What Is Assisted Living? Exploring Housing Options for Seniors
"Record," ironically enough, holds the record for the English word with the most synonyms. One hundred twenty-nine other words have similar or almost identical meanings.
When looking for elderly care services, it can feel like you're looking through a thesaurus. What's the difference between all of these options? What kind of care can they provide?
Read on to look deeper into one of the most common options. What is assisted living? How can you decide if it's the best choice for you among all your options?
What Is Assisted Living?
What is assisted living? What does it provide for residents that other options may not?
It's a residential care option for seniors who require daily living assistance but not intensive medical care. Stays in these communities can be temporary or permanent.
Residents may need help with ADLs or activities of daily living. These may include:
- Eating
- Toileting
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Medication management
- Mobility
Assisted living community services involve more than these essential activities. They offer everything that residents could need. They combine:
- Housing
- Personal care
- Healthcare
- Activities and amenities
Levels of Care
There are different levels of care. Most San Fransico assisted living communities have patients on a variety of levels.
Residents need to know what level they're at before they move in and what level they'll need in the future. If a community is too protective or can't provide the right level of care, it's best to move on to another.
Level One
Level one is known as "minimal assistance needed." They can go about their day with minimal help.
That includes social activities. Residents at this level can attend most social events and will remember to do so.
Level Two
Level two is known as "low assistance needed." Seniors at this level may have minor impairments or health problems
This could cause them to need help with or reminders about daily tasks, including ADLs.
Level Three
Level three is known as "moderate assistance." Residents at this level may have mobility issues or experience cognitive decline.
This could lead to regular problems with ADLs or social settings. The staff may need to remind them when it's time to perform important tasks such as bathing or taking their medicine.
Level Four
Level four is known as the "high amount of assistance needed" level. The staff needs to help them almost constantly with their daily functioning.
Mobility issues and cognitive decline are highly likely at this level.
Level Five
Level five is for residents who require full-time daily assistance. They need help with almost all ADLs and may also need help socializing.
It takes a specialized community to provide this level of care, or level four for that matter. Not all assisted living communities can, but it's best to find one that does in case the need arises.
Differences Between Assisted Living and Other Senior Housing Options
The primary difference between assisted living and other senior housing options is the level of autonomy and independence they provide.
The communities don't take the hands-off approach of independent living or retirement living homes. They also won't provide the same complex medical care that nursing homes do.
Staff at an assisted living community only offer the level of care that residents need. They don't come in when they're not required, helping to maintain independence.
Memory care in San Fransico is an entirely different beast. It's uniquely suited to the needs of the over 6.9 million seniors suffering from memory conditions such as dementia and Alzheimers.
The staff understands the unique challenges these conditions provide. They have the skills to keep residents safe and prevent them from wandering.
Benefits of Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities have advantages over other senior care options.
They provide comprehensive and personalized care while letting residents remain independent. They also encourage social engagement with a full calendar of activities.
Personalized Care
The staff at assisted living communities don't look at residents like a number. They're a part of a community.
A personalized care plan will meet their individual needs. They'll have the exact level of care they need while maintaining their independence.
Amenities and Activities
Amenities include much more than a comfortable pool or delicious meals. They also include engaging activities. Assisted living in San Fransico, California, can also provide opportunities to explore the local area.
Activities give residents a fun way to spend their time. Exercise groups encourage them to stay active. They can also learn or enhance a skill, engaging their body and mind.
Social Engagement
Many of an assisted living community's best activities can be performed in groups. This allows residents to create friendships and interact with each other.
It provides social engagement. Preventing loneliness protects mental and physical health.
Choosing an Assisted Living Community
Start narrowing down your search for the right community using location. Finding local assisted living in San Francisco makes visiting and moving in more convenient.
Look for San Fransisco memory care services within the same community. This is helpful even if no cognitive decline exists yet because if these issues start to develop, there will be no need to transition to a new community.
Tour the community to understand what it would be like to live there. Examine the floor plans to ensure the rooms are clean and private.
See if the available activities match the future resident's preferences and interests. Ask the current residents for their opinions. You could even start a potential friendship.
Get an overview of the community's costs and compare them with your budget. It's a major red flag if they won't provide a comprehensive quote or try to hide fees.
Find the Right Best San Fransisco Assisted Living Community
What is assisted living? This senior care option provides housing and amenities along with personal care. It's a balance of assistance and autonomy that doesn't require sacrificing independence.
Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco is located right in the middle of the best neighborhoods in the Bay Area. We also offer exceptional care and engaging amenities.
Our options for senior living in San Fransico include assisted living and memory care communities. Contact us today to become part of them. We'll help you feel right at home.