What is assisted living in a Residential Home?
As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, the need for senior care facilities is steadily increasing. Baby boomers reached retirement age back in 2011 and more people from their generation will retire by 2029.
Elderly people who are 85 years old and older are also increasing in number, expected to reach 12 million by 2035. This is because innovations in health care tend to make seniors live longer and lead more active and healthier lives.
Seniors have several options when they choose their living communities. One of these options is assisted living in a residential home. Residential assisted living is the term used for senior homes found in residential neighborhoods. This is an ideal alternative for retirees who don’t feel comfortable living in a bigger community.
According to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), there are currently around 76% of residents in an assisted living facility moved there directly from their own homes. ALFA also reports that assisted living facilities have a ratio of 7:1, women to men.
Features of an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities in residential homes have a higher resident-to-caregiver ratio, about 5:1. The main focus of these types of facilities is to create a feeling of “home” for the residents. There are round-the-clock supervision and assistance in these facilities. They also offer exercise, health, and wellness programs.
There are standard services offered in a residential care home. These include three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry, social activities, medication management, transportation to doctor’s appointments, and cable and utilities. The cost of living in a residential care home varies and usually depends on room privacy. Seniors can choose from either private or shared rooms.
Some assisted living facilities to offer more tailored or specialized support for certain individuals. For instance, there are homes specifically meant for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Benefits of Assisted Living in a Residential Home
- It has the feeling of being less “institutional” and evokes the warmth and comfort of home.
- Residents usually have a degree of control and autonomy in these types of homes compared to institutional assisted living facilities.
- Seniors experience more personalized attention in residential care homes.
- Residents benefit from a compassionate and dedicated team of people that are there to help them.
- Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need a higher level of care.
- These assisted living facilities help promote independence for the residents and help them become more socially active.
- Family members are assured that their aging loved ones are being well cared for.
Assisted Living Facility in Indianapolis
Residential assisted living in Indianapolis is governed by rules and regulations that ensure the quality of life of each resident living in the facility. Indiana State has the Family and Social Services Administration tasked to carry out surveys on health and inspects complaints in order to assess the compliance of providers.
What are your thoughts or experiences with Assisted Living in a Residential home vs a traditional facility?