Senior Living:? Helpful Information-choosing a Independent Living Facility (guest blog)
Making the decision to move into an independent living facility for you or your loved ones can easily be an overwhelming or daunting task. There are a wide range of facilities with a diverse range of services, so it is not always easy to find exactly what you need. Plus, the admissions staff of many independent living or nursing facilities are frequently overburdened and may not have as much time to meet with you and answer all your questions like you would hope. It helps to be prepared and learn as much as you can before you schedule a meeting with a few different nursing homes or independent living facilities. This will allow you to make the most of your brief meeting with the facility.?Learning the Difference Between Types of Facilities
?There are a wide range of services provided in different types of facilities for the elderly, and it may be difficult to tell what type of facility your loved ones really need. Independent care facilities are the least restrictive option, offering as much freedom as possible while still providing the standard of care necessary to help maintain the health and safety of the resident. As the name suggests, the resident can remain largely independent, though they may eventually need help from a nurse or attendant with some basic tasks.
?Assisted living facilities are the next step up. They are ideal for residents who do not require constant supervision but need a great deal of help with daily tasks and personal care. Skilled nursing facilities are what people most commonly refer to as nursing homes, and they provide a more advanced range of services. A skilled nursing facility is necessary for anyone who needs constant supervision and care, like someone suffering from an advanced form of dementia.
?Consider Your Loved Ones Needs, But Don't Ignore Their Opinions
The type of facility appropriate for your loved one should be able to provide the standard of care that they need now, as well as the standard of care anticipated in the next several months or years. Many of the elderly are reluctant to admit that they need help, but you should still consider your loved one's wishes when you are choosing a home or facility. They may not be able to live completely on their own anymore, but that does not mean that they are completely incompetent. In most cases, your loved one can and should have a say in the type of home or facility they are going to. Make sure the range of services and cost of the facility meets their needs, and then get their advice to choose a facility with the amenities they want.
?Making the Transition Smoothly
?Going to an independent living facility does not have to be a major change whatsoever. Residents of independent living homes will typically enjoy many convenient amenities while still living in their own space. Some communities are limited to providing non-medical services, offering only amenities such as lawn care, maintenance, and social or community events. This type of independent living community hardly seems like a facility at all. In fact, they often seem like a vacation resort, due to the maintenance-free lifestyle.
However, you may want to look for an independent living facility that offers more types of services, so the facility will be able to meet your loved one's needs if their condition worsens. In this case, it is best to choose an independent living community within an assisted living facility. This will ensure that your family member can get the medical and care services that they need if they start to struggle with basic daily tasks. Either way, an independent living or assisted living community can be a great solution for a loved one who is no longer safe living on their own, but not yet ready to be a resident of a nursing home.
?Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.
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