Making the Move to Assisted Living

Getting older is a very hard thing for many Americans today. As the person ages, the often face increased numbers of physical and mental challenges. Most often, these challenges are paired by emotions of anger, frustration and fear. Families aren’t always able to care for their older loved ones in the way they want, leaving them to find assisted living options.

Choosing Assisted Living

Families have to consider assisted living Villanova when they see memory and personality changes. Older adults often try to cope with the mental changes they experience, but this can lead to a very dangerous living situation. Families may find, for example, that their loved ones are not taking the right mediations on time. Some families regret not seeking additional help when a tragic accident occurs that leaves their loved one hospitalized or worse.

Many older adults struggle with the aging process. Some of the struggle is due to fear of the unknown, a desire to keep control and anxiety about what they are experiencing. It is frustrating and strange for those who cannot remember or don’t realize anything is wrong. When family members confront elderly patients, the conversation is often tense and awkward. The family usually doesn’t want conflict and the older adult doesn’t want to be confronted with the truth of the situation. Sometimes, patients don’t even believe there is anything wrong at all.

The struggle of Change

More often than not, a loved one feels they are betrayed by those closest to them. Some older patients feel assisted living is really their family “just passing them off.” But, loved ones cannot keep up with the intense care older patients need. Those who have physical struggles have to be constantly lifted and helped with their mobility. Those who have mental struggles or aren’t realistic about their limits have to be monitored closely to avoid severe accidents. Those who are mean because of personality changes have to be helped by someone with very thick stick. Experts often recommend that even if a child is caring for his or her older parent, vacations and breaks must be had to give that caretaker time to rejuvenate and rest. Everyone gets worn down, but when an older patient lives with family members, they aren’t paid to work round-the-clock shifts.

Change is very hard for most people, especially when the change is perceived to be bad. Sometimes these feelings can be mitigated if the family introduces the aging loved one ot their new community months or weeks in advance. Giving a family member time to warm up to new friends can help them feel more at ease when time for the big move comes.

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.

The Crucial Services of Assisted Living Staffers

The goal of assisted living villanova is to provide quality care to residents. For elderly patients, quality of care involves more than clean rooms and help with mobile functions. Assisted living staffers have to provide emotional support, housekeeping services, as well as ambulatory care. General Services Services that staffers at assisted living facilities provide often include transportation to community events. Residents also might get shuttle service to individual outings and medical appointments. Some assisted living communities offer fitness centers with exercise programs, and staffers make sure seniors participate safely. Laundry service and maintenance of the residents’ quarters or homes is often provided. Typically, residents share meals with other residents in a dining area staffed by assisted living employes.

Personal Services Residents in assisted living communities often need help going about their days. Some are no longer capable of handle all their daily activities independently. So staffers in the community might help them bathe and get dressed. The care rendered depends on the resident’s unique situation. So, the help that one resident receives might be different to the help another resident gets. Staffers must address the need of the residents without overstepping their usefulness. Rehabilitation Services Some assisted living facilities in Villanova offer rehabilitation services to their senior residents. The goal of these services is to improve or maintain the resident’s mobility. This way, the resident can maintain some degree of independence.

If a resident is recovering from a medical treatment, such as surgery, staffers might help take care of the wounds. Staffers also help residents improve their range of motion. And, they might coordinate exercise programs to get the seniors moving so their muscles remain or gain mobility and endurance. Companionship For many people, as their years increase, so does the likelihood that they’ll live alone. According to the National Academy of Sciences, social isolation and loneliness can increase mortality in older citizens. The agency is uncertain of the degree that these circumstances by themselves contribute to increased mortality. But, their surveys show that these circumstances clearly contribute.

Assisted living staffers get an opportunity to provide with much needed human contact. When they deliver this contact with compassion and caring, residents can accept help and support with dignity.

Staffers must provide help and treatment without jeopardizing the residents’ sense of independence. At the same time, staffers must make sure residents get the health care services they need and keep them safe.

Consider an Assisted Living Facility in Villanova as a Viable Option

Contemplating placing a loved one in an assisted living facility in Villanova requires careful consideration. One comforting thought is that an assisted living facility is not a nursing home. Residents live in luxurious, lush surroundings that are often more beautiful than their previous homes. Each resident has a private dwelling place with full, modern amenities. Apartments may even include free cable television stations and complimentary internet access. People who live in an assisted living facility Villanova love their apartments that include private bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchenettes where they can cook their own occasional meals or even bake apple pies.

Residents Live Free and Independent Lifestyles

Elderly citizens may no longer want to reside in their own homes, but they do want to live independent lifestyles. Some people find it burdensome to cook their own meals and do the laundry. These individuals may not even have any medical conditions, but they find the concept of living in an assisted living facility in Villanova intriguing because of the fact that they live in their own apartments. Others may actually need skilled nursing care, but these seniors are still very capable, with a little help, of living independent lifestyles. With a nursing home as the last option on anyone's list, a facility providing caregivers who help bathe and dress people who need assistance is a viable option.

