In a retirement community, you’ll probably wonder what’s the difference between independent living and assisted living. No worries, we’ve got your back. If your loved one is currently registered with an independent living program, they enjoy a host of amenities include a complimentary housekeeping service and full-time activities schedule. On the other hand, assisted living is all about providing that extra care for your loved ones, so there’ll be on-site medical services, 24/7 care, and around-the-clock therapy programs. An assisted living community is essentially suited for residents who require assistance in daily tasks such as bathing and medication management.
Can’t decide if your loved one should move from independent living to assisted living? Here are some signs:
Their Needs Have Increased
Over time, your loved ones’ health and mobility will decline, and they’ll require help even in mundane tasks such as eating and moving about. This is where assisted living comes in. With a team of medical professionals, nurses, and caregivers always on-hand to assist, rest assured your loved ones will be in safe hands. In an assisted living community, household chores, transportation, and meals will be taken care of each day. Each resident is also given a personalized plan in order to achieve the best care. All your loved ones need to do is rest and work towards a higher quality of life.
They Behave Aggressively
Some older adults diagnosed with dementia can behave aggressively. If their actions have the potential to endanger themselves or others, then it’s a good idea to place them in an assisted living community. A team of professional caregivers can monitor their behavior by constantly checking upon them, handing out the appropriate medication, and offering a calm environment that validates their feelings.
They’re Unable to Find Their Way Home
If you find that your loved ones are constantly leaving the house yet are unable to recognize their homes or the directions, an assisted living community can provide a safe and secure living environment. Besides the complimentary transportation services, caregivers will be a constant companion throughout the day, ensuring that your loved ones do not wander around.
Home Care Services Are Too Costly
In this economy, we understand the need to cut corners and be more financially conservative. In-home care services may offer that convenience for your loved ones to get treated right at their own homes, but those come with a hefty price tag. If engaging with an in-home caregiver is too expensive, the next best thing is assisted living community. Your loved ones can have access to everything, from meals to new and exciting activities each day, all the while having that extra layer of care.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Taking care of a loved one can be taxing. It takes hard work and a great amount of patience and understanding to attend to their needs. In fact, there’s such a syndrome called ‘Caregiver Stress’, which describes the burnout feeling after caring with too many demands. If this continues over time, your mental health may be negatively affected. To take that load off your shoulders while still ensuring your loved ones receive adequate care, an assisted living community has doctors, nurses, and caregivers always on stand-by. You can thus have peace of mind.
