3 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Assisted Living

16 June 2015
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Deciding the best living situation for your loved one can be time consuming and frustrating. The process becomes even more difficult when you don't feel you know everything there is to know about a particular situation. Below are three things you probably didn't know about assisted living facilities.

1. Different Assisted Living Facilities Offer Different Levels of Care

You may have thought that assisted living facilities all fit under the same umbrella when it comes to the level of care they offered to their patients. This is absolutely not true.

The services at different assisted living facilities can range from light housekeeping to bedside care for bedridden patients who prefer to remain as independent as possible for as long as they can. If you've ruled out assisted living as an option because you thought your loved one's needs were beyond the scope of their services, you may want to think again. Calling local assisted living facilities and asking about services offered can give you a feel for the level of care they can provide and may even give you a few options to add to your list.

2. Assisted Living Takes Socialization to a New Level

When considering the different options available to your loved one, you probably have a list of items that are absolutely necessary to meet. If socialization is one of them, you can mark that item on your list as another point towards assisted living.

There's a wide range of individuals within each assisted living community, and this diversity can drive the social aspects of the community. Nursing homes can only offer so much in the way of socialization as there are many patients with extensive needs. Assisted living, however, has more time and resources to devote to the socialization of their residents as most residents only need minimal help with their daily needs. This means there are more options for your loved one to participate in the community.

3. Assisted Living Doesn't Have to Clean Out Your Bank Account

Of course the care of your loved one is important to you, but it's also important that you don't break the bank completely when attempting to meet their needs.

With so many communities to choose from, the costs you pay out of pocket can differ drastically from facility to facility. While one community may only take cash, another may take insurance, and still another may offer discounts to veterans and their spouses. It's important that you thoroughly research all options available before discounting assisting living as an option, especially if price is your sticking point.

There are many options available when it comes to your aging loved one's continued care. From home health care to nursing homes to assisted living facilities, you may find yourself drowning in information. Now that you know the truth, you can make a better informed decision about the right living situation for your loved one.