Assisted living facilities provide older adults or those who are unable to care for themselves for other reasons a place where they can still enjoy a number of social activities while in an environment where skilled caregivers can look after them. Facilities can vary in many ways in terms of what amenities they offer, what daily services they provide, and whether or not they offer outings for residents. However, many families don’t know where to look for care or whether or not their family member is even eligible for admission. Read on if you want to learn more about what would qualify someone for admission to an assisted living facility.
What qualifies someone for assisted living?
The criteria for admission to an assisted living facility can vary, though a candidate typically requires help with at least two tasks considered essential for daily living, which include meal preparation, personal care, medication management, and day-to-day activities. There are other options for long-term care if your loved one either doesn’t require assisted living yet or requires more intensive care than can be provided by assisted living facilities.
Though many people assume transitioning to an assisted living facility is permanent, many people take advantage of temporary assisted living while recovering from an injury or accident that has rendered them unable to carry out essential daily tasks. Some procedures, like bulging disc in neck surgery, don’t typically require living in a long-term care environment, but many others can seriously impede your ability to care for yourself during your recovery.
When looking for an assisted living facility, it’s important to keep in mind that they can vary significantly in terms of the experience provided. You should look for a facility that has a reputation for providing skilled nursing care. Amenities should also be taken into consideration, especially for those who are still able to participate in some daily activities. If you need assisted living in Boonton Township, NJ, Victoria Mews is a great option that will ensure your loved one has what they need to maximize their quality of life and provide them with the level of care they need.
What amenities do assisted living facilities offer?
There is a lot of variability in terms of what amenities are provided to residents at assisted living facilities. It’s important to make sure that accommodations are provided with regard to medical care, security, and round-the-clock assistance. The best facilities will offer features like an emergency call response system in all rooms and secure entrances and exits.
Amenities like multiple dining areas, beauty services, a well-stocked library, and individually controlled thermostats in each room can also make living in a skilled nursing facility more comfortable. Larger facilities with more amenities and activities available can be more expensive, but it’s worth the investment to make sure that your loved one’s individual needs are being met and that they have social activities to engage in on a regular basis.
If your family member or loved one speaks English as a second language or prefers to communicate in a different language, you should make sure that the facility employs staff members who are able to communicate with them. Fortunately, many care homes employ a diverse staff that speaks a variety of languages. This is particularly important now since COVID-19 has caused visitation restrictions that can make it difficult for you to step in and assist, though this is beginning to change.
If you decide that assisted living is the right choice for your loved one, take the time to find a quality assisted living community that you trust to provide excellent care. Prioritize facilities that will give them the opportunity for recreation through planned outings, personal care services, and even exercise classes. Just because someone requires residential care doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of participating in a lot of games and classes. You can give your loved ones the medical care and monitoring they need while also giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re safe.
