What Family Caregivers Should Know About Assisted Living

As a caregiver for an older adult, you want the best for them. And sometimes that means getting some extra help or finding a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where their needs can be met 24/7.
For many seniors, an assisted living community offers the independence they desire alongside a helping hand if and when they need it. As you consider caregiving options for your loved one, here are some facts about assisted living you should know.
The Truth About Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are different from nursing homes.
Nursing homes provide care for those who need skilled medical care. Assisted living communities are for those who don’t need skilled care but who do need help with daily activities of living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, etc. An assisted living community also includes amenities and services that help enrich the lives of residents, from personalized services and homey, private apartments to entertaining activities and outings.
Residents of assisted living set their own daily routines.
There is some structure in assisted living communities, such as hours for meals and a schedule of daily activities, but residents maintain a great deal of independence to live how they want. In fact, the personalized assistance plans created for each resident are designed to let them live as independently as possible. Residents choose how to spend their time, what to eat, where to go and what to do.
There’s a full calendar of activities designed to improve your quality of life.
Assisted living communities put wellness first, ensuring residents have the resources to stay active in ways they enjoy. There are plenty of physical wellness opportunities in fully equipped fitness centers, fitness instruction and exercise classes, and health and wellness lectures. Wellness also includes mental, emotional and social well-being, so daily activities and events offer an exciting opportunity to have fun, socialize, create, learn and grow.
Assisted living can be more cost-effective than you think.
In measurable terms, making the move to assisted living can help your loved one stretch their retirement savings. Between giving up owning and maintaining a home along with the potential at-home care that could be necessary, becoming a resident of a community offers significant savings. Assisted living communities offer 24/7 care, so you don’t need to worry about finding a caregiver when you’re not able to be there. This move can potentially save you thousands each year while providing peace of mind for you and your family.
Rooms can be personalized to each resident’s discerning taste.
An assisted living residence is your loved one’s home, so it should look and feel the way they want it to. There are so many ways for them to personalize their living space and truly make it their own. At The Ridge, residents are welcome to fill their luxury assisted living apartment with their own unique style and personality. We offer a range of floor plans, from studio to two-bedroom private apartments — and they’re all designed with comfort and safety in mind. We’re pet-friendly, too!
If you’d like to learn more about assisted living options for your loved one, fill out the contact form on this page.