Assisted living is designed for people who still have a desire to remain autonomous to the extent that their health allows. Assisted living facilities are recommended for older adults who need some extra help. However, you may not know what that help entails. Here are four personal care services that can be found in an assisted living facility:
1. Regular Meals
Food is one of the simple pleasures in life. At its best, food satisfies your sense of taste and smell while also fueling your body. Older people sometimes suffer from reduced appetites that make it hard to get all the nutrients they need. Assisted living facilities often employ chefs that create delicious meals for residents. Many facilities offer a limited menu that changes every day. Residents can order the food that best suits their taste. Every meal provided by an assisted living facility is healthy as well as tasty. Residents with special dietary restrictions can receive food tailored to their unique needs.
2. Laundry
Doing laundry is an arduous task. A single piece of clothing isn't very heavy, but an entire load of laundry is both heavy and unwieldy. Older people can injure themselves attempting to do laundry, and arthritis can make it difficult to bend down to pick up items of clothing. In an assisted living facility, laundry services are often provided. Staff members can launder soiled clothes. Your clothes will be returned neatly folded and ready for use.
3. Light Housekeeping
Regular housework is necessary to keep your space clean, hygienic, and pleasant. Many seniors no longer have the ability or inclination to clean their own homes. Assisted living facilities offer residents their own private rooms or apartments, but residents can take advantage of light housekeeping services. Staff members will vacuum or mop your floor on a regular basis. These services are typically provided weekly. However, if you spill something or accidentally create a mess that needs prompt attention, you can call a staff member to help you clean it up.
4. Medication Management
Modern medicine is a wonderful invention that keeps people healthy into their senior years. As a result, most senior citizens have a regimen of medication they must take every day. If you find you're growing forgetful, staff members at an assisted living facility can help you manage your medication schedule. They will remind you to take your pills at the appropriate time. Medication management can help you stay healthy.
Older adults sometimes see nursing care as an all-or-nothing scenario. They assume they are either at home living independently, or they are in a nursing home where everything is done for them. This is not really the case, however. There are plenty of in-between options for older adults who need some care, but who may not need full nursing assistance yet. Assisted living centers allow this flexibility. Your older loved one can simply have their meals provided for them, or they can have around-the-clock care — or somewhere in-between. We invite you to explore the content provided to learn more.