If you have an elderly loved one who can no longer live independently, you may wonder what your options are. One option that is growing in popularity is assisted living. But what is assisted living? And what should you expect if your loved one moves into this type of care? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.
Understanding Assisted Living
Assisted living is a kind of housing that focuses on accommodating individuals who need various levels of medical and long-term care. It is an excellent option for older people who have difficulty with daily living at home but want to live independently.
Living spaces at assisted living communities are usually individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters. These facilities offer services to help residents with daily living while residents can still enjoy an independent lifestyle.
They will receive support for daily activities, including cleaning and meal preparation. The monthly rental of assisted living facilities often includes housekeeping and maintenance services, including utilities, meals, laundry services, and transportation.
Besides having peace of mind thanks to the maintenance-free lifestyle, residents have access to a wide range of recreational activities and social events.
What Services Do Assisted Living Communities Offer?
Many assisted living facilities are available, each offering different sets of services. The common services include:
- One to three meals daily
- Personal care, including bathing and dressing
- Monitoring of medication
- 24/7 emergency care
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Certain medical services
- Senior recreation and social services
6 Tips for Transitioning to a Senior Living Community
When answering the question “what is assisted living?”, it is worth noting that transitioning to an assisted living community can be challenging. The person moving to an assisted living facility and their loved ones may experience many emotions and anxieties during the process.
You can do various things to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your loved one.
1. Choose the Right Community
With numerous assisted living options available, you should research and find the most suitable one for you or your loved one. Take the time to tour several assisted living facilities in your area. You want to get a feel of the social environment, amenities, dining, staff friendliness, and the overall comfort of each place.
Be sure to ask the facility’s leadership questions to help you make an informed decision. Always trust your gut feeling when doubtful of any information provided.
2. Arrange a Pre-Visit Before Moving In
Once you find the right community for your needs and budget, consider visiting it one more time before moving in. You want to familiarize yourself with critical aspects of the community before you transition. You can do various things during your pre-visit, such as:
- Exploring the campus
- Speaking with the residents
- Enjoying a meal in the dining area
- Participating in a social event or activity
3. Allow Time for the Emotional Transition
Few individuals are 100% ready for this kind of transition. It is normal to experience some worries, regardless of how prepared you are for a move to assisted living. Some of the most effective ways to deal with such feelings include:
- Capitalizing on emotional, spiritual, and social support from friends, family, spiritual leaders, and online resources
- Expressing your fears
- Being patient–we all have different timelines for an emotional transition
4. Familiarize Yourself With Neighbors
After moving into an assisted living facility, one of the first things to do is get acquainted with your neighbors. Treat every person you meet as a potential friend. You may learn from your neighbors since they have undergone the same transition period.
5. Get Acquainted With Staff and Caregivers
During the first few days, you should familiarize yourself with various staff members and caregivers at the assisted living facility. The staff’s primary role is to ensure you or your loved one is comfortable at the facility.
The caregivers will understand your needs and create a personalized plan. Be sure to seek any answers or clarifications you need from them.
6. Participate in Community Activities and Events
Assisted living communities offer a wide range of social activities to keep the residents engaged and happy. Ensure you get a copy of your community’s social calendar so that you don’t miss out on the fun. Engaging in community events during your early days helps you learn what is available and interact with other residents.
Birchwood Suites Offers Outstanding Assisted Living in East Northport
Now that you can answer, “what is assisted living?”, if you are looking for a reliable and affordable facility in East Northport, you can’t go wrong with Birchwood Suites Assisted Living Community. The community offers its residents all the comforts of home, and the caring staff is committed to each resident’s physical, social, and psychological needs.
To learn more about Birchwood Suites or to schedule a tour, please call 631-368-5252 or email admissions@birchwoodsuites.com.
Birchwood Suites proudly serves the communities of East Northport, Elwood and Kings Park, New York.
