How to Choose an Assisted Living Residence

06/03/2010

What is Assisted Living?

There are many misconceptions about Assisted Living Residences and Communities, despite the growing need for such senior housing options. There are currently nearly a million people living in Assisted Living Residences nationwide in more than 38,000 homes and communities, over 537 of them are right here in Colorado. With these statistics, it is not hard to imagine how daunting the task can be to find the right home.

An Assisted Living Residence provides housing, personalized support services and help with activities of daily living, but not skilled nursing care that can only be provided in a Nursing Home.  Assisted Living can bridge the gap between living at home independently and living in a nursing home. [

Fast Facts from the National Center for Assisted Living:

·         The average age for Assisted Living residents is 85 years old

·         Three-fourths of Assisted Living residents are female with 24% of residents being males

·         Average cost for Assisted Living is $2,627

There are many reasons that seniors move into Assisted Living Residents, but the most common reasons are for medication management, assistance with bathing and dressing, and the need for supervision. Other personal services that are often provided, but may vary from one home to another include:

·         Prepared meals in a common dining room

·         Housekeeping

·         Laundry

·         Transportation

·         Exercise program

·         Recreational and social program

Assisted Living Residences are licensed by the state and have between 4 and 200 residents. They are usually private pay on a month to month basis, but some homes do have a “buy-in” feature. Most homes also have a daily rate for Respite or temporary stays for about $100 per day.

Assisted Living can be in a home-like setting, apartment style, shared or private rooms, and may have other options such as independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care at the same location.

Visitors to our website http://Denver.AssistedLivingLocators.com are encouraged to complete our short online assessment to determine what care level is needed. The following factors could indicate a need for Assisted Living.

·         Needing regular supervision for safety or has fallen more than three times in the past year

·         Requiring assistance to move about or would need assistance to evacuate self in an emergency

·         Needing assistance with meals either in setting up, food preparation, or in cleaning up

·         Needing frequent reminders for activities of daily living and/or  forgetfulness/confusion

·         Needing assistance or reminders for medication management

·         Difficulty with shopping, housework, and/or laundry.

How to choose an Assisted Living

Looking for an Assisted Living Residence can be overwhelming; using an Eldercare Advisor can save you a lot of time and effort.  At Assisted Living Locators, we recommend spending time in the homes/communities, having a meal, and talking with other residents.

 Our services help seniors and their families find a home that matches their physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. We help people find a new place to call home where they can have the comfort and support of twenty-four hour assistance in a setting that offers them the  best quality of life.

This article was submitted by Kim Massetti, Registered Nurse and owner of Assisted Living Locators of Colorado. For more information contact Assisted Living Locators at (303)957-2555 or visit the website at www.denver.assistedlivinglocators.com