Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean the only option we have to look forward to is a nursing home. Aging affects everyone at a different rate and in different ways. For individuals or even couples who need or want something more than staying in their own homes with some help from family but aren’t quite ready or interested in a nursing home environment, assisted living facilities are the perfect choice.

In order to be accepted into one of these facilities, residents do need to be able to assist in their everyday chores. They must be able to take care of themselves to the extent that they can cook, clean up, keep their apartments neat and tidy, walk on their own, perform personal hygiene, and be totally lucid at all times.

Some facilities do provide certain types of help such as housekeeping and occasional meal preparation for added fees. There is usually a nurse or doctor on call and depending on the layout of the premises there may be an actual reception area or check in desk in a central location.

There is a wide variety of designs and layouts when it comes to these assisted living quarters. Some are similar to high rise apartment complexes with a central common area and perhaps other amenities such as a pool or even a fitness center. Other complexes resemble a typical apartment or townhouse complex that has age restrictions and health restrictions.

Because assisted living is a different concept for aging adults then the concept of a nursing home, here are very strict entrance requirements for new residents. Unlike nursing homes that are frequently paid for with Medicaid funding, all assisted living units are paid for with private money either by the residents or by family members.

Some of the more luxurious housing options especially in the West Palm Beach and Miami Beach areas offer a higher-level services. These buildings frequently resemble luxury resorts where residents tend to be fairly healthy, very mobile, and frequently have made the choice themselves to live in this type of environment. Some of the amenities that are found in this level of accommodation are on-site dining, cocktail parties, limo and shuttle services to local churches and shopping, and high end designer apartments with top of the line fixtures and security systems.

Less expensive options are available and monthly fees, or rent, are indicative of what is included. Some complexes come fully furnished, like a hotel room would, and it is expected that they would have a roommate. Other alternatives provide regular apartments where minimal assistance is needed by the occupants is available on a regular or as needed basis.

Typically residents of an assisted living facility do not need any type of ongoing nursing or medical treatments that cannot be performed by the occupants themselves. In other words, anyone who needs help with an ostomy bag or something of that nature would not be accepted into assisted living. The term “assisted” says it all. If you are thinking about this option for one of your loved ones, there are many excellent choices to consider.

Author Bio: Happen to be looking for Assisted Living Florida or Assisted Living California? Our directory provides up-to-date and comprehensive listings for seniors across North American.

Category: Family Concerns
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