Residents with Memory Problems Experience a Caring Environment

Living in a facility that offers memory support services at no extra fee is a huge plus for a person who needs special care or who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. A plus factor is that residents can receive memory support services without having to pay additional costs. It is difficult to locate a facility that offers a memory care center, so people with declining memories can definitely benefit from this type of assisted living arrangement.

A Good Facility Caters to the Whole Person

An assisted living facility is a welcoming place for people aged 60 and over, even for prospective applicants who do not have any serious medical conditions. Living in a facility is not just about physical care. People need emotional support and activities in which they can immerse themselves. A person needs to choose an assisted living facility in Villanova that caters to the resident's body, mind and soul.

Senior Assisted Living in Villanova, PA

Assisted living Villanova, PA usually extends beyond having just a bed and a room. Many of today’s retirement communities help people enjoy their free time while living a well-rounded, comfortable life. 

Senior residential facilities near Villanova usually have microwaves, cable television, outdoor walking paths, game rooms, golfing greens, and swimming pools. Many of them also have parking garages, linen pressing and housekeeping services, and beauty salons. Residents who have appointments offsite could also request transportation if they no longer drive.

Usually, social entertainment such as music sing-a-longs and “jam” sessions, sporting events (i.e. horseshoes, ping pong or croquet), and craft lessons are provided, too. Persons who want to meet privately with a specialist can also schedule physical and cognitive therapy sessions. These one-on-one meetings can increase personal confidence in people who might feel too self-conscious to perform coordination and memory exercises in front of other people.

Many of the best facilities also have common areas where people can sit and socialize together and perhaps watch a movie. Some sites even have a separate cinema room for showing films, and most living centers cook healthy meals that meet individualized daily nutritional requirements.

If seniors want to venture off the Villanova residential property, they can try out one of this area's restaurants: Avenue Kitchen, Villanova University Conference Center, or Azie on Main. Nearby shopping centers and stores include Home Depot, The Kind of Prussia Mall, Wal-Mart, and Plymouth Meeting Mall. Retired individuals have a choice of places to frequent when purchasing groceries, clothing, household items and more. 

Areas to plan summer outings include Marsh Creek State Park about 34 minutes a way or Red Point Beach in Maryland. Other parks and trials are located near assisted living in Villanova, PA. Attractions include Aronimink Golf Club, Villanova Theatre and Academy of Natural Sciences. Some assisted living centers in Villanova, PA plan field trips for residents based on interests. 

One objective of senior living centers today is to prevent retired individuals from becoming isolated. Providing a variety of options on site also helps them achieve as high of a level of well-being as possible. 

What to Look for in a Retirement Community

There are a lot of considerations that go into retiring. Some of the biggest concerns will be how to adjust to living on a fixed income, addressing medical expenses as they develop and finding a comfortable and accessible place to live. The things we look for in our homes as we are just emerging in our careers and family endeavors are very different from the things that most people want to look for in a retirement home. Being close to family and having a space that is large enough for you to enjoy the comfort of home will remain important, but there are other things to consider now, too.

First, understand that retirement communities are very different from a stereotypical retirement home. A retirement community creates a neighborhood of residences for retirees who wish to live in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere with enhanced access to medical care and assistance.

This doesn’t mean the community has to be boring, however. There are options in retirement communities that combine fun community living with the retirement care.

One of the most important factors that you want to keep in mind is the type of amenities that the community offers. In terms of assisted living Villanova has a lot of different types of care available. Some of these assisted living communities offer minimal support in terms of social opportunities and daily care, while others create a lively and caring atmosphere.

It is important to understand what type of amenities a retirement community offers in surplus of basic medical care. Examples of the types of amenities you’ll want to look for include exercise classes, nutritional support, which may include communal meals, easy access to medical care and home maintenance services. Also, it is important to find a retirement community that emphasizes privacy.

A retirement community should be a happy place that is filled with lively entertainment and opportunities for friendship. When you are looking into retirement communities, make sure that you do your research and find one that offers all of the major amenities that will suit your needs.

Assisted Living in Villanova Opens Opportunities for Families

One of the hardest events in the lives of many people is facing the fact that their parents are aging. This is usually prompted by some incident that makes an adult child realize that their parent needs some extra help. It could come in the form of that parent not being able to keep up with the cleaning of their home so that it starts to become disarrayed. Or perhaps a driving mishap or fall alerts the adult child to an issue that has cropped up with their parent.

A Partner With Families During a Time of Transition

Making a change in life is often difficult, but a facility that provides assisted living in Villanova can make the transition much smoother. Changes when they involve an older adult who has been ensconced in his or her home for a number of years can be a stressful event. The right assisted living home, though, can provide a loved one with the independence they crave with the daily assistance they need.

