When someone has to transition from living independently in their home to moving into assisted living, it’s not an easy decision. It’s also difficult for family members who have to transition with their loved ones. And while there are many benefits to moving into assisted living care, there are also some things you might not know about this type of senior housing—things that could help you make better decisions when choosing an assisted living community for you or your loved ones:
You Can Stay As Long As You Like
One thing that makes assisted living care so appealing is that you can stay as long as you like. Unlike other types of senior care, such as nursing homes and rehab centers, an assisted living facility has no minimum stay requirements. Plus, there’s also no maximum length of time you can have assistance from an ALF: senior-friendly independent living communities don’t have set time limits for each resident; instead, they’re designed for lifelong support for those who need it.
You Can Decorate The Space To Your Tastes
Assisted living is a lifestyle choice. It’s not just a place to live, and it’s a community where you can enjoy yourself and do things that interest you.
You can bring your furniture and decorate your space how you want. This gives you control over how your home looks and feels, which makes it easier for family members who visit to recognize that this isn’t just another apartment or house; this is yours.
You’ll have access to common areas like pools, billiards tables, exercise facilities, and more—but also have time for yourself: You can cook meals in the kitchen whenever it suits your schedule (and nobody will judge). You can see friends or family whenever it’s convenient for both parties (which means no more waiting around for someone else). And if all else fails? There are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can go out with friends or family at any time of the day.
Your Health Needs Will Be Reassessed Regularly And The Cost Of Care May Increase Accordingly
Your health and needs will be reassessed regularly to ensure that you receive the appropriate level of care. The cost of living in assisted living apartments is comparable to that of similar private rooms in nursing homes and hospitals but varies depending on location, amenities, and staff-to-resident ratios. If you require more assistance with daily activities or changes to your current plan of care (e.g., increased medication dosage), the monthly price may increase accordingly. If this happens, you can choose to move into another option that offers a higher level of care if needed; however, it’s important to remember that as long as you’re happy with your current residence—and your finances allow it—you may want to consider staying put!
Each Assisted Living Residence Has Its Own Distinct Personality
The options are seemingly endless, and you can find the best fit for you. This can be important since assisted living care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You might want to stay in your own house in the community if it’s easier on the family members who live nearby and visit often. Or maybe you would prefer to move into an apartment building with other people who enjoy socializing or sharing common interests like golfing or playing bridge.
Whatever your preference may be, each community will have its unique feel—but every one of them will provide excellent care within a comfortable environment that feels natural to your lifestyle preferences. You can stay as long as you like without worrying about moving out or having to pack up all your belongings when moving from one place to another (which could prove stressful).
We hope you now better understand what assisted living is and why it’s so important. Good luck on your journey of finding the proper care companion for yourself or your loved one!
