5 Facts You May Not Know About Assisted Living

With so many different senior living options available, it’s easy to get them mixed up. What are assisted living communities really like? Are they all basically the same? Do some communities offer more custom services and levels of care? Can someone with dementia go to an assisted living community? Let’s find out some facts you may not know from our assisted living team in Ocean City, NJ.

Fact #1 – Assisted living is more than personal care services

The best providers offer a very wide range of services to residents that include:

• Personal care – Grooming, bathing, and dressing
• Nutritious meals or meal preparation
• Transportation to stores, appointments, social events and more
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Medication management and health monitoring
• Mobility assistance
• Home maintenance and repairs
• Hotel-like amenities like fitness centers and beauty salons

These services are designed to take care of all the essentials of daily living, making regular day-to-day tasks easier and supporting seniors in living a full and independent life.

Fact #2 – All services can be customized to the individual

At premier assisted living communities, you can choose the types of services your loved one needs. This helps match independence with assistance, which can be scaled up or down as your loved one’s needs change. For example, mom may require housekeeping, medication management and transportation, but not personal care like bathing or meal assistance. On the other hand, dad may need more intensive care due to a chronic health condition, while mom is more self-sufficient. A top notch community like UMC at The Shores will provide services to meet both of their needs.

Seniors can even move into assisted living communities temporarily when recovering from an illness or surgery, or if the family caregiver needs access to respite care. A short stay like this is a great way to give the community a trial-run before becoming a full-time resident!

Being able to tailor assisted living services is easier on residents and means you aren’t paying for services your loved ones do not want or require. 

Fact #3 – The amenities are great

Assisted living communities vary in terms of what amenities they provide their residents, and the best communities try to create a holistic community that enhances every aspect of resident life. This can include beauty salons and barbershops, art and fitness centers, swimming pools, gardens, places of worship, libraries, movie theatres and more. This helps promote a full, enjoyable and independent-style of living right on campus!

Fact #4 – Assisted living is different from a nursing home

Although both cater to the needs of seniors, they’re pretty different in reality! Assisted living is about creating a senior-friendly community, filled with similarly-aged residents who are out and about, enjoying life, and are fairly independent. Usually, residents have their own, apartment-style space, and can enjoy an extensive range of services, amenities, and social events. While some facilities do offer more intensive medical care for residents, the main focus in assisted living is living an abundant, social, and independent life.

Nursing homes cater to seniors who need skilled nursing care, constant supervision, and intensive medical treatment. While any senior can join an assisted living community, getting into a nursing home requires a professional recommendation by a physician. Generally, accommodation is shared in these communities, and it caters to residents who are bedridden or otherwise require a high level of care.

Fact #5 – Assisted living communities can take seniors with dementia

If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, you may think a nursing home is the only option. However, some of the top assisted living communities can assist residents with these conditions through a professional, specialized Memory Care program.

Qualified, experienced professionals will help manage symptoms and problem-solve strategies to handle challenges and difficulties associated with dementia. They will also employ memory-enhancing therapies to help stimulate cognitive function. Assisted living communities offering Memory Care help create a safe, secure, and supportive environment, especially in the earlier stages of these conditions.

Interested in exploring assisted living in Cape May County as an option for your loved one? Visit our website, call our team, and have an online consultation. You’ll quickly see how we can fit into your support network, and provide your loved one with the comprehensive care and fulfilling life they deserve. To learn more, visit us online at: https://umcommunities.org/theshores/