Planning for the Future

There are assisted living centers in Villanova that provide a spectrum of care for older adults. Many of the residents of these homes come to there because they simply need a bit more oversight with their daily lives. Whether their adult child live too far away to provide such care or they simply have too much going on with their own lives and responsibilities, moving to an assisted living home gives these seniors the exact care they need now -- and well into the future.

Care for all Events

When assisted living Villanova is chosen, a whole new world opens up to seniors. They are able to instantly make new friends and engage in exciting trips to area events. With the ability to chose whether to take their meals in their own, well-appointed unit or with their friends in the main dining hall, for example, this type of assisted living center respects the independence of an older adult while allowing them the choice to mingle. As their medical needs increase, these centers are equipped with the staff and knowledge to seamlessly transition them into other areas of the facility so that they can continue to receive care in a familiar place.

Assisted living in Villanova opens an exciting new chapter in the lives of area seniors. With the wide spectrum of care that is available, adult children will be able to rest easier knowing their parent is safe. 

Does Retirement Cause a Decline in Health?

After decades in the workforce, many employees count the days when they can file their last timesheets and expense reports and enter retirement. Some envision leisurely days spent reading, while others look forward to gardening or golfing. But, what they all hope for is long years of good health to enjoy their escape from the workplace. Unfortunately, many seniors are seeing a decline in both mental and physical health after leaving the workforce. Is there a link between retirement and health concerns? Many of the physical and mental health concerns, including declines in cognitive function and mobility, that seem to occur after retirement may be part of the aging process. However, scientists have started to investigate whether retirement can contribute to or speed up decline and the research suggests that working longer may lead to a extra years of good health.

The real cause of post-retirement health decline The reason behind post-retirement health decline may be the level of mental and physical activity that a successful workday requires. A full day of meetings, conversations, calculations and attention keeps the brain active and alert. On the physical side, whether the job is at an office, retail store or construction site, employees tend to get more exercise than retired people. After the years in the workforce have come to an end, many people tend to slow down and let both their bodies and minds rest, resulting in mental and physical decline and poor health.

Staying healthy after retirement Enjoying retirement in good health requires exercising both the body and mind by staying active. However, this takes intentional effort, especially for those who dreamed of a relaxing and low-key retirement. While the working years meant early-morning alarm clocks, sleeping in is tempting in retirement. However, sticking to routine waking and sleeping times allows the body to maintain healthy rhythms. In addition, a morning routine, including dressing, adds to a sense of purpose and encourages good mental health.

While employed, coworkers make up a large portion of an employees social circle. During retirement, social interactions tend to drop off without a conscious effort. Meeting new people with similar interest and hobbies may help replace the lost connections. Many senior communities, including assisted living villanova, offer unique opportunities for forming new social circles. In addition, retirees may help maintain their health by participating in a variety of mental and physical activities. Whether it’s taking a class at the local community college, or taking up a new sport, such as tennis or hiking, learning something new and staying active may pay off in many healthy years after retirement.

Must-Ask Questions When Selecting an Assisted Living Community

There comes a time in most people's lives when the need arises for assisted living. Of course, the level of assisted living one needs in the Villanova area can vary greatly from person to person; some may simply need help when it comes to remembering to take medications, whereas others may need professional assistance with dressing, bathing, and other aspects of daily life.

Regardless of one's situation, there are some vital questions one should ask an assisted living community before making a decision.

Is the Facility For-Profit or Not-For-Profit?

These days, assisted living facilities typically fall into one of two categories: for-profit or not-for-profit. While one type of facility isn't inherently "better" than another, it's important to consider the fact that for-profits have a bottom line that they need to meet.

As a result, they're typically more eager to fill spots within their communities and always looking for ways to cut costs. In some cases, this could mean a lower standard of care--but this isn't true of all for-profit facilities. It just means those considering a for-profit should be a little more careful in their decisions.

What Kind of Contract Must Be Signed?

Another important question to ask if what kind of agreement must be made upon choosing an assisted living facility. For example, if one moves in and decides, a few months down the road, that he or she would like to move elsewhere, will it be necessary to break the contract? Will a certain amount of notice need to be given? Are there any fees associated with doing so?

By being aware of the terms of one's contract ahead of time, it's possible to avoid a lot of troubles down the road.

What's it Really Going to Cost?

Finally, understanding the true costs of an assisted living facility is a must, especially for those relying on state-funded care to pay for some or all of the expenses. Those searching for assisted living facilities should ask for a detailed break-down of what's included versus what might cost extra. For example, some facilities may charge an additional fee for meal delivery.

The process of finding the right assisted living Villanova area isn't easy by any means, but since it's a decision that one will have to live with for a long time to come, it's important to do one's research.