If your loved one is starting to show signs that they need assistance with the routine of their everyday life, it may be time to consider a facility that can offer them additional care. Knowing which is right for you may be a question of how assisted living differs from other levels of care. The level of care offered at Lakewood Reed Street Assisted Living Center differs from the kind of care you may find elsewhere in several ways.
Different Levels of Care
The level and quality of care provided are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding between a living facility and another form of care. Assisted living facilities are designed to support seniors who may have limited mobility or are experiencing health challenges. They may still be able to carry out their daily activities and do not require 24-hour attention. A facility offers a sense of community, healthy activities, and appropriate supervision for its residents.
Other types of facilities, like nursing homes, provide greater hands-on care for those experiencing serious medical challenges or who have severe immobility. Nursing homes are designed to care for those who are recovering from serious health conditions, medical procedures, or surgery. These types of facilities may invoke more of a hospital or medical facility feel rather than an independent living home.
Services Offered
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes differ in the type of services they offer. One difference is the living arrangement. Assisted living facilities usually offer apartment-style living options to their residents. Each resident may have their own room with a kitchen and bath modified to suit their needs. A nursing home often has shared rooms or private rooms that don’t have kitchens because they require the assistance of staff for daily needs.
Another key difference is social activities and community engagement. Living facilities will usually have more engaging activities, such as outdoor sports and recreational activities. Nursing homes may not offer this same level of exposure.
The Right Fit
Your needs will help to determine which type of facility you may need. Reasons you may choose an assisted living facility include:
- Needing minor assistance but not full-time medical care.
- Desiring to have an active lifestyle but may not have the transportation.
- I am in good health but may need help soon.
- A desire to make friends and engage in social activities.
- Desiring a maintenance-free lifestyle.
- Requiring help with their daily activities such as bathing, getting dressed, taking medications, etc.
While these are just a few of the factors you may wish to consider when deciding, they do not represent all the ways in which you can determine if a facility is right for you or your loved one. An important tool in that decision is visiting different facilities and seeing first-hand how they operate, what they offer, and if it feels like home.
FAQs
Q: How Does Assisted Living Differ From Nursing Homes?
A: Assisted living differs from nursing homes in several ways. An assisted living facility is a more traditional style of living. It is designed to make residents feel as if they were living at home but with the support of staff. It is also meant to help build a community of residents who engage each other in fun, productive activities. A nursing home is more of a clinical environment typically reserved for those who need 24-hour medical attention.
Q: What Are the Levels of Care in Assisted Living?
A: There are three levels of care in assisted living. Each level offers a different amount of hands-on care based on the residents’ needs. Level one care is little to no supervision when performing daily living activities. Level two care helps with a few of the residents’ daily activities. Level three care is assistance with all daily activities. A living facility offering all three is well-rounded and ready to support the needs of all residents.
Q: What Is One of the Biggest Drawbacks of Assisted Living?
A: One of the biggest drawbacks of assisted living is the cost. Depending on the location of the facilities and the range of services offered, the costs can quickly add up. Unfortunately, private insurance and Medicare may not cover any of the costs. There may be some life furnace policies that have the flexibility to help cover some costs, but they should be reviewed with your financial advisor. Another potential drawback is the difficulty of adjusting to a new facility.
Q: Are Assisted Living Facilities Regulated in Colorado?
A: Assisted living facilities in Colorado are regulated by several entities. These facilities must earn their state licensures and meet the requirements of the Department of Public Health and Environment. In addition to licensures, assisted living facilities must meet regulatory reporting standards and provide information on how medical services are provided. These regulations help to ensure that those in assisted living facilities are provided ethical treatment and a high standard of care.
Q: How Do I Know If Assisted Living Is the Right Choice Compared to Skilled Nursing?
A: When deciding between an assisted living facility and a nursing home, you should consider the level of care your loved one needs, their health care requirements, and their preferences. You know your loved one better than most, so you may understand how they will respond to each facility. Assisted living is usually a great option for seniors who are active but need assistance with their daily tasks. These could include getting dressed, bathing, eating, or taking their medication.
A Facility That Fits You
It’s important to weigh your options if you are considering taking your loved one to a living facility. If they are not experiencing serious medical symptoms or may not require 24-hour supervision, then a living facility may be the right place. They will be safe and cared for. For seniors who are active and want to maintain their social lifestyle but need some assistance in their daily tasks, a living facility is a great choice.
At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we offer comprehensive services suited to fit the needs of your loved one. With our trained staff, we are home to many residents who enjoy our facilities, friendly and caring staff, amenities, and personalized care approach. If you want your loved one to be in a quality facility that’s safe, offers premiere social activities, and promotes a sense of community, contact us today for more information about our assisted living facility.