By Dr. Macie Smith
Do you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility? Assisted living facilities are residences designed for people who are independent but need some help with daily activities. These facilities can be freestanding communities, part of a retirement community or integrated within nursing homes or hospitals.
Assisted living maximizes the dignity and independence of residents while also providing 24-hour supervision. In addition to housing, which can range from a private or shared bedroom to a full apartment, assisted living facilities generally provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, security and activities for residents for a set monthly cost. In addition to monthly costs, personal care services may be provided at an additional charge. Such personal care services could include laundry, medication reminders, or assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and ambulating/transferring.
While people in assisted living don’t require skilled nursing around the clock, they do need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Depending on the facility and its staffing ratios, your loved one may need additional one-on-one care to complement the care provided by the facility staff. In addition to always being ready to help with ADLs, SYNERGY HomeCare’s assisted living home care services can provide more regular supervision and companionship as well as encourage your loved one to eat meals or participate in activities.
This added layer of support for your loved one living in an assisted living facility can provide you with peace of mind, as well as help reduce the anxiety and agitation your loved one may experience in a new environment.
If you’re interested in supplemental caregiving, begin by consulting the facility’s administration to understand what services they cover and where a professional caregiver can add the most value. SYNERGY HomeCare’s assisted living home care services ensure that the caregiver, while working at the facility, will report directly to the loved one’s family who contracted their care.
In my opinion, this offers the best of both worlds: a safe and secure living situation with the added support of a personalized caregiver.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to loved ones in an assisted living facility.
