There may come a time when you or a loved one needs help with daily care but don’t want to depend on someone else or give up your independence entirely. Assisted living is an excellent way to accomplish this goal. As an assisted living facility in Seattle, Encore Communities is there for families helping their loved ones make this transition.
As we explore what assisted living entails, we’ll also take a closer look at the benefits and who qualifies so that you can make the best choice for your or your loved one’s future.
What is a Senior Assisted Living Facility?
While an assisted living facility does provide help with daily care, it does not offer as much help as a nursing home.1 People living in a senior assisted living facility typically have their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to meals, help with medication, personal care, housekeeping, and laundry.
Assisted living facilities also aim to keep their residents social by providing many opportunities for recreational activities. This helps to build a community and prevent people from being lonely. There is also 24-hour supervision, which is a comfort to families who may not be nearby to monitor their loved ones regularly.
Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
When looking at who qualifies for an assisted living facility in Seattle or anywhere else, three criteria are usually looked at:
- Age
- Health
- Level of Needed Support
Typically, those who qualify for assisted living are seniors. Some facilities serve seniors as young as 55, while others have a minimum age requirement of 62 or 65.
Residents are in relatively stable condition and have any medical conditions under control. If you require skilled nursing or 24/7 care, assisted living may not be a good fit for you, as you would better benefit from a nursing home.
While you may not need 24-hour care, assisted living residents typically need support to fulfill their daily living requirements. This can include help getting dressed, grooming, and walking around.
Signs You Can Benefit from Assisted Living
Although it may be difficult for someone to admit they need to move to an assisted living facility, certain signs indicate it’s time to make the move.
Feeling Isolated or Alone
Many seniors can begin to feel isolated and develop a chronic sense of loneliness. This can lead to severe health problems.
Becoming Frail
As we get older, we may become frailer and need help to complete daily activities we used to be able to do on our own.
Trouble Keeping Up with Finances
Moving to an assisted living facility can alleviate the worry that some seniors have when it comes to keeping up with bills.
Poor Hygiene
Some seniors develop poor hygiene simply because they no longer have the ability to take care of themselves properly. Being at an assisted living facility can prevent this from happening.
Benefits of an Assisted Living
The benefits of living in an assisted living facility are far-reaching and cover many aspects of life. They include:
A Sense of Community
While residents have their private living space, they share community areas where they gather for meals and activities. This helps residents bond and form friendships to avert loneliness and isolation.
Active Lifestyle
An assisted living facility’s sense of community helps residents maintain an active lifestyle. With planned activities and events, seniors have the chance to keep moving. Many facilities also offer yoga and light exercise for residents who can participate in those activities.
Personalized Care
The staff at assisted living facilities get to personally know each resident, especially those they specifically assist. This sense of personalized care is comforting for individuals and families who may not live nearby.
Safe Environment
Assisted living facilities provide a safe environment for seniors. Not only are they monitored for security, but they also have equipment in place to help seniors move about safely. This includes shower bars, raised toilet seats, handrails, and more.
Healthy Meals
Since meals are being prepared, seniors will have access to healthy options they may not be able to prepare themselves. The kitchen staff at assisted living facilities keep the dietary needs of its residents in mind to provide nutritious meals.
Peace of Mind for Families
Families who cannot be close to their loved ones can have peace of mind that they are being cared for properly. This is also true of those who are close by and perhaps acted as a caregiver. After some time, this can become difficult and stressful. Knowing that a loved one is in a safe place is comforting.
Assisted Living Facility in Seattle at Encore Communities
When you are looking for an assisted living facility in Seattle and surrounding areas, Encore Communities is here to help. We have two assisted living communities, Clearbrook Inn in Silverdale and Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline. Both provide various living options, along with excellent care and a wide range of activities. Residents can live as independently as possible while still receiving the help they need daily.
To learn more about Encore Communities’ assisted living options, call us today or contact us online. Let us show why so many people turn to Encore Communities for their assisted living needs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/residential-facilities-assisted-living-and-nursing-homes
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.