What Do People Mean By Assisted Living?

Depending on who a person is talking to, the term "assisted living" can mean a variety of things. When someone talks about assisted living villanova, they are usually referring to living in a place where there is, at minimum, guidance and support available that help a person who has physical or mental limitations live a more active and fulfilling life than they would be able to live without these services. There are three main groups who have issued official definitions; the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Defining Assisted Living ALFA is a for profit organization that advocated for those who need Assisted Living Services. If defines assisted living as combining personalized supportive services, housing, individualized health care involving activities of daily living (ADLs) which require a lower skill level than the medical care available in a nursing home. AAHSA in a non-profit group dedicated to helping older adults find service that they need to enrich their lives. They define Assisted Living as a program that arranges or provides supportive services, including daily meals, health care, and other personal services. The program also provides around the clock oversight to persons who live in a group residential facility who require help with ADLs.

The DHHS oversees public health issues that involve all segments of the population, including, among others, the elderly and the disabled. They define Assisted Living as a setting where residents receive either "routine general protective oversight" or are assisted with activities needed in order for mentally or physically limited persons to live independently. What is an ADL or IADL? In the world of health care and other support services the term ADL stands for "activities of daily living." Officially, this refers to eating, bathing, dressing, mobility issues including things such as getting to and using the bathroom or getting in or out of bed or chair. This term is used to compare and contrast against Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which include residential care facilities and communities that cater to senior citizens and encourage social interaction. Skills that fall under the umbrella of IADL include driving , shopping, financial management and budgeting, computer skills, cooking, and keeping up with medication needs. In many cases it is easier for a senior to admit they need or want help with IADL skills than ADL skills.

Because of this, there are some places that provide assisted living in the Villanova area that have options to provide both types of services. It may be easier for seniors themselves, and/or their adult children to make the decision to move into a senior community where IADL services are provided than it is to get help with more personal ADL needs.

Some seniors live their whole lives without needing any more help than IADLs, but many choose to take a close look at senior communities and it gives them peace of mind to know that they or their loved ones will be able to transition to assisted living in Villanova without a lot of fanfare, should they ever need the extra care.

Helping Aging Parents Adjust to Assisted Living

Despite the advantages that assisted living has to offer, it can be very difficult for seniors to make the change. By planning this move in advance, adult children can help their parents have a smoother transition to assisted living Villanova. A smoother move can encourage seniors that they’re making the right choice. The following guidelines can help facilitate the transition process so seniors can enjoy their new community to the full. 

Help with Packing & Set Up of New Environment

After living in the same place for 20, 30 or 40 years, it’s only natural for seniors to have regrets in leaving their old home behind. Adult children can make it easier by helping them pack and move. Taking meaningful possessions and goods to their new location will help seniors create an environment that feels more like home. Having their adult children’s physical help and support can reduce moving costs.

Adult children should let parents decide what items to take and what to leave behind. In some ways, it’s better for parents to take too much rather than risk discarding something they may regret later on. Once they’re settled in their new environment, parents can make less emotional decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of. For the present, however, they may feel better surrounding themselves with the comforts of home.

Say Farewell to Old Home

Before moving to their new location, seniors may want to plan one last event as a farewell to their old home. Adult children can organize a family reunion, dinner party or BBQ to commemorate the occasion. Part of saying good-by is remembering the good times parents and siblings shared in a family home. A farewell celebration will add last minute happy memories that parents can take with them when they move.

Work with Assisted Living Staff

Assisted living staff members carry a big responsibility in caring for senior residents in their community. Adult children can help their aging parents establish a good relationship with local staff from the start. Seniors should make an effort to get to know staff members by name and inquire about their job. This helps establish a good rapport that will grow as time goes on.  

Adjusting to an assisted living lifestyle may take time. By helping to facilitate this transition, adult children can make this a positive experience for everyone involved.