Understanding the scope and benefits of assisted living is crucial for older adults and families as they explore options for where to safely and happily spend their golden years. In this blog, we’ll demystify some common misunderstandings about assisted living, explaining how it differs from a nursing home setting, what services assisted living teams offer, what they don’t offer, and the unique advantages this type of living provides.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a residential option for older adults who want or need help with some of the activities of daily living—things like cooking meals, getting to the bathroom, keeping the house clean, traveling to appointments, and more. It’s a bridge for those who require some more assistance than independent living provides but don’t need the high level of care a nursing home (or skilled nursing facility) offers.
How does assisted living differ from a nursing home setting?
The main difference between assisted living and nursing homes lies in the level of care provided. Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, offer a higher level of medical care and are typically recommended for older adults with more serious health conditions who require 24/7 monitoring and medical assistance.
On the other hand, assisted living offers a blend of independence and assistance, focusing on helping residents with day-to-day tasks while still allowing them a significant degree of autonomy.
We have a whole blog on this exact topic if you want to learn more – check it out.
What does an assisted living team provide?
Assisted living teams offer a variety of services designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for older adults who can’t, or prefer not to, live alone.
These services include, but are not limited to:
- Meal preparation and dietary management.
- Assistance with personal care activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- Housekeeping and laundry services.
- Transportation to and from appointments and social outings.
- Social and recreational activities.
- 24-hour staff support available.
What does an assisted living team not provide?
It’s important to understand that assisted living does not provide the intensive medical and nursing care found in a nursing home. For instance, residents typically do not have 24-hour access to a nurse, and most facilities do not offer complex medical services on-site.
While you will have access to staff around the clock at an assisted living facility, the team is meant for you to lean on for help rather than rely on for all of your needs. You can think of them as an extension of your family – willing to help, care for, and support you, but not able to provide complex medical care.
What is an assisted living community like?
Assisted living communities are designed to feel like home and offer a warm, welcoming environment.
They often include private or semi-private rooms or apartments, communal dining areas, libraries, fitness centers, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Top-rated assisted living facilities will emphasize creating a warm, community-oriented environment where residents can engage with each other and enjoy various activities. It’s not meant to feel stale or stuffy – it’s meant to feel like a cozy living space with options for you to enjoy life each day.
7 key benefits of assisted living
There are several benefits older adults can take advantage of while living in an assisted living facility like Sonida Senior Living communities, including:
- Personalized care plans: Each resident receives care tailored to their specific health and wellness needs.
- Opportunities for social engagement: A wide range of social, educational, and recreational activities are offered to ensure residents are never bored.
- Safe living environment: Designed with the safety and mobility needs of older adults in mind, these facilities are easy to navigate and safe to live in.
- Health and wellness programs: These programs are curated with the goal of keeping residents physically and mentally active at every stage of life.
- Nutritious dining options: Meals are prepared daily keeping the dietary needs and special preferences of residents in mind when crafting the menu.
- Family involvement: Encouraging family members to be a part of the residents’ lives is a key part of life in an assisted living facility. And if your family isn’t close by, you can rest assured that you are never alone.
- Reduced home maintenance stress: With a team behind you to help clean, change sheets and more, taking care of household chores and maintenance is a breeze.
Overall, an assisted living team provides older adults with a careful balance of independence and support. With a range of services and amenities designed to make life comfortable and enjoyable, it’s an option that allows people to age gracefully while receiving the care and attention they need.
If you’re interested in learning more about Sonida Senior Living’s assisted living options, get in touch. Our team can’t wait to meet you.
