Assisted Living Facilities range between terrible places that are featured on the news and luxury accommodations that very few people can afford. Most facilities fall somewhere in the middle. Assisted living is supposed to be for people who need some care on a daily basis, but not extensive care. Some places end up taking patients, rather than residents, to fill the bed space and bring in money. Avoid those facilities at all costs, because no one gets the right amount of care in that situation. Those who require more care command all the staff attention, and those who only need assistance get lost in the shuffle.
Assisted Living Facilities that focus on individuals and their needs rather than staffing and scheduling convenience strike a great balance between privacy and independence and assistance with care. Some facilities are part of an entire community geared toward retired seniors, such as Orchard Crest Retirement Community, for example. That type of set-up works well because people can stay in a place with which they are familiar, work with the staff they know, and maintain friendships with the same residents. They can still enjoy the common areas, amenities, and activities while getting the added services and care they need. Programs, such as light assisted living, can be initiated in current apartments, so residents can stay put longer. Scheduled assistance, such as medication and bathing help, can be done by trained staff. When a resident needs full assisted living services, they may need to change apartments, but still stay within the community.
Full assisted living services include 24/7 staffing and extended nursing staff, three meals served in the assisted living dining room, activities, weekly housekeeping and linen change, kitchenettes with full refrigerators, intercoms and emergency call systems in each apartment, and a physical therapy room. Other services are available for additional fees such as personal hygiene, dressing, and bathing assistance. incontinence care, transferring, escorting and mobility assistance, personal laundry, diabetic care and management by a licensed nurse, medication administration, and nutrition oversight. Short-stay respite services are also available in a fully furnished apartment with bedding, dishes, towels, and a television set. Individual care options are available to ensure all respite care needs are completed.
