Everything You Need to Know About Assisted Living Communities
If you have never been to an assisted living community before, you might have some misconceptions about what this type of community is. Alternatively, you might be completely unfamiliar with the concept of assisted living altogether. If you or your loved one is looking into assisted living, then this guide is here to help you learn more about what an assisted living community actually is.
What is an Assisted Living Community?
An assisted living community is a care option designed to support seniors. The beauty of an assisted living community is that an elderly person can receive the support they need in a stimulating and caring environment. There are various care options available in assisted living communities, which means that they can be personalized to your needs.
As Brightview assisted living in Baltimore MD explains, every assisted living community is different. You should speak to staff to discover what a community has to offer and how they can support you to maintain the way of life you most enjoy.
What is the Difference between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?
Assisted living communities have been designed to offer elderly people the support they need to be able to live their lives to the fullest. This might mean providing assistance with daily actives such as cooking, taking medicines, or bathing. There will be on-site medical care available in these communities, and some will have residential nurses; however, these nurses will not be as specialized as the staff in a nursing home.
A nursing home catersto older people who have more specialized medical needs. Nursing homes can cater to a range of medical needs and will have medical staff on call twenty-four hours a day.
Different Types of Assisted Living Communities
There are a few different types of assisted living communities, these include:
- Group Homes
- Apartment Living
- Specialized Care Homes
The type of assisted living community an individual decides to go for will depend on their needs and living preferences. It is a good idea to look into all options available to you before settling on a community.
What Services are Offered in an Assisted Living Community?
The services that are offered will vary from community to community, but the list below has been designed to give you a general idea of the types of services that are usually offered.
- Meals
- Personal care
- Emergency care
- Housekeeping
- Medication monitoring
- Security
- Social activities
- Transportation access
- Regular doctor visits
- Physical activities
- Recreational activities
- Physical and mental health check-ups
The activities and services provided are the main reasons people choose to live in assisted living communities. Some people choose to move to these communities because of the social side, and they appreciate the ease of access to a community of like-minded individuals. Others value access tosupport like housekeeping and personal care staff.
An assisted living community is a very useful solution for many older people who require a change, whether that is to get more social interaction, support, or even just a change of scenery.
