The Facts About Assisted Living

When someone mentions assisted living, the first thing that comes to your mind might be a nursing home, but that is not the case. As with Shady Lawn Nursing Home in Dalton, Ohio, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often combined. So, what is the difference? I am here to explain that to you.

Nursing homes are a place for those who can no longer care for themselves in any capacity. Assisted living facilities provide graduated levels of help to the elderly, developmentally disabled, or physically handicapped members of society.

Assisted living means just that, help where it is needed. Assisted living communities allow for all of the independence that the patient needs. This could mean help with cooking and cleaning, reminders to take medications, physical therapy, or help with other activities of daily living (ADL's). Patients in a nursing home are provided with 24/7 nursing care, whereas a person living in an assisted living facility is encouraged to carry on normal ADL's as their condition allows.

Assisted living communities may be staffed with nurses, certified nursing assistants (cna's), as well as certified homemakers and dietitians. When looking for an assisted living facility, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

1. Transferring from home to an assisted living community can be difficult. To ease the transition, you will want to choose an assisted living facility that allows the maximum amount of personal possessions. This could consist of a bed, photos, chair, or sheets and blankets from home. When a patient is allowed to bring more personal items, he or she is more likely to adjust to the assisted living environment in a healthy way.

2. Research the potential assisted living facility in a thorough manner. Elder abuse is a growing problem in the United States, so you need to be sure that there are no past or present allegations involving this assisted living community.

3. Visit the assisted living facility several times before the new resident is scheduled to move in. Notice the cleanliness of the facility, the attitudes of the staff as well as the attitude of the other residents of the assisted living community. If the other residents seem unhappy or depressed on a regular basis, or the staff seems condescending, authoritarian, or unfriendly, it is time to look for another facility. Remember that an assisted living facility is a home, not a prison.

4. Consider the grounds, as well as the opportunities for outings. Residents of an assisted living facility are not living there to be removed from society. The residents of an assisted living community should be able to go for walks, or "field trips" as often as their particular condition allows.

5. Most assisted living facilities provide meals, if needed by the resident. It is a good idea to visit the facility at mealtimes, prior to move-in, to ascertain the standard fare. Sandwiches or other "quick" meals on a daily basis are not indicative of a healthy diet plan. It is also advisable to speak to the dietitian on staff to ensure that all of the residents dietary needs are going to be met.

Remember, when choosing an assisted living facility for yourself, or a loved one, your doctor will guide you in the right direction. Always pay attention to your surroundings when considering an assisted living facility. If the staff and other residents appear unhappy, chances are good that the new resident will feel the same way.