Your loved one may have fears about potentially becoming an assisted living resident. Before addressing these fears, better understanding residential assisted living communities and how they are managed can help you feel comfortable and confident with the big change.
Assisted living offers older adults an active, social lifestyle in a safe, secure and residential community. The level of care a resident receives varies from person to person, depending on their needs and preferences. Many seniors in assisted living communities receive some help with activities of daily living and medication management.
Assisted living care provides long-term and short-term medical and wellness attention for older adults who require assistance.. Assisted living care costs are typically higher because of the more specialized, intensive care options.
Let’s take a closer look at the biggest fears involved with moving into an assisted living community.
The biggest fear many seniors have about assisted living communities is their concern over losing their independence and privacy. Senior living communities, however, encourage seniors to live independently and make the most of their freedom.
Your may need to help choose he level of healthcare your loved one needs, which they can change at any time. Your loved one is free to participate in voluntary activities, events, and programs as they wish. No one will ever force or coerce your loved one into anything they are even slightly hesitant about.
Some communities offer private furnished apartments with a full bathroom, kitchen, dining room, laundry room, living room, and a patio or balcony. Other assisted living communities offer private rooms and suites. Residents are free to decorate and personalize their rooms to their liking.
They can use the communal spaces as frequently or as little as they’d like. While many communities have restaurant-style dining for seniors to eat together, residents can have their meals sent straight to their apartments if they prefer to eat alone.
Money is often a major stressor for most older adults. Nevertheless, proper financial planning and exploring all the resources at your disposal can significantly ease this burden.
Assisted living communities always clearly break down a resident’s financial obligations throughout their stay. Most communities are willing to meet your loved one wherever they may be with their finances.
If your loved one has long-term care insurance, their policy may even cover the cost of assisted living. If your loved one is a veteran of the United States or a spouse of a veteran, they can pay for their assisted living costs with Aid and Attendance benefits. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements.
Assisted living communities allow friends and family members to visit at any time. Most communities regularly welcome and integrate family and friends to participate in their events and activities with the residents.
The transition from a home your loved one has lived in for years to a senior assisted living community is challenging. An assisted living community could never replace one’s home. Assisted living communities instead provide your loved one with a supportive, engaging environment to join and thrive in.
Your loved one can bring personal items to help them feel closer to home. They’ll also create new, precious memories and friendships at the community itself.
Give your loved one the space and time they need to alleviate their fears. Listen and acknowledge their feelings. Reassure them of the benefits of residential assisted living communities.
Let your loved one take the lead in determining their future goals. Research and tour different communities. Ensure the community offers the programs and amenities best suited to your loved one’s lifestyle. Calculate the latest cost-of-care to get an average yearly rate and what you can expect.
Encourage your loved one to ask every question they may have so they feel confident when deciding. Consider the location and costs of each assisted living community to ensure they align with your unique familial situation.
At Chelsea Senior Living, every resident lives each moment with unlimited potential. This looks different for every person.
Our communities are rich in amenities, services, and activities that are mere steps from your apartment door.
Schedule a tour or attend an event today to see our beautiful campus and meet our staff and residents.
