Assisted living is an intermediate step between independent living and a nursing home. If you or an aging parent or other loved one needs assistance with daily activities but is not ready for a nursing home, this may be an option to consider.

Assisted living facilities to provide various kinds of support services such as housekeeping, cooking, and dressing assistance, as well as memory care services like medication management and supervision.

To help you find the right place for your loved one, we have put together this ultimate guide to assisted living.

Get informed and learn everything you need to know before making that important decision.

What Is Assisted Living?

This is a form of housing that provides assistance with daily activities.

It is structured for seniors who want to stay independent but require some help with daily tasks. It offers a combination of personal care services and independent living amenities that provide seniors with a safe, affordable, and secure living environment.

Some assisted living services you can expect revolve around help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management, as well as social programs, wellness programs, and companionship.

All in all, an assisted living community can be an excellent option for seniors who are willing and able to take care of themselves but need assistance with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and meal preparation.

Why Choose Assisted Living?

Help With Daily Living Activities

You or your loved one can continue to live independently and receive the assistance needed for daily living.

Access to Health Care Services

These facilities are required to have a doctor on-site two days a week. Assisted living residents can also receive other medical care and services at the facility, such as vision, dental, and audiology services.

Access to Nutritional Services

Assisted living facilities often offer nutritional services, like dietary consultations, to help residents maintain healthy eating habits.

Access to Socialization Programs

There is often a large calendar filled with activities at assisted living communities. Residents can participate in fitness classes, arts and crafts, or other wellness programs, as well as attend regular field trips or dances.

Available 24-hour Supervision

Sometimes, seniors living alone may need assistance with daily activities, like taking medications or constant supervision for safety reasons. Most assisted living facilities provide skilled nursing care and other medical staff to help with medication management and other health needs.

Types of Assisted Living Facilities

Senior Living Communities

Senior living communities may be the first type of assisted living facility that comes to mind. They are often large complexes that provide various services and amenities.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

A type of senior living that includes several levels of care, including assisted living, depending on the residents’ needs.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide medical and custodial care and are regulated by the federal government.

Costs for Assisted Living Care

Assisted living costs vary from state to state, city to city, and facility to facility. You can get an estimate of costs for assisted living by visiting a website like Medicare.gov. You can also contact your state’s Department of Health to learn more about assisted living costs and find nearby facilities.

That said, the average cost of assisted living nationwide is $3,500 to $6,500 per month, but this can vary widely depending on the amenities offered, location, and other factors. Costs will also be higher if you choose a facility with private rooms, 24-hour medical supervision, and a higher staff-to-resident ratio. Often personal insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits may be applied. Please check this important information before making a decision.

Differences Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

Assisted living facilities are different from nursing homes because they are generally not where you would go to receive medical care. Instead, assisted living facilities provide services to help seniors remain as independent as possible, like assistance with daily activities, medication management, and housekeeping.

Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors remain as independent as possible, while nursing homes provide constant supervision. Assisted living facilities typically have a lower staff-to-resident ratio than nursing homes, which means residents have more autonomy, independence, and privacy.

How To Choose the Best Assisted Living Facility?

When choosing an assisted living facility, you should consider your loved one’s needs, the amenities offered, and the facility’s location. You should also select a facility close to your home so you can visit often.

Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting an assisted living facility:

Accreditation

Ensure the assisted living facility is accredited by organizations like The Joint Commission or The American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). Accreditation means the facility meets certain standards for quality and care.

Staffing Ratios

Ask how many staff members are on the floor at any given time, including nurses and other medical staff, and their ratio to residents. You should also find out whether your state’s staff members are licensed.

Types of Services Offered

Make sure the assisted living facility offers the services you need, such as medication management or assistance with daily living activities.

Amenities Offered

Ask what amenities are offered at the facility, such as transportation services and access to on-site socialization programs like music concerts or exercise classes.

Location of the Facility

Make sure the facility is located near your home and essential places, like your loved one’s doctors’ offices or family members’ homes.

StoneBridge Senior Living Can Help

Assisted living can be an excellent option for seniors who need a little help to maintain their independence but don’t require the type of round-the-clock care offered by a nursing home.

At StoneBridge Senior Living, we provide just the right balance of services and amenities while also providing residents with a safe, secure home-away-from-home. We can accommodate residents who have mobility issues or need help with day-to-day tasks like taking medication or getting dressed.

Call us today at 573.455.2280 for more information on our services.