An assisted living facility is a cost-effective alternative to a nursing home that caters to seniors who are in need of basic help but are still moderately independent.
Unlike skilled nursing facilities, Medicare or Medicaid funding does not cover services provided in an assisted living community. And unlike the skilled nursing facilities, the assisted living facility has several advantages for residents. For example, they often are more homey feeling than a nursing facility and have more creative solutions for the needs of your senior living residents while often being able to access care as their lifestyle needs change.
Many assisted living facilities offer a variety of activities and add-on services that take the experience of living in one beyond the simple six life factors: eating, bathing, toileting, transferring, continence, and dressing. Many facilities offer seasonal activities, trips to local destinations, games, recreational programs, and the chance to interact with other kinds of units (ie independent living) if the facility has multiple types of housing.
As one assisted living manager explained it “We [try to] create warm, supportive, home- like residences for older adults. From social, cultural and educational life enrichment programs to amenities that foster an easy way of life, our respect for each resident’s individuality is at the center of all that we do,” he said. “Our residences are a place where friendly faces and conversations are easy to come by; a place where independence and dignity are respected, a place to call home.”
Assisted living is a great resource for people who aren’t in need of consistent medical care, but are in need of a helping hand to ensure they get the most out of their time in a safe, fun, and community-oriented manner.