There comes a point in life when some seniors are no longer able to live at home. There are a few choices for seniors that include going to a long-term care facility, assisted living or a nursing home. Today many seniors select assisted living as their first option, but this is usually determined by medical needs.
So, what are the pros and cons of an assisted living facility? Let’s explore.
The Pros of Assisted Living
1. Flexibility & Independence. Unlike a nursing home, an assisted living facility is much more flexible. You do not lose your independence or the ability to make decisions. Assisted living facilities abide by your decisions within reason. It is almost like living in a hotel, but you still make decisions about your life and you can come and go as you please. More important, assisted living facilities also help you make the right decision because some of them also employ social workers to help the clients.
2. Assistance. Most assisted living facilities have assistance available to help you with daily living activities such as meals, grooming, bathing, laundry, etc. When these daily living activities become too difficult to manage on your own, but you don’t need full time medical care, assisted living helps bridge the gap.
3. Experts available. Most assisted living facilities have a registered nurse on staff. In certain situations, like Adagio San Juan, former healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses own and manage the assisted living facility. Beyond the day to day caregiving, this can help give families additional peace of mind.
4. Forget home bills: You do not need to worry about property tax or home maintenance any more. Most seniors forget that staying in a home requires continual maintenance and all of these costs add up. However, in an assisted living facility, you leave all the worries and expenses to the administrator.
5. Full time staff. Today, most assisted living centers have 24-hour assistance available. In the case of an emergency, such as a fall, you know there will be an attentive staff nearby to help.
6. Government benefits. Some seniors may be eligible for Medicaid benefits even when they go to an assisted living facility. The best way to know if you are eligible is to contact the local government social services department or better still, speak to the administrator at the assisted living facility. They usually know the rules better than most people.
7. Privacy. Some assisted living facilities offer you your own room and thus you have your privacy.
8. Social interaction. Loneliness and isolation is often overlooked when talking about aging in place. Assisted living facilities provide ample opportunities to interact with others on a daily basis, which is very important for a person’s well being. Some facilities also offer bus trips to parks, museums and art galleries.
9. Pets. Many seniors love pets and some assisted living facilities do allow pets. Usually the pet has to be small and friendly.
The Cons of Assisted Living
1. Missing home. It is normal that during the initial period, one may miss the familiar surroundings of the home they had been living in. But with time, one usually adapts to the new surroundings.
2. Cost. There are many different tiers of assisted living. Usually, the homes with nicer amenities cost more and are private pay. It is important to plan ahead for the costs that assisted living may incur.
3. Transition. While you may love living in assisted living facility, sometimes your medical condition may get worse, or you may suffer a physical disability- so you may need to move to a home with full time nursing care. In certain situations, nursing care can be provided at the assisted living home.
These are pros and cons of living in every type of facility and what you need to consider is what you want and what you can afford. You also have to take into account your medical illness and any physical disability.
If you are reasonably healthy, then an assisted living facility may be an excellent option for you. However before you make a final decision, consider speaking to your family.
Many assisted facilities like Adagio San Juan offer a free consultation to determine your eligibility. In the end, it is all a matter of personal preference.
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