How Assisted is Assisted Living?

That's a great question, and one that any high quality assisted living community should be prepared to answer. First, it's important to point out that an assisted living community is typically not the same thing as a skilled nursing facility, more commonly referred to as a "nursing home."

Instead, an assisted living community is far more likely to be a large, campus-like property featuring upscale apartment homes, many of them with multiple bedrooms, accommodating kitchens and cozy living rooms. In most cases, assisted living communities are designed for active, vibrant seniors who wish to live independently while still having access to assistance from a helpful, caring staff. Some residents need more staff support than others; assisted living communities are diverse places where seniors of all ages and abilities can comfortably reside.

As said, an assisted living community should employ a helpful, properly trained staff. While some staff members may be medically trained, there are also recreation directors who offer scheduled classes and fun programs, in addition to a concierge who can arrange transportation or call the valet to bring a resident's own car to the front. Yes, it's true: Some assisted living residents still drive their own vehicles. Modern assisted living is not at all like what many people envision, and that should be refreshing to seniors and their family members when considering whether assisted living is right for them.

In fact, many assisted living communities feature everything residents need to enjoy full, rich social lives right on the campus. That may include recreational amenities such as a movie theater, and it could also include fitness facilities or even a beauty salon. The grounds may feature walking trails and gardens, which are normally available to residents with little to no restriction. Of course, residents that want to go offsite can venture out whenever they wish, whether it's in their own vehicles or with a family member who picks them up. Sometimes, residents may choose to go out socially together. They can also request transportation from the community driver, although there is normally a distance limit of five to ten miles. Inside their apartment homes, assisted living residents can request help for various living tasks if they need to; otherwise, they are free to go about their business as they please.

As for dining, the best assisted living communities make mealtimes an event for everyone to look forward to. They may have experienced executive chefs preparing meals, staffed by sous chefs who are also trained in the culinary arts. If so, these professionals will most likely specialize in creating delicious gourmet meals that are low in fat, sugar and salt without losing their restaurant-quality caliber. Family members are often welcome to come dine with their loved ones, including grandchildren who may enjoy spending the night from time to time. Because a high quality assisted living community mimics a resort environment, family members truly look forward to visiting their parents and grandparents. The right assisted living community can actually bring a family closer together by making Mom's, Dad's, Grandma's or Grandpa's home an inviting, relaxing and fun place to be. Couples are free to live together in their apartment homes, of course; in the assisted living environment, seniors can continue living life on their own terms.

So, how assisted is assisted living? As assisted as you want it to be. Seniors who need daily assistance have access to it, and those who don't are free to go about their days unassisted. Seniors and their families can be assured that an assisted living community is not a "nursing home;" it's just home, period.

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