BackWhen Home Isn't the Place to Be: Assisted Living Options
Article submitted by Patricia Kennedy-Stefanac, MSW, LCSW. She and her Social Work staff can be reached at 602-840-5461.
Does your loved one need help with her daily activities? Are daily medications being forgotten? Is your loved one falling or having difficulty getting around? These situations are signs that remaining at home alone is becoming unsafe.
Assisted Living Facilities offer 24 hour supervision, as well as assistance with an individual's personal care needs, such as ambulation, dressing and grooming, nutrition, incontinence care and medical management. Facilities can offer as much assistance as needed, or as little care with the individual remaining as independent and autonomous as possible. Hospice and Home Health services are available.
In addition to care, Assisted Living provides social programming, activities to promote friendship, and an array of stimulating activities designed to fit each resident's ability level and interest within a supportive environment.
Assisted Living Facilities can vary greatly. For example, residents who choose Assisted Living Centers enjoy their own or a shared apartment where staff offers a plan of personalized care in each resident's own apartment. These facilities are very social in nature with restaurant style dining, an activity director, local transportation and laundry services.
Some Assisted Living Centers are designed for the resident whose life has been touched by dementia and cognitive impairment. Social activities, nutritional services and personal care are offered in a more secured environment.
Assisted Living Homes offer care for up to ten residents. These single-family homes can be found in almost every neighborhood and range from large and luxurious to small and cozy. The atmosphere is family-style. Residents can bring their own furniture and sometimes a pet. Rooms are private or semi-private. Many offer master suites that are ideal for married couples. Residents receive "eyes on" supervision and a very high level of care when needed.
Choosing the right Assisted Living Facility is no easy task. Adult Care Connection, Inc. provides consultation services to Seniors requiring assessments and out of home housing and care. Staffed by Arizona licensed Medical Social Workers, families can receive the support and education needed to choose an appropriate care facility and other needed community services, at no charge.