An Overview of Assisted Living Care Levels for Seniors and Families

Assisted living facilities are meant to enable the elderly to have independence but also get the assistance they require. Such society is not a one-fit-all society. They do not do that, instead giving varying degrees of care depending on the physical, emotional and medical requirements of each resident.

To the family members, the realization of these levels of care would make their decision making process less stressful and more confident. Being informed will also help you make sure your beloved can receive the appropriate proportion of care and freedom.

Why Levels of Care Matter

The degrees of care are due to the fact that the needs of seniors may differ greatly in general- in addition, their needs may evolve. Some inhabitants might just require some assistance, whereas others can be provided with more practical work.

With clearly defined levels of care, the assisted living communities are able to:

• Offer individual care.

• Adjust care as needs change

• Ensure safety and comfort

• Provide peace of mind to families.

This system will also help to avoid instances when the seniors spend money on services that they do not even require.

Level One: Low-level Assistance.

This tier is mostly suitable to those seniors who are more or less independent but might need assistance in some daily functions. Those in this stage are usually active and love to socialize, have meals and other community facilities.

Support may include:

• Medication reminders.

• Some dressing or bathing assistance.

• Laundry and housekeeping services.

• Meal preparation

The emphasis here is to take care and be independent, but provide sufficient support to facilitate an easy day to day life.

Level Two: Intermediate Support.

Some seniors transition to a moderate stage of care as the needs rise. This tier is intended to support the residents who need more regular assistance yet they should be as autonomous as possible.

Common services include:

• Bathing, grooming and dressing help on a daily basis.

• Medication management

• Mobility assistance including assistance with walking or transfer.

• Regular health monitoring

More frequent visits by caregivers mean that the residents do not feel burdened but feel that they are under care.

Level Three: Advanced Support.

The level caters to elderly individuals that require a lot of support on a daily basis. If moving about and personal care is challenging without assistance, tasks such as these receive a greater priority compared to safety.

Services often include:

• Complete help with personal hygiene.

• Eating and mobility assistance.

• Ongoing supervision

• Liaison with medical personnel.

The residents of this level receive regular care and at the same time are able to experience the home-like atmosphere instead of a clinical one.

Memory Care: Special Services.

A few assisted living facilities provide memory care as an additional or advanced care. This is tailored towards the seniors who are already living with the Alzheimer disease or other types of dementia.

Memory care normally offers:

• Structured daily routines

• Keep safe places to avoid wandering.

• Employees with dementia training.

• Activities that facilitate cognition.

The level is care centered on safety, dignity and quality of life besides supporting the residents and their families.

The Determination of Care Levels.

Seniors typically are assessed before entering into an assisted living community. This evaluates:

• Physical health

• Mobility

• Cognitive function

• Capacity to undertake daily chores.

On the basis of this analysis, the community suggests a level of care. These tests are periodically re-administered to ensure that the care is appropriately changed in case the needs vary.

Cost and Levels of Care

There are several costs that are associated with each level of care. The more the help needed the more expensive the monthly fee. Although this may seem daunting, one should keep in mind that costs can be determined by how much time, training, and resources will be required to deliver adequate care.

Families must insist on a distinct cost breakdown on what is included at each level.

Selection of the Correct Level of Care.

It is not only about medical requirements when choosing the right level of care, but also about comfort, dignity and lifestyle. The most optimal decision is one that promotes safety and also gives the seniors the feeling that they are respected and independent.

This transition can be facilitated more positively by open communication with your loved one and the staff of the assisted living to ease the transition.

Final Thoughts

Learning the assisted levels of living care enables families in making an informed choice in a significant period of their lives. These levels are sure to provide the seniors with the appropriate support at the appropriate moment, without depriving them of their feeling of independence.

Assisted living can be more than simply helpful, but comforting, a community and a sense of peace of mind, both to the elderly themselves and those around them.