How to Determine When it is Time for Assisted Living
With Americans living longer than ever before, a growing number of seniors and their caregivers are faced with a critical question: does my loved one need an assisted living or skilled nursing community? The distinction between these two types of care can sometimes be confusing. The primary difference lies in the level of medical care provided. Skilled nursing caters to individuals with more serious medical conditions, offering the highest level of health care outside a hospital. Assisted living communities, while they may have nursing staff and health clinics, primarily focus on helping residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs). In fact, to qualify for residency in an assisted living community, an older adult must be experiencing difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs).
These ADLs include tasks such as:
- Ambulating or functional mobility: To move about freely and safely.
- Feeding: To feed oneself.
- Dressing: To assemble an outfit and put clothes on properly.
- Personal hygiene: To manage aspects of personal hygiene, such as bathing, grooming, and brushing teeth.
- Continence: To control both bladder and bowel movements.
- Toileting: To get to and from the restroom, use the restroom properly, and clean the self properly.
To qualify for assisted living, an individual must typically require help with one or more of these tasks. Unlike skilled nursing, assisted living residents maintain a higher degree of independence, often living in private apartments with their own kitchen and bathroom, while receiving assistance with daily routines like cooking, household chores, and personal care. This setup allows for a balance of support and independence, which can be appealing to many older adults.
Can Couples Live Together in Assisted Living?
Couples are generally able to live together in assisted living, which should be something to consider when choosing an assisted living floor plan. In fact, residents often thrive when they feel like their assisted living community is home. Having loved ones contributes to that sense of well being. Conversely, a skilled nursing suite rarely allows couples to live together.
Questions you should ask before touring an assisted living community
- What types of living spaces do you currently have available?
- What services does the monthly fee include?
- Do you offer on-site health services?
- Do you offer a variety of meal options?
- How flexible are the meal options?
- What kind of experience and training does staff have?
- Do you allow pets?
- What payment sources do you accept?
Quality of Life at Dayspring Villa
Nestled on a peaceful, tree-lined street conveniently located west of downtown Denver, the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood provides assisted living residents with a serene retreat from city life while keeping them conveniently close to all the urban amenities. This highly sought-after neighborhood, rich in history and diversity, boasts picturesque scenery, vibrant culture, and a business community that is accessible, historic, and walkable.
Our community is just a short walk or van ride from Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver’s second largest park spanning 177 acres. With stunning views of the city skyline and the majestic Rocky Mountains, the park is a favorite for locals to enjoy sunsets.
At Dayspring Villa, we believe in lifelong learning and growth. Residents enjoy daily opportunities to engage in activities such as exercise, games, arts and crafts, field trips, discussion groups, technology, and films. From its well-designed apartment homes to our ideal location just blocks from Sloan’s Lake Park, Dayspring Villa’s offers all the comforts of maintenance-free apartment living and the extra support seniors need to live life to the fullest.
With a variety of amenities, healthy dining plans, and complimentary transportation for community outings, Dayspring Villa provides a carefree lifestyle for residents. Explore our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. Or contact us today to find out if Dayspring Villa is right for your loved one.
