There are many decisions and changes that you or your mature loved ones have to prepare for, especially when they are nearing retirement. One of the major decisions that need to be made years beforehand would be whether or not to move into a living community. Assisted living communities are typically for mature adults who need assistance with daily activities. However, living communities are different from nursing homes, as residents do not require round-the-clock care. In essence, assisted living communities offer assistance to residents while still allowing them to be independent. There are many different types of communities around depending on the level of care needed. There are common areas and basic services for your loved ones to use and they also get their apartment or room. Here are more details on assisted living you and your loved ones should know about.
Services Provided in a Living Community
There are over 28,000 living communities in the United States, with a community ranging from 10 residents to more than 100. The good part of moving into a living community is that there is easy access to some basic health care services. Most facilities have access to a nearby pharmacy as well as a dietary and nutritional guide. A majority of them also have facilities to help with any kind of therapy from physical to speech therapy. Hospice and skilled nursing care are also offered in certain communities, with mental health, counseling, and social worker services available in at least half of them. Some communities also offer specialized services to cater to residents who require memory care, while others offer services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Finding an Assisted Living Community
When the interest to move into a living community is established, the first thing to do is to make a candidate list. There are many resources available when finding nearby communities, including The Yellow Pages. You can also use Argentum, a trade association for living communities. They have an online directory that uses your zip code to search for nearby communities. If you have friends or relatives living in one, you can ask them for advice as well. From there, give each community a call to get more information, such as the apartment specifications and services offered. If your loved ones have any conditions that require special care, you should also ensure that such services are provided too.
Things to Note
Once you are down to the last few options, you should schedule a recce trip to the community to talk with the staff and residents. Bring your loved ones with you if they are the ones who would be moving in. Ensure to check on the common areas, rooms accessibility, safety locks, and cleanliness of the community. Security issues and nearby services should also be checked to ensure your loved ones are safe. At the end of the day, as long as your loved ones feel comfortable in the living community, you have picked the right one.
