What is not a key element of assisted living? This may be a question you have if you’re considering assisted living for you or your loved one. It’s good to do as much research as you can when deciding on the right facility. At Lakewood Reed Street Assisted Living Center, we offer intimate homes for our residents that encompass the personal, warm touches you would feel in your family’s home. We have discrete elements that ensure the home is safe and accessible.
Key Elements of Assisted Living
A good way to answer what is not a key element of assisted living is to provide several key elements of assisted living. Of the many key elements, some of the most important include:
- Residents deserve a certain level of privacy. The living facility is their home, and it’s meant to feel like a place where they can relax, enjoy their life, and receive the tailored care they need. Some residents may need around-the-clock care, but some may be able to handle very independent living. Privacy should be awarded to those who can handle it.
- Safety and security. Feeling safe is a basic human need. Assisted living facilities will often have strict safety policies. This should make residents feel secure and focused on enjoying their time instead of worrying if something will happen. One clear indication of safety issues is broken doors or windows that are hard to open and close. Safety is more than just physical safety. It is knowing a caring and loving staff wants to ensure your loved one’s well-being.
- Highly trained staff. A key element you should look for in every facility is highly trained and caring staff. They should be attentive to the needs of their residents and should know how to handle their requests. When a staff member is well trained, they can handle a variety of situations that can bring comfort to you and your loved one, and no matter what happens, the help they need is available.
- Amenities. A good facility will have all the basic amenities, such as televisions, telephones, refrigerators, and medication storage, to name just a few. Amenities, however, are not just about what is in the residence. Assisted living facilities should offer opportunities for social interaction, exercise, exploring hobbies, and even libraries. Offering residents a sense of lifestyle beyond their homes can bring a sense of community.
- Social atmosphere. A thriving social atmosphere is another key to assisted living. Residents should not feel isolated, that is bad for their well-being. Having social activities that encourage participation and entertainment is a healthy way to build community within the facility further.
- Nutrition options. Facilities should have healthy and nutritious food options available. They should be accommodating to the residents’ different dietary restrictions as much as they can. People often feel as good as the food they eat, and a facility should ensure there are plenty of healthy options available.
While this is not a comprehensive list, it does highlight many of the elements you and your loved one may look for in an assisted living home.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Three Principles of Assisted Living?
A: The three principles of assisted living are person-centered care, maintaining ethics, and having a clear mission statement. Facilities that employ these principles daily are the quality facilities you can trust to take care of your loved ones. When all three principles work together, the facility is prepared to address the needs of the whole person and provide them with a sense of safety and comfort.
Q: What Is a Key Feature of Assisted Living in a Residential Care Setting?
A: One key feature of assisted living in a residential care setting is that 24-hour services are provided every day. This helps ensure the residents are taken care of, and all needs are met. When a person’s needs are met, they can better feel safe and secure in their daily life. Knowing that someone is putting the well-being of your loved one first, regardless of the time, can help you feel reassured that they are not just another patient.
Q: What Activities Are Offered in an Assisted Living Facility?
A: Assisted living facilities will offer residents a variety of activities in which to engage. Maintaining social connections not only helps residents feel a part of a community but also helps them maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. To accomplish this, assisted living facilities will offer exercise classes, social events, and religious services and even allow opportunities to explore hobbies such as gardening, dancing, and more.
Q: What Are the Disadvantages of Assisted Living?
A: One of the disadvantages of assisted living is the cost. The cost of the facility is often not covered by Medicare or private insurance. Some health insurance plans may cover it, but many do not. The costs can vary depending on the needs of the resident. Utilizing built-up savings or retirement plans is a good way to help cover the out-of-pocket costs. However, the costs of assisted living are far outweighed by the standard of care that your loved one can receive.
Q: How Is Assisted Living Different From Living in a Nursing Home?
A: One of the main ways assisted living differs from living in a nursing home is the environment. An assisted living facility will feel more like a home or residence, while a nursing home will often feel more like a medical facility. Nursing homes are generally for people who require more immediate medical attention and constant supervision. Assisted living is meant to help people maintain their healthy level of independence while also getting necessary assistance.
Consider Assisted Living Today
Assisted living may be the right choice for you or your loved one. One of the good things about assisted living is the sense of community it provides its residents. Taking your loved one to a facility is not like taking them to a nursing home or hospital, where they may feel isolated. A living facility works to build a sense of community among its residents. Their days are filled with team-building activities and the personalized care they need.
If you’re considering an assisted living facility, you should contact the team at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living. We strive to ensure all our residents are properly taken care of, and their voices are heard. With our personalized approach, no resident goes unseen. We offer 24-hour services, engaging activities, physical therapy, exercise, dressing, bathing, and medication assistance, among many other things.