By Brad Rhodes

Assisted living is a type of housing option for seniors or disabled individuals who need help with daily activities but still want to maintain some level of independence. It’s a middle ground between independent living (such as in a private home or senior apartments) and more intensive care services like those found in a nursing home.

Assisted living facilities typically offer a range of services to support residents, including:

• Personal care: Staff members are available to help with personal needs like bathing, dressing, eating and mobility.
• Medication management: Assistance with taking the correct medications at the right times.
• Meals: Facilities typically provide three meals a day tailored to the dietary needs of their residents.
• Housekeeping and laundry: Regular cleaning and laundry services are often included.
• Social activities and recreation: Assisted living facilities often have a full schedule of activities and events to keep residents active and engaged. These might include fitness classes, arts and crafts, games, movie nights and outings.
• Transportation: Scheduled transportation services may be provided for shopping, appointments and outings.
• Healthcare services: While not a replacement for a full-time medical facility, assisted living communities often have healthcare professionals on-site or on-call.
• Security: To ensure residents’ safety, assisted living facilities typically have security features such as 24-hour staff, emergency call systems, and safe, walkable areas.

In an assisted living facility, each resident typically has their own apartment or room, and common areas are shared. The goal of assisted living is to provide a supportive living environment where seniors can maintain a level of independence, while also receiving the personal care and support they need.

Please note that rules, regulations and services provided can vary widely from one facility to another and from state to state. Some facilities may offer more advanced medical care, while others may focus more on providing a social and community environment. It’s important to research and visit facilities in person to determine the best fit for individual needs and preferences.

Finding the right assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one involves careful research and planning. Here are some steps to guide you through the process.

First, evaluate the level of care that you or your loved one requires. This could be based on a variety of needs such as medical conditions, mobility, dietary needs and personal care needs.

Next, begin doing online research to find assisted living facilities in the desired location. There are many websites and online directories where you can find information about different facilities. You can usually filter by location, services provided, cost and more.

In addition to online research, contacting local health departments or agencies on aging could prove useful. These organizations often have resources that can help you navigate the process of finding an assisted living facility. They may also have knowledge of financial assistance programs.

After you have identified potential facilities, the next step is to schedule a visit. During your visit, pay attention to the environment, the staff, and the residents. This can give you an idea of what daily life is like at the facility.

Checking the facility’s safety and quality standards is another important step. This might involve looking into state inspection records, any violation histories or any complaints made against the facility.

Lastly, cost is a significant consideration when choosing an assisted living facility. Make sure to understand what is included in the cost, and if there might be any additional charges for specific services.

Remember, choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision. Take your time to research and visit multiple facilities, and always ask any questions you may have to make sure you’re making the best choice for you or your loved one’s needs.

Brad Rhodes lives in Lexington and is a member of Syndicated Columnists.