Is assisted living right for my loved one? It’s common for assisted living staff to provide help with bathing, dressing, toileting, bed transfers, and more. Even if your loved one does need some assistance with personal care tasks, you may be wondering if they’re truly in need of assisted living. In this case, the frequency of assistance may help you determine whether assisted living is the right fit. “A lot of times it comes down to what things can be managed by the resident themselves versus what kind of things cannot or what can be scheduled versus unscheduled,” explains Gewirtz. “If a senior needs shower assistance three times a week, that can be scheduled with a home caregiver. But, if they need assistance with going to the bathroom or transfer assistance, you can’t schedule that. That’s where assisted living can be a great option, because there’ll be a caregiver there to help them anytime.” In other cases, older adults in assisted living may have a health condition that limits their ability to live independently. Common health conditions among assisted living residents include high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and early dementia. Assisted living may be the right choice for your aging loved one if they:· Need help with personal care, such as bathing and grooming· Don’t require 24-hour nursing care· Need help managing medications· Are at increased risk of falling· Feel isolated or lonely· Want to be a part of a vibrant community of peers· Enjoy social activities and programs but don’t have access to transportation· Prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle. What are assisted living requirements? Before you determine whether assisted living is the right choice for your aging loved one, it’s important to understand the requirements for admission at an assisted living facility. Unlike
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