Choosing an assisted living facility for a loved one is a great way to ensure they have a fulfilling, independent lifestyle while receiving the assistance they need. The right community can offer the perfect balance of freedom and support, allowing residents to engage in social activities, explore hobbies, and make new friends in a secure environment. If you have chosen Santa Fe as your retirement destination, you’ll find there’s plenty to do.
Assisted Living – A Brief Explanation
Assisted living is a type of residential care for older adults who need help with activities of daily living (ADL) but don’t require the intensive medical care provided in nursing homes. These types of facilities combine housing, supportive services, and, in some cases, healthcare, to enable residents to live as independently as possible while receiving assistance when needed.
If you are considering assisted living for your loved one, imagine the peace of mind you will have, knowing that your parents or other loved ones are living a full life, but that help is there when needed. Worries about whether they’ve had a fall, are taking required medications, or if they’re eating properly, are gone — along with the social isolation that is increasingly common among older adults.
How Assisted Living Works
If your loved one wants to remain independent but still needs non-medical help with some day-to-day tasks, assisted living might be the answer. In these facilities residents have a private apartment or room replete with family pictures and other personal items.
Facilities often feature large floor plans, offering ample living spaces where residents can entertain guests or relax in their own space. Even the studio units come with sizable bathrooms and storage areas, providing a generous amount of space for furniture and decor. Numerous units in our complex include small kitchens, offering enough room to welcome friends over for light refreshments.
Before admission, a thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the level of care needed. This evaluation often includes medical history, level of mobility, medications, and other specific needs. Basic medical services are usually available on-site, including medication management, periodic health assessments, and in some cases, nursing care. For more advanced medical needs, residents are usually transported to hospitals or specialized medical facilities. Assisted living facilities have a range of staff, including caregivers, nurses, and administrative staff, all trained to care for the elderly or disabled.
Although assisted living centers offer reminders for taking medication, support in monitoring blood sugar levels, and aid to residents capable of administering their own insulin or medications, typically, only a registered or licensed practical nurse is authorized to give insulin injections.
Typical Amenities in Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities provide a range of amenities to support residents’ independence while offering assistance when needed.
Common amenities include:
- Medication Management: Assistance with medication, 24-hour nursing staff, in-room call buttons, and emergency response services.
- Housekeeping and Laundry Services: Regular cleaning and laundry services are provided.
- Dining: Residents can enjoy three meals a day in a communal dining room, eliminating the need for grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- Common Areas: Facilities often feature libraries, outdoor spaces, and entertainment options such as cinemas, game rooms, and spas.
Social and recreational activities are a key component of assisted living, helping residents stay active and engaged. Activities may include artistic endeavors, exercise classes, and outings to local events.
Candidates for Assisted Living
Usually assisted living is required when an individual begins to need help with eating, bathing, dressing, or medication management. Maybe they enjoy their independence and do well in most areas of self-care, but they need a helping hand walking down the hall to the dining room, or even getting in and out of the shower. These types of facilities are ideal for these types of individuals.
Assisted Living vs. Independent Living
Assisted living is designed for people who need some level of help with ADL, and these facilities usually have full-time medical and custodial staff. Independent living facilities, sometimes called senior living communities, are for people who are ready to be free of the hassles of home ownership and like the idea of ready access to many social activities and other amenities, but who do not need help with ADL.
Read about the benefits of independent living communities here.
Story by Julia Osgood
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
