10 Things You Should Know About Assisted Living

Moving into an assisted living home is a big life change. Anyone making this move is sure to feel uneasy and have many questions. The first step is to make sure you are fully informed about assisted living facilities so you can make the right choice for you or your loved one.

Here is a list of 10 things you should know or ask yourself before picking an assisted living facility:

1. Is Assisted Living Right For Me? This is the first, and most important, question you should be asking yourself. However chances are, if you’re asking yourself this, the answer is yes. Assisted living covers a wide variety of needs and can work for just about anyone. Right now it is estimated that more then a million Americans live in approximately 20,000 assisted living facilities. And no two of them are alike. Some residents need some help cooking for themselves, or taking daily medication. This can be a concern for their family while they love and worry about them, assisted living is a perfect solution for you both. While other residents move to a facility just to enjoy the social life!

2. Will I Be Taken Care Of? Of course! Everyone is different and has different needs, so no two guests will have the same situation. However, your specific needs will be met. When you meet with the facility in advance let them know your needs and they will inform you of what they can and can’t do for you. Chances are your day to day needs will be no problem.

3. Will It Be Fun? Yes, assisted living can and will be FUN! Most facilities offer a wide variety of activities to fit the personal preference of all their guests. Everything from movies, fishing and shopping to enjoying the great outdoors and having a cocktail at the bar! There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

4. Privacy Is Key A main concern of new guests is privacy. But not to worry, assisted living facilities pay a great deal of attention to your privacy wants and needs. Unlike a nursing home, which is much less private, assisted living will give you all the private time you require, whether it be to sit alone in your room and enjoy a good book or visit with your family.

5. What Are ADL’s And IADL’s? [http://www.lakeshoreli.com/faq/what-are-adls-and-iadls.htm] These are two abbreviations you may start to hear about a lot while doing your research and visit different locations. They both refer to the kinds of needs an individual has, and what kind of day to day care they will need when they move into the facility. ADL’s are Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing and eating. IADL’s are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, such as paying bills, cleaning, and doing laundry. These activities, by nature, are less time sensitive.

6. What To Pack Packing for you move is very important, but what you need to bring heavily depends on the facility you select. Some offer fully furnished rooms, where others you’ll have to provide yourself with any furniture you’d like. Visit the room in advance. Stop by the apartment you’ll be moving into and take a look around, what is provided, what will you need, take some measurements so you’ll know what fits and what doesn’t.

7. Location, Location, Location! Make sure you are picking a location you are happy with. Think about what’s most important to you to have near by. Some may want to visit somewhere new and enjoy a new and exciting atmosphere. For example, assisted living in New York [http://www.lakeshoreli.com/faq/assisted-living-new-york.htm] can offer you some amazingly beautiful landscapes to enjoy, fishing, shopping, and the general peace and beauty of the great New York outdoors! However most feel that there is no place like home and want to have their family and friends near by. So if your family is in the New York area you’ve really hit the jackpot! The best thing for you to do is check out the surrounding towns and cities, your family will want to visit you and you want to make sure there are places to stay near by and fun things to do together!

8. Who Foots The Bill? Unfortunately, in most cases you will be. Residents and their families typically pay the entire, or at least the bulk, of the assisted living expenses themselves. However, before you start paying the bills out of your own pocket don’t forget to check your health insurance long term care policy, some or all costs may be reimbursed. Regrettably, there has been very limited government aid for assisted living, so you should look to our insurance coverage for financial assistance.

9. Emotional Transition Although chances are you will eventually be very pleased with your decision to move into assisted living, the initial transition will probably be a struggle for most. When you first arrive you may not know anyone, or only a few, but remember that everyone there once went through exactly what you are going through right now. These people are your allies not your enemies! They can help you adjust and get a feel for your new home. You may feel compelled to stay in your room and keep to yourself, however getting out and making new friends and getting involved will make the transition much smoother and is said to be the very best way to assimilate into your new home.

10. Have A Good Attitude It’s important to stay positive and upbeat during the decision making and moving process, for both the individual and immediate family and friends. It can be emotional to let go of your home and some possessions you’ve enjoyed for many years, giving up your total independence and admitting you may need a little help here or there is a tough uphill battle for some. But don’t focus on the things you are giving up, think of all the fun you are about to have! The adventure you’re embarking on! You will be surprised how much you’ll have in common with your new neighbors and friends.