If you or an aging loved one needs some help in performing daily activities but wants to retain a certain level of independence, an assisted living community can be a fantastic solution to this problem. Assisted living communities ensure that their residents receive the care that they require while still letting residents retain an independent lifestyle and their own private accommodations. Schedule a tour at Bentley Commons if you want to learn more about our assisted living community.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities provide accommodation for people who need some assistance with daily tasks, but do not require the medical assistance that is provided by a nursing home. Assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more. Typically, different price points will denote the different levels of care that are offered.
Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. Residents will have access to many different services, including up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry; 24-hour supervision, security, and on-site staff; and social and recreational activities. The exact arrangements will vary depending on the state that the community is located.
Advantages of Assisted Living Communities
Some advantages of assisted living communities include:
- Independence: Residents will be able to live as independently as they want and still have access to the assisted living staff. If a senior needs daily assistance, they will still be able to retain a level of independence in other activities that they can perform on their own.
- Emergency Support: Assisted living communities do not provide regular, high-level medical care. However, staff is always on-site to assist residents in the event of an emergency, including medical emergencies.
- Socialization: Living alone can become an isolating experience for seniors. In an assisted living community, seniors have the opportunity to form new relationships and bonds with other people. Many assisted living communities offer regular, organized group activities, wellness and exercise programs, as well as on-site libraries and chapels, where seniors can bond over common interests.
- Security: Residents of assisted living communities can feel safe in their environment due to controlled access. The risk of break-in or robbery is very small, especially compared to a private residence.
- Simplicity: Assisted living communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle and simplify a residents’ day-to-day life. Staff will handle housekeeping, meal preparation, and interior and exterior maintenance so residents can focus on enjoying themselves without worrying about household tasks.
- Transportation: If driving has become unsafe or car ownership has become a hassle, assisted living communities will oftentimes offer reliable sources of transportation to allow a resident to go shopping, dining, attend events, and visit their doctor. Concierge services eliminate maintaining a car and all of the other issues that come along with car ownership.
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle: Assisted living provides a lifestyle change that will promote healthy senior living and provide flexible amenities that can increase a resident’s quality of life.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that you or a loved one is being well cared for in a friendly environment can provide a great sense of relief. Peace of mind can be achieved through living in an assisted living community through the knowledge that all of your needs or a loved one’s needs are being attended to by professional staff members.
At Bentley Commons, staff will be available to help with daily living activities such as:
- Bathing
- Hygiene
- Toileting
- Dressing
- Eating
Bentley Commons also offers access to premium community amenities. These high-quality services include:
- Weekly housekeeping
- Linen services
- 24-hour staffing
- Full maintenance
- Private dining room
- Accessible scheduled transportation
- Fitness programs and a full gym
- Full-service hair salon and barbershop
- Concierge services
- Library access
Possible Drawbacks of Assisted Living Communities
- Cost: Unlike nursing homes, the cost of living in an assisted living community is not covered by Medicare. While there are other financial assistance options, the cost of assisted living communities may be prohibitive for some seniors and their families due to the lack of Medicare coverage. Nursing homes and, sometimes, in-home care are covered by Medicare.
- Level of Care: If a senior has more severe or extensive medical needs, an assisted living facility may prove to be insufficient in terms of the services offered. Some people will be better suited for a nursing home or dedicated memory care facility if they are very ill, have greatly reduced mobility, or have dementia.
- Change in Environment: Although assisted living communities provide a level of independence, they are still semi-communal residencies with other people living close by who will be using some of the same facilities. For those who are used to living alone or with very few people, assisted living communities can be a big adjustment.
