One of the great things about assisted living is that the communities are designed for seniors who are able to maintain a high degree of independence, requiring assistance on a limited basis. However, as some conditions may develop or worsen, residents can encounter a new challenge: needing services or care beyond that which is offered at their retirement residence.
In these situations, residents may be confused about how to proceed.
Most communities offer only a select range of health care services, usually limited to medication monitoring and health record upkeep/maintenance. However, assisted living is different than life in nursing homes, so the equipment is generally not in place for more in-depth and extensive medical care. For example, weekly housekeeping services may have been sufficient when you or a loved one initially moved into a nursing home. As it becomes harder to maintain mobility with age, it may become necessary for someone to attend to your housekeeping and cleaning needs on a daily basis. In this case, it is time to consider making some changes so that your needs are met.
Options for increased care services
If a resident needs care beyond that which the staff can provide, they can choose to bring in-home care to their home at the assisted living residence. This is a great option for seniors who prefer to stay in their own home as opposed to going to a hospital or nursing home because they can hire the care they want and receive it in the comfort of their familiar surroundings.
For those with a more significant care needs, there are two options you might consider depending on the problem:
- If it is a short term, single event, residents may choose to stay at a hospital for treatment. Once they have recovered, they can return to their home at the assisted care residence and reassess their needs as necessary.
- If the condition is one that is rapidly deteriorating and ongoing care is a necessity, residents may choose to move into a nursing home where they will be able to receive the 24-hour care they need.
Often, memory problems are the first indication that a resident may need more than traditional assisted living. Although this can be upsetting to the resident and their loved ones, ignoring the signs of memory deterioration increases the possibility that the resident will injure themselves or suffer a lower quality of life. Fortunately, there are assisted living facilities and nursing homes specifically designed to meet the needs of patients dealing with these issues. These facilities are designed and staffed in a way that will protect the residents' safety while ensuring a higher quality of life.
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