| WHAT IS ASSISTED LIVING? |
Assisted Living communities are designed for seniors who are no longer able to live on their own safely at home or in a retirement living situation but do not require the high level of care provided in a nursing home. Many seniors relocate to an assisted living residence after a period of rehabilitation in a nursing home or hospital, almost half come from their homes. Assisted Living homes are designed around the specific needs of the residents. They can include privacy, companionship with others, security, house keeping needs, three meals daily, social activities, physical activities and outings. The goal of an assisted living home is to keep the resident as independent as he or she can be while providing the help needed for each individuals health needs. The residents still control their daily lives and choices, just with a helping hand when needed. The main differences between Retirement Living and Assisted Living are the amount of care provided. Assisted living homes are qualified to assist with medications, activities of daily living, meals and housekeeping while Retirement Living is only able to assist with meals and house keeping. Living arrangements are usually very similar to that of Retirement Homes. Residents typically eat their three meals per day in a central dining room. and live in private apartments which frequently have a limited kitchen area. Residents are free to come and go as desired and the staff is available 24 hours per day for additional safety. Most assisted living communities provide licensed nursing services. Social activities and scheduled transportation are also available. A special unit for Alzheimer’s residents are available in some, but not all communities and are usually in a separate building or location and are classifieds as Assisted Living also. |
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