Some people find it difficult and overwhelming to choose an assisted living community. You take the time to research the options before a crisis occurs and you will find it educational, informative and rewarding.
What is assisted living?
It is important to understand what assisted living is.
Long-term care options such as assisted living offer seniors a wide range of services including housing, support services and social opportunities. They also have access to 24-hour staffing. Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach is a way to help those with disabilities or need memory care. However, unlike institutional care, assisted living provides these services in a home-like setting. This option is less costly and offers a more personal, enriching approach to life.
Residents are encouraged to retain as much freedom and autonomy as possible, while receiving assistance with basic needs such as laundry, meals, medication, bathing, and dressing.
The Residences
Many assisted living communities offer studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments that residents can decorate to their liking. Every residence has an emergency call system to connect residents with staff in case of an emergency. Some also come with a small kitchen. It should be accessible for wheelchair users. Most often, the cost of utilities, grounds keeping, maintenance, as well as other services and amenities, are included in the price.
Personal Care
Residents in Assisted Living communities are proud to receive personalized care. Residents receive assessments before they move in. This allows caregivers to create personalized care plans that address each resident’s needs and cater to their preferences.
The Lifestyle
Assisted Living provides more than just care for residents. It also offers educational, social and wellness activities that encourage interaction and engagement. There are many communities that offer assisted living communities. The range and depth of their lifestyle options can differ greatly. Families and residents are often unaware of this important aspect of assisted living.
Long-term, many seniors will benefit from having a variety of engaging and healthy lifestyle choices.
The Differences
Apart from the many variations in lifestyle programming and activities, assisted living communities can also vary in:
- Ownership structure
- Service and amenities provided at a high level
- The extent to which medical care is available on-campus
- Pricing structures
- Overall costs
- Operating philosophies
- Pervading culture such as a Christian environment
These are the key differences that potential residents and their families need to be aware of when comparing assisted living communities.
These key differences are important to consider when comparing assisted-living communities.
Services
Assisted Living provides support and assistance with “activities of daily life” (they call these ADLs). These services may include:
- Three meals and snacks daily
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Access health care and other medical services
- Assistance with eating and dressing
- Medication management
Amenities
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest offers a variety of amenities, including:
- Dining and community rooms
- Beauty salon and exercise/physical therapy gymnasium
- Outdoor patio, garden, and walking path
- Library/computer area
- Games room
The amenities package usually includes utilities, grounds keeping, and maintenance.
Lifestyle
This is a crucial aspect of assisted living. Residents and their families often overlook this important aspect when considering different options. The following lifestyle options should be included at a minimum:
- Programs for exercise and wellness
- Social and recreational activities
- Scheduled transportation
Be sure to inquire about their other offerings, beyond these basic lifestyle features.
How to evaluate assisted living
These are the three main criteria to consider when comparing Assisted Living providers.
- Quality of life
- Standard of care
- Value and cost
Visit The Assisted Living Community
A personal tour is the best way to find out if an assisted living community is right for your needs. The tour will allow you to meet the staff and possibly some residents. It is important to evaluate the environment and other features of the community. This includes access to services and amenities, housing features, dining options, lifestyle choices, costs, and financing options. These elements will give you a general impression of the community.
Ask lots of questions
These are questions that you can ask while touring the area to help you get to know the people and places. It is important to get a clear understanding of the daily life in the community.
Administrative
- Who will I be contacting most in the community?
- How can you keep the family informed about parent’s health and care?
- How can you keep the family members informed about the activities and events in your community?
- Who is the caregiver team in the community?
- Do your employees have any certifications or training?
- How will I be charged for my parent’s care and apartment?
- Do you have any financial assistance?
- What is the philosophy of care in your community?
- What should you do if is experiencing a medical emergency?
- What is the average length of stay for residents in the community?
- Why and when would my loved one need to leave the community?
Services
- How will you do the initial assessment of my mom to determine her care requirements?
- What is the average time mom will receive hands-on care per day?
- How can you help me care for my family members?
- What does housekeeping and laundry service actually mean? What are the charges for housekeeping and laundry services?
- What menu options are there in the dining room’s restaurant?
- When you visit an assisted living facility, make sure you try the food!
- Are family members allowed to share a meal in the dining room with mom?
- Which level of care is included in the base price and what would my additional charges be?
Amenities
What security system is in place for the community?
- Which amenities are most used by residents and for which activities?
- Is it possible to have small events in a private space?
- What amenities are available for visiting grandchildren?
- What are the most important medical services that can be found on-site? Doctor’s office? Wellness Center? Therapy? What are pharmacy services? Hospice? What about ancillary doctors?
Lifestyle
- How can you help my mom/dad to transition into the community?
- What is a typical day for a resident?
- What guidelines should residents follow for attire?
- Is it possible for them to keep her own sleeping and waking hours?
- What are the top things that residents love to do?
- Is it allowed to have pets in the community? If yes, who will take care of the pets?
- What makes the community’s lifestyle plan different from other lifestyle programs?
- How do you create new ideas and what is the programming philosophy of your activity department?
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you are looking for the best assisted living community for your loved ones.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/