Assisted living communities provide the elderly with daily activities but are not expected to offer them full-time medical attention. Various types of living assistance for the elderly are offered by these communities, depending on the facility. The kinds of support available are usually designed to provide seniors with just enough help that they require.
Those people who can take care of their daily activities may need fewer caregivers than those people with health or memory-related problems. The healthcare services are strictly tailored according to the requirements of the residents in assisted living communities so that they receive whatever support is needed.
Let’s explore the type of care available in assisted living communities.
What are the Different Levels Of Care at Assisted Living Facilities?
The assisted living community caters to different levels of care to serve the diverse needs of the residents. Understanding the person’s capabilities and health status helps define the level of care the person needs. However, levels of care may vary depending on different communities, and the price structure may also vary. Let’s look at the common levels of care assisted living facilities provide.
- Basic Level Care
This level of care is suitable for seniors who need less help with daily activities. These activities may include bathing, dressing, or taking medications. They do not require much help from the staff and are independent to a certain extent. Seniors who are mobile and independently capable but require little help with daily activities are provided with basic care. These people do not suffer from any severe diseases and do not need specific attention. Residents receiving this level of care from assisted living homes enjoy freedom and autonomy.
- Moderate Level Care
Seniors who require this level of care are those who have slight mobility issues that hinder them from doing daily tasks. It offers more customized care plans, increased supervision, and hands-on assistance. People dealing with chronic diseases may require this level of care to have a blend of assistance and independence. Some communities also provide specialized programs for seniors with chronic illnesses.
- Enhanced Assistance
At this care level, seniors need frequent help with their daily activities and require intense supervision. Seniors who are facing potential challenges with movement or communication and require medical monitoring are referred to use enhanced assistance.
Assisted living services providing this level of assistance are capable of handling any type of health-related complications. To keep the seniors motivated and engaged these facilities also provide social and recreational activities.
- Memory Care
Such special and holistic care is demanded for people who suffer from Alzheimer, dementia, or other impairments of memory. People suffering from dementia may have multiple caregivers for proper care. Their ability to socialize may be limited, and they may require more assistance.
This level of care covers everything, from helping the residents rise from bed to taking their medicines and going out. These facilities offer a safe environment to the residents and prevent them from wandering.
While choosing a memory care assisted living facility, you should consider certain features, as given below.
- People with dementia are often habitual wanderers. Ensure your old-age home does not allow wandering and has safe places for seniors. With this, you can be relieved knowing that your loved ones are secure and monitored.
- Look for communities that organize programs for engaging activities to encourage social interactions. These programs also help with cognitive functions.
- The facility should have well-trained staff to care for residents with dementia. They should be capable of handling the challenges posed by memory loss and handle seniors with love and care.
Cost of Assisted Living
The cost of assisted living in the USA differs with region, community, level of care offered, and other additional services. Variation is due to the level of care given, the location of the community, and the other services offered. As of 2023, the national average monthly cost was about $4,450, summed up to about $54,500 annually. Generally, the cost depends on the region. The services in the Northeast and West Coast are costly, averaging from $5,500 to $7,600 per month.
On the other hand, these services are less costly in the Midwest and Southern states, averaging from $3,100 to $5,100 per month. The amount depends on the level of care that a senior requires and rises with higher levels of care. If the resident opts for special care services like memory care, then the cost mounts to $1,100 to $1,600. However, a person can opt for some financial aid options like Medicaid and Veterans Benefits that bring the cost down.
Conclusion
Knowing the different levels of care will enable you to make informed decisions when you need to select which care home you are going to place your loved ones. Each assisted living homes, from basic care up to the more special memory care, offers specific plans tailored to their needs in these assisted living homes or memory care facilities.
Between freedom and support, proper care in old age is essential not to live miserably but comfortably. Evaluate each level of care and every facility and service before you choose an assisted living community that suits your needs.