1. What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a long-term residential and care option for seniors. Residents in these facilities are mostly active. Some, however, may need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, using the toilet, and cooking. Seniors in assisted living also expect nutritious meals and social activities that support their interests. An assisted living facility may be a good choice for those who need more personalized care that you can’t get at home or in an independent living or retirement community.

Assisted living facilities offer the safety and security of 24-hour support and access to personal care. However, privacy, self-care and independence are still encouraged.

2. What are the benefits of assisted living?

Assisted living facilities are different from one another and could offer a wide array of services and amenities for their residents to focus on the senior’s health and wellness, mental well-being, socialization, and intellectual stimulation.  If you are struggling to give your elderly loved ones the care they need, assisted living facilities might be the best for them.

Benefits of assisted living include:

  • Personalized car
  • Hands-on support with daily activities
  • Safety and security
  • Social activities and engagement
  • Access to healthcare facilities
  • Comfortable home-like setting
  • Independence and privacy
  • Fun and more freedom from housework
  • Nutritious meal options
  • Peace of mind and stress-free living

3. What’s the difference between assisted living and other senior care types?

There are many ways to care for our aging loved ones. Read the list below to understand assisted living and how it differs with other care options.

Assisted living vs. nursing homes

Assisted living and nursing homes are often referred to synonymously. They both offer housing, health services, assistance in ADLs, and social programs. Overall, the main difference between the two is that nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting. This means that skilled nursing services are required in nursing homes. While assisted living facilities primarily provide personal care in a home-like setting.

Assisted living vs. memory care

Like assisted living, memory care also provides nutritious meals and assistance in daily activities. However, memory care primarily focuses on specialized support for people who suffer memory loss.
Assisted living could still be good for the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, seniors might likely need memory care facilities as symptoms worsen.

Assisted living vs. independent living

Both assisted living and independent living cater to different senior needs. But unlike assisted living, independent living doesn’t provide help in ADLs. Independent living is for adults who can assist themselves daily and comes less expensive than the former.

Assisted living vs. home care

Home care provides care for the elderly in place. Home care aides, like assisted living staffers, provide companionship, assist with ADLs, do light housekeeping, and many more assistance. Socialization in home care is more one-on-one. Unlike assisted living, home care can’t provide learning and social activities. Costs in home care are usually charged by the hour, depending on how much care is needed.

4. How does assisted living support seniors?

  • Customized care – Services are differentiated as each senior has unique needs. We assess you and your loved ones needs and preferences and match you with a local community who will best deliver personalized care.
  • Care coordination – Assisted living offers coordinated care among healthcare providers, to ensure seniors are getting the care they need.
  • Safety and security – Assisted living facilities are primarily designed for its residents’ safety. Security protocols, alert systems, and emergency mechanisms are in place as well.
  • Relaxed living – Aging adults are liberated from house-keeping and home maintenance in assisted living facilities, so that they can enjoy their years more.
  • Nutritious, restaurant-quality meals – Good nutrition for the residents is a priority in assisted living. They make sure meals are healthy and something that seniors would enjoy eating.
  • A social, active environment – The residences and their programs are designed to stimulate social connections as well. There are plenty of opportunities for the residents to be physically active, gain friends, and make happy memories.
  • Comfortable, safe accommodations – Accommodations are varied to meet the elderly adults’ lifestyle, care needs, and budget. These are also designed to ensure each resident’s safety.

​​5. Is assisted living right for my loved one?

The decision to transition into assisted living is a difficult one to make. Here are some objective conditions to know if assisted living would be the best for your loved one:

  • More up-close personal care
  • Don’t require professional nursing support
  • Need assistance with their medications
  • They feel alone and lonely
  • They prefer a hassle-free lifestyle
  • They yearn for social connections and lasting friendships

​​6. When is it time for assisted living?

You will know that it is time to make the shift to assisted living by being more observant and extra sensitive to your loved one’s needs. These questions may serve as a guide:

  • Is there a decline in their ability to learn new skills and communicate?
  • Do they feel stressed out and depressed more frequently?
  • Can you and your family give them hands-on care?
  • Does caregiving affect our family dynamics?

If you can’t properly and adequately care for your aging loved ones anymore, it is time to make that important decision.

7.How much does assisted living cost?

Costs of assisted living vary from one community to the next. Determining factors include location, amenities, size of residence, and how much assistance your loved one will need. Communities also tend to have different pricing methods: some facilities come in packages while some charge individual services cumulatively.

8. How do I choose an assisted living facility near me?

Choosing an assisted living facility could be an overwhelming decision to make partly because of the varied options and partly because of our subjectivities. In choosing, consider these important factors objectively:

  • Location and proximity
  • Services that meet the needs of your loved ones
  • Amenities that meet your loved one’s lifestyle
  • Meal preparations and selections
  • Staff training and competency
  • Activities and programs that your loved one will enjoy
  • Wellness programs available
  • Costs and financing options

As you visit different facilities, don’t hesitate to ask questions to help you understand the communities better. We are here to help you choose the assisted facility that will best suit your loved one’s needs and preferences, through our consultations, assessments, and referrals.

9. How do I move my loved one to assisted living?

We understand that this could be an emotional experience for your family. The move itself is what most families dread the most. Here are some tips in approaching this difficult but important matter:

  • Have regular conversations with your loved one about their care needs, things they look forward to, and what to do in emergency situations. Having a clear perspective on what is ahead will help ease their worries.assisted living facilities
  • Consider your family dynamics. Set a dedicated time for a family meeting to address concerns and come up with potential solutions. If your loved one is in good mental and emotional health, you may include them in the meeting.
  • In conversing with your loved one, pick the right time and place and use the right tone. You may not come up with a united resolution at first, so be patient and revisit the topic until you find the right care solution for your loved one.

After the decision has been settled, it is time to prepare for the move. The rule of thumb in this step is to downsize as you move. Before organizing your loved one’s belongings, know first the space your loved one will have in the facility – its floor plan, dimensions, and the adjustments you could make in the apartment. Their belongings should include: personal items, entertainment, houseware, decorations, furniture pieces, and cleaning supplies.

10. How do I ease my loved one’s transition to assisted living?

Truth is, even with utmost preparations and most thorough arrangements, the transition to assisted living will still be a difficult one to do. You have to keep in mind that your loved one will face an entirely new environment, new people, and new living situation.

You can help them transition by:

  • Maintaining optimism without dismissing their concerns
  • Encourage them to participate in the community through its programs and activities
  • Visit regularly and check on them often
  • Stay involved in your loved one’s care

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Whether you are looking for a community in your local area or you need to support a loved one from another state, we are here for you. We provide services from consultations to making the right and relevant senior living arrangements for your loved ones.