What Are the Benefits Offered by Assisted Living

This article discusses the benefits offered by assisted living for retirees who prefer to maintain their independence despite having lost the ability to do certain daily activities. This concept of a retirement living community is very different from the only choice in the past, which is the nursing home. Thus, this concept is also known by various names including domiciliary care, residential care, personal care, community based retirement facilities, adult congregate living care, board and care, supported care, enhanced care, retirement residences, adult foster care, adult homes, and sheltered housing. However, some providers of assisted living facilities may also have independent living and nursing home facilities nearby to provide what they call a continuing care retirement community.

Sometimes the assisted living accommodations are specially geared towards the unique requirements of elderly people with Alzheimers disease. These are known as Alzheimers facilities that are designed to handle the needs of people who are suffering from the progressive loss of cognitive ability. At the start, the services required by the patient may be similar to those that are needed by other elderly people. However, as the disease progresses, the loss of cognitive ability may become so severe that the care to be provided is similar to that which is given in a nursing home. The primary benefit offered by these facilities is basically the assurance that your loved ones are safe and that all of their needs are taken care of.

It should be noted that a different kind of living arrangement is provided for the elderly who are capable of doing everything for themselves. This is known as independent living for seniors because they do not require the assistance of anybody in doing their daily activities. These retirees are simply there to enjoy their retirement and the independent living communities provide them with many opportunities to do so because of the amenities that are provided such as the exercise rooms, patios, gardens, tennis courts, golf courses, and others. The residents live a stress-free life where they no longer have to do the usual tasks that are needed in a home, such as watering the plants, cutting the grass, repainting the walls or the roof, and others.

Some providers have arrangements whereby independent living and assisted living facilities are provided within a particular community. Nursing homes are also nearby to facilitate the transfer from one type of accommodation to another in case there is a change in the condition of a resident. For those who are planning to retire, the Internet makes it easier to compare and choose from the various services. Of course, nothing beats an actual visit to a facility but the websites of these providers often have newsletters and brochures that provide you with a good idea of the kind of life that is available in a particular community. Some of the things to look out for are the general attitude and appearance of the residents and the staff, the cleanliness of the facility, and the requirements for admission.