How to Determine When it is Time for Assisted Living
With an unprecedented number of Americans living longer than ever, many seniors – older adults and those who care for them are asking when it may be time to transition to a nursing home – skilled nursing communities or an assisted living community? These days, there can be confusion about the difference between assisted living and nursing homes. The main difference between the two is the level of medical care. Nursing homes serve people with more serious medical issues. They provide the highest level of health care outside of a hospital setting. An assisted living community, on the other hand, may have a nursing staff and a health clinic, but the primary focus is to help residents with the activities of daily living. In fact, to qualify for residency in an assisted living community, an older adult must be experiencing difficulties with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The six basic ADLs concerning one’s physical needs are:
- 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.
In other words, assisted living communities are for people who can still take care of themselves for the most part, but might need assistance with cooking, household tasks, and personal care. Residents still enjoy a private space, such as an apartment or condominium, with their own bathroom and kitchen.
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 or nursing home 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?
Quality of Life at Dayspring Villa
Dayspring Villa firmly believes that we never stop learning and growing regardless of our age. Residents are provided with daily opportunities to engage in experiences such as exercise, games, arts and crafts, field trips, discussion groups, technology, and films, From its well-designed apartment homes to its location just blocks from Sloan’s Lake Park, Dayspring Villa’s inclusive community offers all of the amenities of maintenance-free apartment living and extra support seniors need to live life to the fullest. Dayspring Villa offers residents a carefree way of living with a variety of amenities and healthy dining plans. Transportation is available to residents for community outings at no charge
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. Or contact us today to find out if Dayspring Villa is right for your loved one.
