Assisted living facilities are often a transitional step for senior citizens between independent living and the full care provided at a nursing home. Seniors can receive assistance with cleaning, cooking, laundry, and other tasks while still maintaining a level of personal independence and privacy not found at nursing homes. Since there’s such a wide range of services available for seniors depending on the level of care they require, there are a number of things to consider when choosing an assisted living facility in North Carolina.
Housing
Assisted living facilities are configured in several different ways, each meant to address a certain need or provide a level of independence. These can range from full apartments with kitchens and laundry rooms to small studio apartments with bare necessities. One thing every living space should have in common is that the set up is made to accommodate seniors’ needs, usually with extra handrails, bathroom features, and emergency medical devices.
Domestic Services and Social Activities
As mentioned above, living spaces can include a kitchen and laundry for seniors who are still willing and able to take on cooking and cleaning tasks – however, most facilities offer meals, laundry, and housekeeping services regardless. Many seniors welcome this since it means they no longer have to worry about chores, leaving more time to engage in many of the social activities that these facilities offer. Many facilities have weekly in-house social events like movie or bingo nights in addition to organized bus trips.
Personal and Medical Care
One of the main appeals of an assisted living facility is the personal and medical care a senior can receive without having their independence negatively impacted. While this is not the sort of round-the-clock care that one would receive at a nursing home, assisted living facilities usually offer medication assistance, close medical monitoring, and assistance with the activities of daily living. Some assisted living facilities are designed specifically to help residents with advanced dementia, which offers a special level of care to those who suffer from diseases like Alzheimer’s who don’t yet require the type of high level care a nursing home would provide.
If you would like to receive more information about assisted living facilities, or if you’re helping a loved one transition to an assisted living facility and have questions, please set up an appointment at our elder law office by calling (336) 378-1122.
