The Best Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living

You love your parents dearly and watching them grow older every year is not always easy. Worse so if they’re at the stage where they need some form of assistance with their day-to-day activities, or even round-the-clock care.

But lately, the hustle and bustle of daily life consume your time, and there’s barely enough left to look after them. If this is the case for you, chances are, you’re searching for the best senior living option that’ll adequately look after your loved ones.

There are different types of senior care facilities for aging individuals who need different levels of care. But how do you know which of these options are right for you?

If you’re thinking of a senior care facility with a home-like touch where your parents can have their independence, then you’re thinking of assisted living. This senior care option is tailored for long-term care and caters to a wide range of needs. They are usually in apartments fully equipped with dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and so on.

If you intend to commit your parents to an assisted living home, here are some details you should know to help you make a more informed choice.

Primary information that you should know about assisted living

 1. Understand the difference between Assisted Living or Nursing Homes

Assisted living is commonly used interchangeably with nursing homes. However, the two differ in the type of service they provide. Assisted living is a residential home that provides personal and sometimes medical help to aging adults.

Meanwhile, nursing homes offer a more comprehensive care range, with skilled nurses and medical personnel on call. Their service is more tailored towards providing health care.

2. There Would Be Prior Assessment

To determine if your parents are a good fit for an assisted living home, the facility would have to perform an evaluation exam to see if your parents are fit.

On your end, you should have your questions to ask yourself, such as — is this home within my family’s budget? Would my parents or an elderly loved one be comfortable here? Are their senior care programs and recreational activities fit for my loved one’s needs?

3. There Are No Staff Doctors

It’s important not to mistake an assisted living home for a hospital or a specialized memory care facility.  If your parents have ailments that need ongoing management or that can result in an emergency, an assisted home isn’t the best option for you. You should consider nursing homes instead.

Most assisted living homes have medical directors that work closely with the nursing staff, but their doctors are mostly on call.

4. Extra Costs Can Pile Up

Before signing the contract, be thorough about each detail and ask questions when you encounter vague statements. Most homes have provisions for add-ons to the original fees on request by their residents. Even more, there are also costs for special meals, change of rooms, extra medication, etc.

In addition to the base fees and your budget, you need to be clear about these additional expenses and how you must pay for them.

5. Caregivers are Supportive; Plus Pets Are Allowed!

The staff employed in assisted living facilities are usually individuals with special training in senior caregiving. They are supportive and attentive to residents’ needs at all times. Essentially, highly-skilled experts committed to managing your parent’s well-being will take care of them. In most assisted living homes, residents can bring pets along, anything to make sure they have a smooth transition and stay.

Conclusion

Moving your parents to an assisted living home can be an emotional process for all parties involved. While it’s natural to feel a bit guilty about it, in the end, you can take solace knowing that this move is in their best interest.

Communicate your plans with your parents intently. Also, make sure to put their opinion into consideration before taking action. At the end of the day, they have the final say in such matters. The tips above should help you prepare for the next steps. Do you have aging parents? What senior care options are you thinking of for them? Tell us in the comments.

For additional questions please contact us at (386) 256-2015 or email us at info@bahamabayclub.com. Our team of experts is here to help.