and physically active while promoting social interaction.
Choosing a suitable activity can be difficult, especially if your loved one has mobility or cognitive impairments.
A great way to start is by looking at what they enjoy.
Whether it’s music, dance, or art, there’s always something to inspire senior citizens and their friends. Taking time to do something they love can make them feel more fulfilled and reduce stress.
Environment
When choosing an assisted living and independent living facility, finding one that fits your loved one’s lifestyle, preferences, and individualized needs is crucial. However, the process can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re a seasoned senior advocate or are embarking on this journey for the first time, you may need help figuring out where to start. But, with some planning, you can make the right choice for your loved one. Having a list of the top items on your radar will help you get the best fit for you and your parent. It’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor and any other healthcare professionals you know to see if they can provide any recommendations.