subject: Assisted Living 101 [print this page] Elderly people who require help in taking care of themselves can utilize the facilities offered by assisted living. Assisted living is a substitute for their own homes, and other than providing shelter, these facilities provide helpful services such as eating, dressing, using the toilet and bathing. These facilities offer assistance with daily living activities only and generally, residents of such facilities do not need rigorous medical care. Since they are in reasonably good health, residents of assisted living facilities remain largely independent and benefit from the safety and security of the environment of assisted living homes.
The level of care provided to a particular resident varies. Several different levels of care are provided; while some residents only require assistance with minor daily activities and little management of medication schedules, other residents may require intensive assistance. Each resident is provided a level of assistance that is best suited to his/ her needs, so that everyone is well taken care of.
Each resident of the facility is allotted his/ her own personal living unit and are provided with three meals daily. A support staff is also assigned to each resident. This support staff administers all the tasks that are required to maintain the daily living activities of the resident. Among the number of services that are offered by assisted living facilities, a few include health care management and monitoring, assistance with dressing and bathing, eating, housekeeping and laundry. Transport, recreation and security are commonly provided as well.
Assisted living facilities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable alternative to an elderly persons' home. Prepared meals are provided for three times a day, with special attention given to the quality of the meals and the hygiene conditions in which they are prepared. In order to make their stay more pleasant, residents are also offered access to gyms, fitness centers, pools and beauty salons. Transportation is also provided to malls and post offices. Such facilities also plan activities and events in which the residents can participate, which include concerts and carnivals. Pets are allowed in certain instances, if it is ascertained that the residents are able to adequately look after it themselves. Moreover, assisted living facilities provide residents the opportunity to socialize with other people within their age groups and hence promote healthy social involvement.
Assisted living facilities are a cheaper alternative to nursing homes, however, cost vary greatly with the level of care that is provided to a resident. While costs of assisted living are most commonly privately funded, there are other means available to residents that can aid with the cost of assisted living. Residents with long term health insurance, for example can use their insurance funds to pay for assisted living. War veterans can make use of veteran benefits to help pay for their cost. For residents with exceptional financial circumstances, the federal government occasionally grants waivers to help pay for the costs of assisted living. Hence, a variety of alternatives are available to pay for the costs of assisted living. Regardless of residents' financial circumstances, assisted living facilities are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and comfort to all its residents.
