No. We like to think that it is better. As we see from retirement, some of us lose a sense of purpose. We retreat to our home as a sanctuary, thus finding it often evolves into a prison over time. Without social contact, boredom often sets in and we tend to lose our self-worth.
As humans, we thrive best when we are in a stimulating environment. As active, healthy adults we are most often occupied with jobs, community and raising families. When our daily living needs change, we don’t have as many opportunities in this type of environment. Our homes and possessions are comforting because we feel as if nothing is changing in our lives. Yet change is good and moving into an assisted living community allows us to move our possessions and wonderful memories with us. Living in an assisted living community allows us the opportunity to enhance our years by gaining new friends, activities and challenges to keep both mind and body keen.
Long-term Care ranges from having someone to help around your house to 24-hour care in a skilled nursing facility. Understanding what to expect from each level will assist you in selecting the kind of long term care that is best for you.
Home Care usually includes nurses coming to your home if you are unable to go out for medical care. Home health aides or personal care service workers can also visit daily or as needed to help you bathe, dress, clean house, prepare meals and shop.
Adult care offers social interaction and meals up to five days a week, based on the program. Some programs provide transportation to and from the center. Activities vary, but usually include exercise, games, art and music. Some have minimal medical services which include help with taking medication and checking blood pressure.
Senior Housing usually is a set of rental apartments that have been modified to include hand rail in the bathrooms and power outlets placed higher on the walls. This level of long terms care may include meals, transportation, activities and housekeeping.
Assisted Living allows you to remain as independent as possible. Assisted living staff is available to help residents take their medication on schedule, assist with bathing, dressing, provide housekeeping and laundry assistance. Along with in-house and outside activities, assisted living facilities may have on-site beauty/barber/shops and health services, such as a medical clinic or rehabilitation facility.
Nursing Homes offer 24 hour care if you are recovering from an illness or injury. They also offer end of life care. When more medical care is required, such as wound care or help with respirators or ventilators, a nursing home is often the level of care choice. Personal care, such as bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom is furnished at this level of care.
Yes. We encourage our residents to have family and friends visit often. We do lock the front doors at 11pm for security reasons.
Sources of pay for assisted living include:
Medicaid will pay for part of your rent at Dogwood Fulton. To qualify you must meet the following conditions:
AND
By requesting an Admission Packet, you can learn all of the medical information that will need to be gathered before a move in.
Assisted Living Federation of America – an excellent source for more information about assisted living.