What is Assisted Living and Why it is Important?
People often think of what an assisted living facility is in the literal sense, living with just a little assistance. Many families wait to call us for our help for assisted living in Denver CO until they think that their loved one needs a nursing home because they can’t dress themselves or they need assistance with bathing or medication. But, you might be surprised by how many quality of life services assisted living facilities actually provide that could alter WHEN your family starts their search.
The facilities our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc recommend are warm and friendly “next homes” for your loved one. They allow a resident to get the care they need AND can boost their quality of everyday life. These qualities of life are reasons we hope families will consider when thinking about WHEN they should look for assisted living:
24/7 Access to Someone for Help
Living quarters vary widely depending on the facility. Rooms range from apartment style living all the way to a shared bedroom in a home. There is one thing they all have in common though, your loved ones ability to hit a button or call out and receive assistance or attention as needed, around the clock. This is in addition to, scheduled and consistent assistance and interaction on a daily basis with trackable reports that are accessible to families.
Covering ALL the Day to Day Basics
24-hour oversight is assured with activities of daily living (ADL’s), such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc. can all be arranged within an Assisted Living facility. Many of these services go beyond what you as a family member might consider “assistance”. A resident’s basic health services and medication administration can be handled on-site by internal staff or outside home health and medical companies. Custodial care means living quarters are kept tidy, laundry is clean and you’re your loved one maintains a sense of prideful independence. Transportation can be arranged for necessary appointments and necessary fun. Most facilities can even provide hospice if necessary.
Fun and Interaction
Your loved one is more than a to do list of services. While Assisted Living facilities ensure many of the daily measures of care are provided, they also come with a laundry list of really wonderful physical and mental activities, personal interaction, educational classes, and most importantly fun!. Most facilities will come up with an activities program that is tailored to your loved one’s individual wants and abilities that can include:
- Educational activities from tech to cooking to art
- Book groups
- Gardening clubs
- Outings like picnics, movie nights, or even visiting attractions and museums
- Daily exercise
- Religious activities
- Transportation arrangements
- Wellness programs
- Community areas like cafes, snack rooms, game rooms, libraries, parlors and restaurants
Healthy and Tasty Diet
Speaking of cafes, snack rooms and restaurants, the food at assisted living facilities is better than many people expect. Food is often the biggest contributor to resident satisfaction. Because the sense of taste diminishes over time, senior living communities have become increasingly innovative in menu selection and customizing offerings for residents as well as monitoring any nutritional needs.
Your loved one deserves the best care and our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc is here to help you understand all your options. Don’t do this alone. Ask us a question about assisted living in Denver Colorado. Call us today, at 720-248-7758