Assisted Living Defined
You’ve probably heard of assisted living communities but maybe don’t fully understand what they provide or if they’re the right choice for you or your loved one.
According to the National Center For Assisted Living, there are approximately 28,900 assisted living communities in the United States with more than 800,000 residents.
Choosing an assisted living community is an emotional and stressful time for families and their loved ones. And navigating the complex world of senior living can leave you frustrated and overwhelmed.
This article will discuss and outline everything you need to know about assisted living.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are designed for older adults who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. Assisted living communities are perfect for older adults who are social and active, don’t require intensive medical care, and want to maintain their independence.
These communities provide a home-like setting where residents can select beautiful studios, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments. Apartments include full bathrooms with walk-in showers and grab bars, and walk-in closets.
Resident safety is a priority with features like handrails, non-slip flooring, pull cord alarms, monitoring cameras in community areas, smoke detectors, sprinklers, carbon monoxide detectors, fall prevention technology, and on-site security throughout the community.
Assisted Living Services and Amenities
Residents in assisted living communities enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with various services and amenities. Assisted living services and amenities vary between communities; however, most are designed to ensure residents enjoy a comfortable and carefree lifestyle.
Here are just some of the fantastic services and amenities available to Notre Dame residents:
- Daily assistance with personal grooming, bathing, and dressing
- Three scheduled meals and snacks
- Medication management
- Weekly housekeeping
- Laundry services
- 24-hour staffing
- Emergency response team
- Transportation for shopping, medical appointments, and offsite events
- Beauty/barber parlor
- Art classes
- Library
- Exercise classes
- Fitness centers
- Social, recreational, and cultural activities
- Walking paths
Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living communities allow seniors to relax and enjoy a carefree life with their peers. These communities are committed to promoting seniors’ quality of life, physical, spiritual, and social wellness in a safe environment.
Seniors can thrive in assisted living communities because of the care and attention they receive as well as the many benefits for residents and families:
- Peace of mind for families
- A sense of community
- Nutritious meals
- 24/7 security
- 24/7 professional, personalized care
- Health services
- Planned social events
Wrap-up and Next Steps
Hopefully, you better understand assisted living and feel more confident making decisions about assisted living communities. Luckily, there are many high-quality assisted-living communities today committed to seniors’ health and well-being.
If you need more information or have additional questions, contact Notre Dame Health Care.
About Notre Dame Health Care
Notre Dame Health Care (NDHC) offers a range of post-acute programs and services to the community, including an Assisted Living Residence; Adult & Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care; Post-Acute Recuperation; Short-Term Rehabilitation; Skilled Nursing and traditional Long Term Care; Specialized Memory Care; and an educational resource center which serves our employees and community. We embrace the individuality, spirituality, and wholeness of each member of our community, including our residents, patients, families, volunteers, and staff.
Notre Dame Health Care is proudly non-profit and honored to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to care for the sick and vulnerable and to educate for life through our NDHC Educational Bridge Center.
Notre Dame Health Care,
555-559 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA 01605
(508) 852-5800
notredamehealthcare.org
