As the years roll by, we become more conscious of the fact that our loved ones may need some additional care in the near future.
This is sometimes difficult to come to terms with and making a choice can equally be difficult. We often wonder at one point this service would be required and what will be the best option.
Assisted living communities generally offer care for seniors who need help with everyday tasks.
But not all facilities are the same. Generally, there is an expectation and that is what we intend to unravel in this article. While some Facilities may decide to take things a step further, some others may not.
1. Assisted living communities offer different levels of care.
Levels of care are determined by the resident’s needs, and they range from assisted living to nursing home level care. Assisted Living is mostly for residents who need help with:
- Cooking of meals
- Managing Regular Medications
- Personal care
- Rehabilitation
Most Assisted living communities are generally for patients who are:
- Mobile
- Stable and predictable to a certain level.
- Do not have prompt need for round the clock care
- Not Bedridden.
- Not battling with severe Memory care symptoms.
- Not Requiring exceptional skilled nursing services
2. Medical Assessment.
The individual also has to be assessed by a doctor or health professional.
The doctor will determine whether your condition qualifies you for this level of care and if so, what type of assistance you need. He also takes a look at the individuals medical history to get a better overview of what type of care would be most suitable.
3. Cost
Costs determine a lot of things. The level of care comes with particular costs and payment plans. It would be a good step to try to understand these costs and eligibility for other payment plans available for each level of care.
For example, Medicare generally does not cover the cost of assisted living. However, Medicaid does cover some assisted living costs in some states.
Some states have their own programs to cover the costs of senior care, while others contract with private insurance companies to provide coverage for their residents who want it.
Some factors that determine the cost of assisted living include:
- The size of your home
- The amenities offered at the facility (e.g., gym, swimming pool)
- Whether you have pets in your home
4. Services included in an assisted living community vary by location and individual needs.
In addition to the services that are included in an assisted living community, it is vital to consider what your needs may be.
Different states and communities may have laws guiding requirements for the different levels of care. Be sure to make decisions based on local laws and legislations.
With so many complexities involved, it’s important that you do your research thoroughly before making a final decision. You can also speak with a professional and get expert advice on the best steps to take for your loved one.