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Assisted Living and its Benefits

Of the many ways we take care of our elderly, the concept of assisted living is one of the most popular. Assisted living offers the best of two worlds for the person served by the system. Independence is at a high while caregivers are available if they should need them. In essence, they are never really alone.

Assisted living facilities are not to be confused with nursing homes. This is a common misnomer. The term assisted living is exactly as it sounds. Facilities provide assistance with what are called ADL's or activities of daily living. This encompasses things such as bathing, eating, dressing and more.

While some assisted living facilities do offer medication assistance as allowed by the state it is located in. Medication assistance can mean anything from preparing the medication to simply reminding the individual that it is time to take it. These facilities do not provide any major medical services, which makes them a whole different type of facility from a nursing home.

The main attraction for assisted living facilities is the individual's independence. The elderly begin to feel that they have lost their independence if they cannot function on their own from day to day. This is where AL facilities play a major role in longevity and quality of life for residents.

The facilities themselves tend to be more attractive to the individual as well as the family. The types of units range from a standalone home to an apartment in a continued care community. However, it is not just the type of residence that appeals to the clients; it is the environment as well.

An environment that allows the individual to live a full life and receive the assistance of staff members only if needed. The staff is always there to watch and step in if they have to. Safety is the major function here. The individual is free to do whatever is available to do at will. Activities are on the schedule and always going on.

All of this freedom mixed with assistance gives the client a feeling of worth, value and security. That goes a long way towards the quality of life for these people. Additionally, the family can rest assured that their loved one is well cared for and happy. Therefore, the benefits are not ONLY for the client.

In the end, all of this needs to be paid for somehow. The usual way is private funding, but there are some exceptions to that rule. Many long-term care insurance policies will cover assisted living expenses if it is licensed. Check your loved one's policy to make sure.

In some states, Medicaid waivers and funds are available to help defer the costs. Check your local statutes and laws governing assisted living. Since AL facilities are regulated at the state level, you will need to check with the state for actual details pertaining to your situation.

The bottom line is that you can place your loved one in a nice assisted living facility. The cost can be deferred by several means and insurance may even cover it. Do a little research and see what your state has to offer. You may be surprised at what you discover.