One in six Americans are 65 years or older. Approximately 70% of them are expected to need long-term care.
Despite this, 35.6% haven’t spoken to anyone about this possibility. Only 10% reached out to medical professionals.
Fear blocks these conversations and leads to a lack of essential information. Not discussing your options keeps you from finding the right community.
Read on for a guide to the must-know healthcare aspects of senior assisted living.
What Are ADLs and IADLs?
One of the most important healthcare aspects of senior assisted living is the types of activities they help with.
ADLs are also known as Activities of Daily Living. These may include:
- Feeding
- Walking
- Toileting
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Moving from one position to another
- Bathing
There are also IADLs or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. These are more complex tasks that require organization and thinking. They may include:
- Transportation
- Finances
- Housekeeping
- Grocery shopping
- Meal preparation
- Managing medications
What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
The benefits of assisted living include expert, round-the-clock care beyond what traditional retirement communities provide. They prevent dangers such as falls.
Residents are given a new environment in which they can engage in stimulating, therapeutic activities, interact with others, and maintain their independence.
Levels of Care
ADLs and IADLs are only one way to simplify all the healthcare aspects of senior assisted living. The care required is also separated into levels that make them easier to understand.
Level One
Level one involves only the most basic needs.
Care at this level would be minimal. The residents may get a wake-up call in the morning as well as supervision and reminders throughout the day.
Level Two
Level two involves more hands-on care. Residents at this level typically require assistance with at least one ADL.
They’ll receive regular support and supervision. Maintaining their independence is also important.
Level Three
Level three involves continual, ongoing support. Residents at this level struggle with most or all of their ADLs.
They’ll need a caregiver to complete their daily tasks for them or provide supervision as they do them.
Memory Care
Assisted living communities may also have areas for memory care. These are meant to serve those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
It’s a common problem in senior care. 42% of assisted living residents have these conditions.
The employees in these areas are specially trained to deal with the mental challenges and wandering off that these conditions cause. Residents may also receive special treatments such as music therapy.
Other Services
Assisted living goes beyond helping with ADLs. The communities may also offer other services to their residents.
These could include:
- Managing medication
- Transportation
- Providing meals based on personalized meal plans
- Dentistry
- Vision care
- Podiatry
- Physical therapy
- Salon services
- Housekeeping and laundry
Assessing Levels of Care
Every resident gets a personalized healthcare plan. Creating it involves determining which levels of care they require.
This is done using an assessment from a professional. It’ll look at factors such as their:
- Physical and mental well-being
- Mobility
- Fine motor skills
- Medical conditions
This can be done at home, in a clinical setting, or during a tour of the community.
The tests are scored on a scale. They’re added up to give a score, with a higher score meaning a higher level of care.
An initial assessment helps identify what initial care is necessary, but that can change. Reevaluations are performed every few months to see if they need more or less assistance.
What Can’t Assisted Living Provide?
Understanding what senior healthcare services assisted living communities can’t provide is just as important as understanding what they can.
Most don’t have the same resources as a nursing community. These include:
- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Post-hospital care
Assisted living doesn’t provide the same resources as a licensed nurse and specially trained team. It’s not recommended for residents who are routinely hospitalized or have a chronic condition.
Cost of Assisted Living
Budgeting for any form of senior living can be difficult because it’s unclear how much you’ll pay. Prices vary by region; your bill will increase if the required care level increases.
Your best bet is to find an assisted living community that offers all services at one easy-to-understand price. This can include personal care, meals, housing, fitness and socialization programs, and more.
Medicaid only covers the cost for a limited number of assisted living communities. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of the community itself but may cover certain services such as:
- Cognitive assessments
- Home safety evaluations
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
There are other ways to reduce the cost of staying in the community, such as veteran’s benefits.
Choosing a Community
62% of those with a loved one in a senior care community said finding one that met their needs or was affordable enough was difficult. Even if you have many options in your area, it can take time and research.
An assisted living community is meant to be a home, and location is one of the major factors in choosing any new home. Residents should look for one in an area they want to live in that isn’t far from friends and family.
Check the community’s list of amenities and services. Do they have enough healthcare services? Do they have community events? What’s their dining like?
Get a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in the community, including hidden fees. Be wary of any that aren’t upfront about what they charge.
Schedule tours with all the communities you’re interested in. It gives you a first-hand view of whether they’re the right choice or not. Speak to the residents about their experience and come up with a list of questions.
Joining the Personal and Healthcare Aspects of Senior Assisted Living
Understanding the healthcare aspects of senior assisted living can help you find the right community for you. Once you know what level of care is required, you can find one that offers it and is comfortable.
TerraBella Northridge has been serving the aging population for 30 years. We offer memory care and senior living options to give residents an active, maintenance-free lifestyle. Schedule a tour of our community today.
