Everything You Need To Know About Assisted Living

Do you, or someone you love, need assisted living? Maybe you're not sure. You might be wondering, "What is assisted living?"

As people age, one of the more important things for many is the feeling they can maintain their independence. In fact, one of the biggest fears of today's aging adults is losing that independence. Understandably, numerous people enjoying their golden years want to do so at home – in the house they've lived in for years. But here's the reality: With ADLs (activities of daily living), one in five 85+ year old adults are currently receiving help or need it.

Can you, as an older adult, or your parent/loved one, still maintain some type of independence but receive the kind of care just mentioned? The answer is Yes. An assisted living community could be exactly what you're looking for.

What’s Provided in Assisted Living Communities

When someone moves into an assisted living community, they are assessed to make sure their care and specific needs can follow an individualized plan. Assisted living services most commonly include the following:

• To help with support, care, and safety, 24/7 staff availability
• Social programs and activities
• Transportation services
• Laundry services
• Meals (nutritional and delicious)
• Housekeeping
• Assistance with daily living activities (grooming, dressing, bathroom, etc.)
• Medication management

Overall, social engagement and a healthy lifestyle will be provided and encouraged. In some cases, to make their new abode feel more like home, residents are encouraged to bring personal items and even furniture. Memory care is provided by some communities that are licensed to do so.

What Is Not Provided by Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living is exactly that – assisted. The person in question receives as much assistance as they need, but it should fall short of a 24/7 need for skilled nursing and complete care.

Nursing home care and/or skilled nursing care should not be confused with assisted living. By specially trained medical staff, full-time care is given to residents of skilled nursing facilities. These are people who, either long-term or short-term, require a higher medical care level.

Another term that should not be confused with assisted living is "supportive services". In different states, that can have different definitions. It may mean specifically designed care for adults who are developmentally challenged. It can also mean a similar assisted living level of care.

Is It Time for Assisted Living?

There are numerous benefits to assisted living, including the amenities and services mentioned earlier. It may be time for assisted living and all that it provides, if – regarding your loved one – any of these issues have recently happened (in the last year or so):

• Regarding their safety and/or isolation, you have some serious concerns
• With activities of daily living (i.e., managing medication, bathing, getting dressed, etc.), they need more and more help
• To safely maneuver around the house, it's getting harder and harder
• You've noticed that their nutritional needs aren't being met and they always seem to be hungry or losing weight
• It's becoming more difficult for them to prepare meals
• With or without injury, at least one fall has been experienced

Enjoy Assisted Living or Independent Living At Aston Gardens At The Courtyards

Aston Gardens At The Courtyards is specifically designed to make sure that all the wants and needs of today's retired individuals are not only addressed but met. There are three distinct communities featured on our campus.

Our exclusive programs for senior living include the following:

• Connections Transportation
• Impressions Maintenance and Housekeeping
• Expressions Concierge
• Dimensions Fitness and Health
• Celebrations Activities and Events
• Sensations Dining
• Ambassadors Club

If you have questions or, even better, would like to schedule a tour, please contact us.