So you have decided that the personal care services of an assisted living community will work best for you. You’ll be one of the several thousand American seniors who rely on round-the-clock security and 24-hour access to care and support provided by such facilities. Assisted living communities encourage independence and provide privacy without the continuous supervision of a nursing home, while still offering a individualized plan targeted at the kind of assistance you need.
What are the common services at an assisted living facility?
Every American state establishes its own licensing requirements, with facilities obligated to implement the minimum standards of care/services. Typically, you’ll find the following services offered at an assisted living community:
- A common dining area where three meals are served each day
- Daily room tidying and weekly housekeeping and laundry services
- 24/7 security surveillance and emergency response systems
- Medication management and health-related services
- Transportation
- Assistance (as per needs) with bathing, walking, dressing or eating
- Recreational and social activities
- Wellness programs
- Caregivers to attend to unexpected issues and scheduled requirements.
Carlton Senior Living’s Sacramento, California communities have a dedicated home office staff comprising experienced consultants who support the communities’ wellness teams. In fact, we have received three awards for our excellent assisted living care, from The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the country’s biggest association representing the assisted living industry.
Some communities may provide rooms while most offer apartments with smaller kitchens. Common areas for socializing, dining, relaxing with family and friends or group activities are a hallmark at Carlton Senior Living communities.
What do seniors generally look for in an assisted living facility?
Safety, comfort and ambiance are the three top criteria for most potential residents. A homely atmosphere can trump other aspects like fancy décor or gourmet meals, but then again, it is also a matter of personal preference. Observing the residents at the community can give you a good idea – if they appear to be happy or you see them interacting with one another, there’s a good chance that the particular facility is a good one.
The kind of social/recreational programs offered at the community, or whether it is home to a library, chapel or game room are other features that seniors typically look for. If quality meals head the list of priorities, you’ll definitely want to sample a meal to ensure its nutritious and that there is a choice of different food options! Another critical aspect is how the facility handles emergency situations.
Of course, due diligence to ensure if the facility in question complies with local and state licensing requirements, is necessary. Potential residents also verify if the facility has any complaint(s) lodged against it, with the Better Business Bureau.
