As you age, your daily needs and abilities change. It’s very common for seniors to need some help here and there with daily things that were once much easier, and this is why assisted living exists. These senior living communities are designed to help senior adults who need a hand with some daily things but don’t need much long-term medical care. But who qualifies for assisted living?
Typically, applicants must be over the age of 55 and medically stable, as assisted living isn’t designed for long-term medical assistance. Applicants also must be in need of support with some of their daily needs, like bathing, dressing, or cleaning. If a senior is experiencing memory impairment, it’s usually recommended that they seek a different form of senior living, like memory living or around-the-clock long-term nursing.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is an opportunity for seniors with specific needs to receive daily support while still living relatively independently. If they’re struggling with daily tasks, like bathing, cooking, or cleaning, they can receive assistance every day. However, these communities also focus on promoting independence and autonomy for their residents.
Through a combination of housing, personal care, and an array of programs and amenities, assisted living aims to give seniors a comfortable and safe environment where they can maintain a high quality of life. These communities work closely with residents and their caregivers to custom-tailor a care plan to suit their needs.
However, unlike other forms of senior living, these communities rarely offer long-term medical support. If residents are bedridden, suffering from memory impairment, or have a medical condition that requires ongoing round-the-clock care, assisted living may not be the right choice over memory care or long-term nursing homes.
Who Is Assisted Living For?
Assisted living communities can be an excellent choice for seniors who aren’t able to live independently anymore but don’t require an advanced level of medical care. Typically, seniors may qualify for assisted living if they’re experiencing:
- Mobility limitations
- Mild levels of cognitive impairment
- Loneliness or isolation, as these communities promote socialization between residents and staff through their offered programs and amenities
However, these aren’t the only situations where assisted living can be a good choice. If a senior’s primary caregiver is beginning to experience caregiver burnout, many assisted living communities will offer a short-term plan to provide the caregiver with a much-needed break.
Assisted living can even be a wonderful choice for seniors simply looking to downsize and simplify their life. These communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle since they tend to take care of things like cooking, cleaning, and home maintenance. This can help residents live a relaxed lifestyle where they can enjoy their interests and pursue their hobbies.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living can offer a wide range of benefits for seniors who meet those needs, like:
- A custom-tailored treatment plan to meet each resident’s specific needs
- Social opportunities for seniors to meet and enjoy their interests together
- Different programs, events, services, and amenities
- A maintenance-free lifestyle
- Meal plans
Assisted living communities also offer peace of mind to the caregivers, families, and friends of each resident. Assisted living communities are safe and secure, designed to be easily accessible for every resident there. And there are trained staff members on call to respond to emergencies or provide assistance where needed.
How to Choose an Assisted Living Community
Choosing any form of senior living community can feel complicated. With the amount of available options, you may feel overwhelmed trying to make the right choice! Fortunately, there are some key things to look for that can help narrow down your search and help you find the right assisted living community for you or your loved one.
It can help to look at:
- The location of the community and how convenient it is for visits
- How many staff is available, as this can help you learn about how much attention your loved one will receive from on-site caregivers
- The offered services and amenities
- Any safety measures that are implemented on-site
- The level of care residents receive
- Price and financial obligations
Fortunately, most assisted living communities offer the ability to schedule a tour and visit the community so you can see what life is like there. If allowed, it can help to speak with some of the residents and staff around the area to learn more about the community!
Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community
Assisted living can be an excellent choice for seniors in need of a hand with some of their daily tasks. However, if you’re worried about whether your loved one qualifies for assisted living, you can always contact us here at Bellaire at Stone Port! Our team of caregivers is here to answer any questions you may have about assisted living, and we’re happy to help in any way we can.
And if you prefer an in-person experience, you can book a tour with us today and see for yourself the high level of care we provide each and every resident.