1. No, It's Not a Nursing Home
Assisted living facilities, sometimes called resident facilities, are not the same as a nursing home. There are many senior citizens who just need a little help with getting dressed, preparing their meals or taking their medications. They still like to socialize and make many of their own decisions. These individuals are perfectly suited to living in an assisted living facility.
2. Call Me If You Need Me
For many families of aging adults, the assisted living provides a great sense of comfort. The residents can be monitored more thoroughly than if these same individuals were living alone. There is someone always available to help in the event they fall, have a medical emergency or can't get the TV remote to cooperate. There are emergency call buttons in the bathrooms, showers and even hallways. A staff member can always contact a family member if necessary. The staff makes sure that all residents receive their medications, if needed, at the appropriate times.
3. Bingo Tonight, Be There
Assisted living facilities give senior residents a chance to make friends and socialize with other residents. There are daily activities, entertainment for holidays, game nights, church services, birthday parties and field trips. The staff encourages the residents to participate in a variety of activities to keep them socially engaged. There are large living rooms for groups to watch movies and TV programs together. The socializing helps to alleviate depression, which many senior adults suffer from.
4. Nothing Like a Good Hot Meal
Residents at assisted living facilities receive healthy meals and snack options through the day. Depending upon the facilities, most encourage group dining for the three main meals of the day. The staff monitor whether or not a resident eats, so they can inform their family if they feel there's a problem. Family members are encouraged to join the senior adult for meals at the facility or to take them out to lunch or dinner from time to time.
5. Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
Most senior adults thrive in an assisted living facility. Family members should take great care when selecting an assisted living facility for their family member. Check to see that the location is convenient and that the activities, the staff and residence will be a good fit for their family member. Most facilities offer private rooms, shared rooms or even small apartments. The type of room should be in the best interest of the senior adult resident within the budget of the person responsible for the financial requirements. When a family member moves to an assisted living facility, it provides a quality of care that is hard for individual family members to match. It also helps lift the spirits of the adult resident to be with people with whom they can socialize.
