It is the long-term housing and care communities designed specifically for seniors. Seniors who need assistance in daily life activities such as bathing, walking, dressing, and cleaning can find such assisted living very beneficial and comfortable.

What does assisted living provide?

Communities of assisted living provide personalized services to older adults in the residential setting. These services are for seniors who need healthcare at a high level. Health assessment is done by the community according to the state regulations. These communities provide seniors a healthy lifestyle with social activities. The most common services that any assisted living can provide are management of medications and help in using the bathroom, their dressings, and grooming. Social programs, housekeeping, transportation services, meals, and laundry services are also included in assisted living.

To provide care, support, and safety, the staff is available 24/7. Residents are allowed to bring their furniture to the housing to make it feel like home. When adults move to assisted living they are tested properly and assessed by the healthcare provider so they can be assisted properly and make a service plan to meet their specific requirements. Memory care is also provided by some licensed assisted living communities. To meet the nutritional needs they provide customized diet plans.

Activities of daily life (1)

ADLs (activities of daily living) are the main reason that seniors choose to move to assisted living communities. Two tasks of daily routine are needed by most seniors living in such communities. According to a recent study, the most common ADLs needed by seniors are;

  • Sixty-four percent elderly need assistance with bathing
  • Fifty-seven percent elderly need assistance with walking
  • Forty-eight percent of seniors need help with dressing
  • Forty percent elderly need assistance with toileting
  • Twenty-nine percent elderly need assistance for bed transfer
  • Nineteen percent elderly need assistance with eating

How much assisted living communities cost?

The cost of assisted living varies from community to community. Factors that affect the cost are the size of residence, the type of services you need, and also the part of the country you live in. But they are less expensive than homes in the same area with healthcare and nursing care. According to GENWORTH COST OF CARE SURVEY held in 2019 estimates that 4,051 dollars are the monthly rate for assisted living and 135 dollars for one day. If you live in a private room with nursing care you have to spend at least 285 dollars per day and 8517 dollars per month. Service of healthcare care at home will cost you 140 dollars per day.

Low income assisted living for elders: (2)

Many private and public sectors help older people with low income by providing financial assistance so they can pay for the monthly rent. Every community is different from each other so you must talk about each facility you need to live in.

Section 202 program

Senior above 62 with low-income qualify for section 202 HUD’s program can qualify for assisted living and independent living. HUD program is only for seniors that provide housing schemes. Properties they offer are mostly owned by organizations that don’t work for profits.

Assisted living is specifically designed for disabled people and seniors so they can live there independently. Several services and activities are offered by these communities to support elderly people. Services include transportation, dining, and housekeeping. Many communities offer fitness therapy, nutritionist services, and art therapy.

Who qualifies for a low-income housing program?

The federal government is responsible for funding and these funds are given to nonprofit organizations to make housing affordable for seniors. Nonprofit organizations receive low rent from seniors to give them independent living. If you are over 62, and you qualify as a low-income citizen then you can apply for the HUD program section 202. Seniors can apply directly to the facilities or communities they are interested to live in.

What is a 55+ community?

These communities are designed according to the mature residents in mind. Floor plans, amenities, programs, activities, and resources are set for elderly people above 55. Communities for 55+ are age-restricted, which means one house must have a resident above 55 if you want to purchase property there. Young visitors are always welcome there.

Features and services of affordable housing:

  • Large closet with spacious studio
  • Natural daylight, hardwood floors, and kitchen
  • The kitchen has a refrigerator, hand sink, and cabinets
  • Safety system are enabled, they also provide wearable pendants and sprinkler system
  • Smoke detector with great audio and alerts
  • Controlled unit of heating and cooling
  • Large bathrooms with showers
  • Window coverings
  • The meal is served three times a day
  • Cable hook bar
  • Nursing service is provided with medication administration
  • Snacks and drinks are available every time and given upon request
  • Services of housekeeping, laundry, and linens
  • They assist with dressing and bathing
  • Services and supplies for personal hygiene
  • Planned trips for social activities
  • Transportation is provided for doctors visit and appointments
  • Social and physical tasks of daily routine

Benefits of assisted living for seniors:

  1. Prevent social isolation

Seniors are at higher risk of developing depression and loneliness. In assisted living seniors can maintain their social life with neighbors. The staff of assisted living arranges events to make them busy.

  1. Professional and compassionate care 24/7

They assist seniors with daily activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, medication assistance, and many more. They make sure that every senior is receiving the care they need. Staffs are trained enough for providing services with privacy protection and maintaining their dignity.

  1. A delicious meal every day

The customized meal is prepared for seniors to assure their health. The meal is prepared by professional chefs that seniors can enjoy for their good health and taste too. Elegant dining rooms are set for eating a meal and make your time more memorable talking to your friends.

  1. More free time:

Your daily tasks like housekeeping, home maintenance, and looking after your yard are cut down as they provide these services in the package. These communities are hassle-free as you don’t have to worry about cooking, washing clothes, and cleaning, so seniors have more free time to enjoy, plan memorable trips with their friends, read a novel or book, invest in lifelong interest, and many more.

 

References:

  1. https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/assisted-living-defined/
  2. https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-options-low-income-elders/