Assisting In Assisted Living Decisions

Assisted living is one of the ways that you can get the care that you need as you age. They are designed to allow you to age with a little extra support, while still allowing you to be yourself.

#1 Different Levels of Care Exist

First, it is important to realize that different levels of care exist within the assisted living community. The definition of assisted living is broad, as there is no formal meaning for the term. Some assisted living facilities provide basic care, such as housekeeping, pill management, and transportation to doctor's appointments, and others provide a much more in-depth level of care. That is why it is important to ask for a list of the services that an assisted living facility offers when you are looking into different facilities. This will give you the best idea of what the facility can offer.

#2 Dogs Are Often Welcome

If you have a dog, you don't have to necessarily give it up when you move into the facility. Many facilities allow a variety of pets, such as cats, dogs, birds and fish. Some communities have strict guidelines for the type of pet that they allow and other communities hold pet interviews so that they can figure out if your pet would work with their current community make-up. If you have a pet, look out for assisted living facilities that will allow you to continue your relationship with your pet when you move in.

#3 Care Is Affordable

Many people wrongly assume that assisted living is really expensive. That is not the case. Assisted living is often really affordable and can be comparable to taking care of the costs of a house full-time, especially if you are still paying a mortgage and insurance on your home. You may find that moving into an assisted living facility may actually help your budget, instead of hurt it.

#4 Independence Is Valued

With assisted living facilities, your independence is important. From a logistical viewpoint, they will help you more basic personal care tasks and medical help. They also help facilitate your independence by providing access to a wide range of cultural activities that can help keep you busy, and providing you with access to transportation to the things that matter to you.

As independence is valued, you are able to stay with your spouse. Many assisted living facilities offer double occupancy apartments so that you can continue to live together. Other communities will allow you to get apartments right next to each other, so even though you have separate living areas, you are still together.

Assisted living faculties offer a wide range of care, so look into the level of care offered by the facilities that you are interested in. Care can be more affordable than you think, and the facility will help support your independence and enjoyment of life. Reach out to a company like Kalakaua Gardens to learn more.