Common Services an Assisted Living Facility Provides
Transitioning to an assisted living facility can be challenging for seniors and their families. It’s a new stage of life that comes with many concerns about the unknown. However, learning more can help put your mind at ease. Below, our team at Willow Haven Senior Homes, a provider or assisted living services in Carmel, IN, shares some insider insights.
What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
When it comes to long-term care, assisted living facilities, memory care, and nursing homes provide three distinct types of care.
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who require some help with daily activities but still want to remain semi-independent. These communities provide the structure, safety, and supervision older adults need while enabling them to live in a home-like environment.
Seniors who can no longer live safely on their own without assistance in most activities of daily living (ADLs) typically transition to a nursing home, with around-the-clock medical attention, or a memory care facility. Searching for a “nursing home near me” is best for individuals who need skilled nursing care for medical reasons, while memory care is for those with cognitive issues. These facilities provide 24/7 onsite staffing and personal care.
Willow Haven Senior Homes
What Services Do Assisted Living Facilities Provide?
Assisted living offers many services to help keep aging adults happy, healthy, and enjoying the highest quality of life. This well-rounded approach to senior care is what makes assisted living so attractive.
Personal Care
Assisted living provides personal care for residents who need assistance with certain daily tasks. Every individual is at a different stage in life, so personal care services will look different for each resident. The extent and frequency of these services depend on specific levels of care:
- Level 1 Care: The resident can handle activities of daily living (ADLs) with minimal assistance. However, they may need reminders for things like taking medication.
- Level 2 Care: The resident requires regular supervision and help with one or more specific ADLs, such as bathing or dressing. Staff members provide one-on-one assistance and a personalized care routine.
- Level 3 Care: The resident cannot perform most or any daily activities without hands-on assistance. Most states recognize this as the highest level of assisted living care.
Daily Meals
Residents at an assisted living facility have access to a dining room and meal service to provide a nutritious, well-balanced diet. The number of daily meals will vary depending on each resident’s preferences and needs. More independent residents may still cook for themselves.
Social and Recreational Activities
Assisted living communities provide social and recreational opportunities for their residents. Besides creating a sense of community, staying active and socializing helps prevent isolation, loneliness, depression, and other mental health issues.
Monitoring of Medication
Assisted living services may include medication management to ensure that residents stay safe and on schedule. Staff members can keep track of the patient’s medication intake and dispense the correct dosage if necessary. A senior care professional can also give daily reminders, helping the resident remember to take their medication at the right time.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Housekeeping and laundry grow increasingly challenging as you get older. At an assisted living facility, residents can expect help with these tasks. Examples of laundry and housekeeping services include:
- Picking up trash
- Sweeping and vacuuming
- Changing bed linens
- Scrubbing toilets and showers
24-Hour Emergency Care
Aging adults are more susceptible to slipping, falling, and suffering injuries that can initiate a cycle of rapid decline. Assisted living facilities provide 24-hour emergency services because accidents can occur anytime. Someone is always standing by to help.
Some Medical Services
Assisted living facilities usually provide access to medical services, though not 24/7 like nursing homes. Such services might include in-house doctor visits, home health care, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Find Assisted Living Near Me
Those looking for “assisted living near me” in Carmel, IN, should visit Willow Haven Senior Homes. Our community has plenty of safe, fun things to do and see, including:
- Visiting Coxhall Gardens
- Spending the day at River Road Park
- Attending events at the Center for the Performing Arts
- Taking a trip to the Museum of Miniatures
Getting good care at an assisted living facility is essential for aging adults. Our experienced staff members will greet you with a smile and treat every resident like family. Call us at (317) 207-0002 to start the conversation.