From Admission to Daily Life: How Does Assisted Living Work?

Just what is assisted living, how does assisted living work, who qualifies for assisted living, and what do you have to do to start enjoying this carefree, engaging lifestyle?

Here’s a look at the nuts and bolts of assisted living

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a type of senior living that provides housing, personalized care and support with activities of daily living. The goal is to help you remain independent and enjoy an engaging, purposeful life. Care may be included in the monthly rental fee, or provided on an ala cart basis where you choose how much help you want and need.

Who qualifies for assisted living?

Most people who fit in well in assisted living are those who need a helping hand with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, medication management, or grooming. While some are dealing with a chronic illness or mobility restrictions, others are simply ready to enjoy a carefree lifestyle where they can have multiple opportunities to socialize with others. Residents of assisted living do not require 24-hour medical care.

In a few words, the answer to “what is assisted living” would be a supportive lifestyle for those who either can no longer live completely on their own, or who choose not to.

What can you expect?

Residents receive assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and medication as well as onsite medical care when needed. They have the convenience of a homelike setting without the worry of home upkeep, cooking, cleaning and yard maintenance. Social opportunities are also integral to daily life in assisted living with a range of scheduled programs, activities, and outings.

How does assisted living work? Here is some insight into the process

Choose a community. It all starts with exploring what is out there. Ask your neighbors, talk to your doctor or attorney, do online searches. Once you’ve narrowed your list, take a tour and ask as many questions as you like. Include your family and friends in the discussion. Be sure to consider what matters most to you, such as location, amenities, services, dining, atmosphere, friendliness of staff, reputation and anything else that comes to mind.

Put together a financial plan. Do a thorough assessment of your finances and make a plan for how you will fund assisted living. Talk with family, meet with your financial advisor, and explore the many funding options that are available, such as long-term care insurance, a reverse mortgage, VA Aid & Attendance benefit, and your home’s equity. Put together a financial plan that works for you.

Complete the admission paperwork with the sales staff. Discuss any questions or concerns you have and be sure to cover anything that is on your mind. The community’s sales staff will be experienced at helping walk you through the process and making sure you understand the details. Bring a family member or friend along with you.

Undergo a medical assessment to determine specific care needs, especially if you are moving into assisted living with different care levels. You want to be sure your specific needs are addressed so that you can receive the assistance you want and need. Arrange to have your medical information, such as your medical record and prescription information, transferred and on file with the assisted living community.

Select a move-in date and sign a resident agreement. Once all the interviews and admission paperwork has been completed, you then will sign a resident agreement. You will choose a move-in date and most likely will receive assistance with your move-in process. Depending upon the community, this might include referrals for movers, moving specialists who assist seniors with a move, and other referrals as needed. The move-in coordinator will be available throughout the process to assist you as needed.

Assisted living provides a wonderful quality of life

On move-in day, you’ll begin to experience the lifestyle for yourself. Move-in day will be more than just arranging your belongings. You’ll be greeted by fellow residents, you’ll most likely get another tour of the community, and you’ll begin to settle into your new home. Enlist the help of family and friends and give yourself breaks during the process.

Depending upon your personalized care plan, you’ll immediately benefit from the supportive environment. This can include daily assistance with medications, dressing and undressing, bathing, going to the dining area, and preparing for bed. Some assisted living also includes assistance with continence management, as well as diabetes management.

Over time, you will develop a routine of enjoying meals with fellow residents, as well as attending the activities and events of your choosing. Assisted living provides numerous opportunities for socializing throughout the day and evening, from exercise classes to singalongs to group outings to concerts and movies. In addition, should your needs include physical therapy services, you will add that to your schedule.

Other tips for getting the most out of assisted living

Remember to stay connected with your family and friends. Invite them over for lunch and show them what a lovely lifestyle you have chosen. Maybe arrange a special group dinner in the community’s private dining room. Introduce them to your neighbors and new friends. Let them know you appreciate having a new lifestyle that frees you from all the headaches of home ownership and maintenance. They’ll be able to answer “how does assisted living work” with confidence!

Get to know your neighbors. A major perk of assisted living is how you can make so many new friends and enjoy a fun social life. Take the time to meet those who live around you and listen to their stories. Being around others is very good for your mental, emotional, and physical health, and it’s a major benefit of choosing assisted living.

Get all your assisted living questions answered, at Carriage Crossing

At Carriage Crossing, we take pride in creating a warm homelike environment in which our assisted living residents can grow, thrive, and live their lives to the fullest every day. We make it easy to live the life you love.

To learn more about what to expect in assisted living or strategies on how to fund assisted living care, download our free guide, “Exploring Assisted Living at Carriage Crossing” or contact us today.

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