Understanding the benefits of assisted living homes is important in determining where a loved one will best enjoy their remaining years. The ability to remain independent, yet have the appropriate level of care can relieve stress for both family members and the loved one. There is a big difference between assisted living and nursing home facilities. Realizing these differences can help ease the idea of leaving home behind and moving into a facility with round the clock care.
A nursing home is a place where constant care and monitoring is needed. Those living there are often in the last years of their lives and require a higher level of medical care. The patient is one that is often unable to manage even his or her basic needs including bathing, taking medication, and being mobile. Assisted living homes are more suited for those that still desire and can achieve a level of independent living but would like the security of having professionals around that can assist where needed.
In most cases, the rooms provided resemble apartments. There are very few cases where they are shared, and those cases are almost always requested. The idea is for the client to enjoy his or her freedom and continue to keep his or her home the way they were used to doing. Often, the rooms include a small kitchenette to allow the resident to cook his or her own meals.
A benefit to the living situation is having social activities. Many elderly folks spend their final years behind closed doors in their single resident houses. With this retirement homes program, they are able to maintain privacy but still be in an environment surrounded by others, which provides an excellent social activity calendar. Having a heightened level of activity allows them to live much healthier and longer lives.
The facilities often include group outings and social events. The residents often invite family to the facilities because the events are much more enjoyable and there is little effort needed on the resident's part. For instance, the valentine's holiday is often one where family is invited to join the loved one in celebration of the family. Outings often include shopping trips and special access to local tourist attractions.
When the resident moves in, they are often worried that they are giving up their independence. This is not the case at all. With their own private room, choices of activities, reading rooms, and other ways of choosing to participate or not, the resident is given opportunities to stay active, but the choice of where to participate is solely theirs to make. It is important for them to continue to remain active and take care of themselves.
Even though independence is reserved and maintained, the family and the resident can live without fear of them being alone. Often, family is burdened by having to constantly worry about a fall or making sure the family member is taking care of him or herself. In these facilities, the worry is eliminated because the staff observes at a distance, checking in on them from time to time without being intrusive. If the resident starts isolating himself or herself the family is often informed and asked to make more frequent visits.
Included in understanding the benefits of assisted living homes, the family learns of the safety and comfort that are provided. The loved one is able to continue to lead a healthy and active lifestyle without giving up privacy or independence. They are also able to live without fear of being without assistance should they need it.
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