National Assisted Living Week September 11-17, 2011: Live Life

National Assisted Living Week begins on, Sunday, September 11, 2011.  Many assisted living residents are the people who made significant contributions to our community; teachers, business people, civic leaders, public officials, parents, and now grandparents. 

Assisted living has emerged as a popular senior living option for those elderly people who need some assistance with activities of daily living, but are able to live and function for the most part on their own.  A typical assisted living home offers 24-hour monitoring of its residents, common cares, including meals, housekeeping, laundry services, bathing, dressing, ambulating, and medication assistance while respecting their dignity and enhancing their quality of life.  There is specialized Alzheimer’s care units designed with safety features for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

How Can I Tell When My Loved One Needs More Help Than I Can Provide?

The following warning signs may indicate that it’s time for a talk about assisted living: 

• Your loved one needs more help than family and friends are able to provide.
• They feel lonely and isolated in their home.
• Family members are worried for their safety.
• The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food.
• You notice frequent bruises on your loved one.
• Your loved one wears the same clothes over and over again.
• The house and yard isn’t as clean as it used to be.
• Your loved one become increasingly forgetful.
• Your loved one seems depressed.
• You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. 

Choosing an Assisted Living Home

The most important factor when choosing an assisted living home is that it feels friendly, safe, and comfortable for your loved one and family.  Things to consider when choosing an assisted living home; does the staff speak with you and appear genuinely interested in you, do they interact warmly with residents, do residents appear happy, do they appear to be enjoying and interacting with others, does it feel homey to you, is there an activity program, are there home cooked meals that are appealing, nutritious, and appetizing, do they handle health problems, is the facility in compliance with state and local licensing requirements. 

In evaluating assisted living, cost most likely will be a consideration, so take the time to check if you’re loved ones long term insurance, health insurance, or governmental programs will cover any of the costs of assisted living. Don’t assume that expensive means better; make sure you understand how the facility bills or do additional services require additional costs, and understand their rate increases.  Your goal should be to find the right facility where you feel most at home that is best for your loved one and family. 

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.