Assisted living is for adults who need help with everyday tasks. It is not an alternative to a nursing home, but an intermediate level of long-term care appropriate for many seniors. Assisted living exists to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes.
How do you know if your loved one needs an assisted living facility (ALF)? ALFs are for people needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but wishing to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. ALFs offer help with ADLs such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with medications. Statistically, an assisted living resident needs assistance with an average of three ADLs. ALFs are popular because they are less restrictive and less expensive than a nursing home, which is the last place many older adults want to go. They provide the residents with more freedom.
What should you know about ALFs in general? It is important to know what type of environment each assisted living facility caters to so that your loved one will be comfortable and happy. Find out if the assisted living facility offers any exercise programs, shopping trips, and/or other entertainment. Assisted living residences range in size from 3 to over 200 beds. There is no nationally recognized definition of assisted living in the US. Assisted Living facilities are regulated and licensed at the state level. Some assisted living facilities are part of retirement communities. The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL) is a national nonprofit consumer-based organization nationwide focused on the needs, rights and protection of assisted living consumers, their caregivers and loved ones. For more information about choosing the right Assisted Living Facility, just follow our link.
Assisted living costs less than nursing home care. Most Assisted Living residences charge month-to-month rates, but a few residences require long-term contracts. Medicare does not cover the costs of assisted living. So be sure you understand the costs beforehand.
Want to find our more about Assisted Living? Check out our Assisted Living information at ConcerningAging.com.
Author: Staff Writer at www.ConcerningAging.com
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