Assisted Living: An Alternative Housing for Senior Citizens

An elderly loved one who is already affected by Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia may thrive better in an assisted living facility, where they can get the proper support they need at this stage in their lives. This type of setting is different from a conventional nursing or senior home because it specializes in providing specialized memory care. Assisted living can be a better alternative to regular senior homes if you want your loved one to retain his or her independence and continue living life to the fullest as much as possible.

Autonomy is one of the factors that make assisted living different from other elderly care facilities.  Although independence is encouraged, seniors still receive constant care and supervision for their emotional and physical needs. Medical care can be arranged as required, too, as well as round-the-clock supervision when dementia is already in the advanced stages. Assisted living will provide a home that feels like home as seniors are encouraged to continue being active, sociable, and capable of enjoying the things they loved to do daily. Their routines will be incorporated in their daily activities, too, so they can feel as comfortable as possible.

The staff at assisted living facilities can help create schedules and facilitate the regular tasks, nutrition, social activities, medication, and food preparation, but the daily activities are up to the residents. The staff can assist with dressing and bathing, too, as well as communication with the family. This way, assisted living is more capable of helping your loved one celebrate the person he or she has been. This type of setup can be helpful in triggering pleasant memories in your loved one’s life. A good assisted living facility for senior citizens maintain a small population of residents, while ensuring a high staffing ratio. Some of the best homes are a 16-bed facility with one caregiver for every five residents.