If you’re considering assisted living for your loved one, you should consider the Lakewood Reed Street Assisted Living Center. Our center is set up to cater to seniors who wish to be as independent as they want while having the caring and compassionate support of our team. When considering assisted living, one important question to ask is, what is the philosophy of assisted living? This will drive their core values and the treatment of their residents.
Person-Centered Care
The philosophy of assisted living is person-centered care. This is the idea that each individual resident deserves care based on their specific needs. There shouldn’t be a blanket approach to each resident. For example, going for a light jog can be a good activity that promotes health and well-being. This could be a great activity for one resident but a terrible one for another. Residents have different levels of health and abilities, so a blanket approach is not ideal.
Other Guiding Principles
Some other guiding principles that are important for living facilities to have include:
- A good facility will have strong ethics, meaning that each resident is treated fairly and appropriately and individual accommodations are provided.
- The rights and dignity of each resident should be respected. Everyone has a unique background. They have diverse experiences and different values. Each one should be respected by the facility.
- Residents should feel safe and always protected while in the facility. The facility is responsible for having security systems in place that protect the residents from harm. This can include surveillance cameras, security cards, locked doors, and any other security device. Having proper maintenance and ensuring these devices are always up and running is critical.
- A good facility will empower its residents to seek community with each other. Many people come to a facility because they want to enjoy the social atmosphere but in a safe environment with assistance. Social activities, low-impact sports, community engagement, and games are great ways to promote community.
- Assisted living is meant to encourage the independence of its residents to the extent they can handle it. While some residents may need more hands-on assistance, some may need only a little assistance. Each resident deserves to enjoy the degree of independence they wish.
This principle is important because some seniors may struggle to accept going to a facility because they must give up some independence. It’s important to note that even in the facility, they will still be able to have the independence they value.
These are just a few of the many principles that are incorporated into properly caring for our aging loved ones through assisted living facilities. It can be difficult to take the step into an assisted living facility, but they are here to help ensure your loved one continues receiving the quality of life they are entitled to.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Core Principle of Assisted Living?
A: One of the core principles of assisted living is person-centered care. This means that each resident receives the level of care they deserve based on their needs. Facilities provide a healthy mix of companionship, privacy, security, and independence to its residents. The goal of the facility is to support the resident’s lifestyle and promote their independence.
Q: What Is Assisted Living?
A: Assisted living is a type of care for seniors. It is housing that provides daily support and care for those who need assistance completing their daily tasks but don’t necessarily need the level of medical care provided in nursing homes. In assisted living, there is a variety of services. These can include personal care, meals, social and recreational activities, and other services like fitness centers, beauty salons, spas, movie theaters, etc.
Q: What Is the Average Age of Those in an Assisted Living Facility?
A: Studies show that the average age of those in an assisted living facility is nearly 87 years old, while those in a nursing home average much less at 79 years of age. One contributing factor to this age discrepancy is the health of the residents. In an assisted living facility, residents are more independent and likely to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle in their own homes with the care of a facility. Those in a nursing home may require more support at an earlier age.
Q: What Are the Disadvantages of Assisted Living?
A: One disadvantage of assisted living is the adjustment to a new way of living. This can be difficult for loved ones at first. Some may be apprehensive about moving into a new facility. This adjustment can also be difficult for the other family members. However, once many residents adjust and engage with other residents, they can settle into their new way of life.
Q: Who Is a Good Fit for Assisted Living?
A: A good fit for assisted living would be a senior who needs help or will need help in the future with their daily activities but may not need 24-hour medical supervision. Daily activities could include getting dressed, eating, bathing, or taking their necessary medications. Anyone who wants to maintain their social connections through a community of like-minded individuals may also be a good fit.
A Facility That Cares
When deciding on an assisted living facility, you want to choose one that employs the philosophies you’re looking for. You need a facility that cares deeply about its residents, keeps them safe and secure, promotes an engaging social community, encourages them to participate in activities, and provides a level of care that’s tailored to their specific needs. Your loved one is important and deserves the highest level of care, and a living facility can offer that.
The living facilities at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living are state-of-the-art. Our mission is to cultivate an enriching environment for seniors to feel at home and for caregivers to feel connected to their purpose. We aim to ensure our residents feel loved and cared for every day. Our facilities are a great fit for those who want to continue living an independent, engaging lifestyle but need some assistance with daily tasks. Contact us today to see how we can help.