Proper healthcare is important for optimal physical and mental health at any age. However, this becomes even more critical for seniors. The elderly are at greater risk of developing chronic health conditions.
Most have at least one chronic condition, while many have two or more. Conditions such as dementia, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, usually require special treatment.
Comprehensive healthcare in assisted living provides seniors with daily, personalized care. This can greatly improve their quality of life.
This article examines the role of comprehensive healthcare in assisted living. Read on to learn more.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities offer housing in a secure environment. Various amenities create a comfortable, homey feel for their senior residents.
The community’s range of activities provides mental and physical stimulation. These help to encourage greater independence and enhance residents’ socialization skills. Many communities also offer assistance with daily living activities, memory care, and medication management.
The Challenges of Aging
Unfortunately, seniors need to worry about more than just chronic conditions and disabilities. Bone shrinkage and loss of muscle strength and flexibility also occur with age. The elderly become more susceptible to bone fractures. They may have coordination, balance, and stability issues, as well.
This is often accompanied by cognitive decline, which affects 11.7% of adults 65 and older. Affected persons have difficulty thinking, remembering, concentrating, and issues with other brain functions.
These can make interacting with others more difficult leading to social isolation and loneliness. Comprehensive healthcare can address these unique physical and social needs of seniors.
The Benefits of Comprehensive Healthcare in Assisted Living
Senior healthcare in assisted living communities usually involves preventive care and early detection. Health monitoring and assessments are the key to achieving this. Residents also receive personalized treatment.
This holistic approach to care addresses their physical, mental, and social needs. It involves assistance with personal hygiene, daily activities, and memory care.
This is coordinated continuous elderly care at its best. It improves residents’ quality of life and well-being by encouraging healthy living.
Components of Comprehensive Healthcare in Assisted Living
The healthcare aspects of senior assisted living will vary depending on the community. It’s important to research the services each provides. Then compare them to what you need for your loved one.
Here are a few of the components of comprehensive healthcare in assisted living:
Personal Care
Personal care involves assistance with daily activities including:
- Showering and bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Transferring to and from a chair or bed
Assisted living communities also provide meals and snacks. Housekeeping and laundry are usually included as part of their services as well.
Medical Care and Monitoring
Senior healthcare in most assisted living communities involves medical care and monitoring. This includes assessments, treatments, and medicine management.
Staff is usually on-site 24/7 to handle any medical emergencies. There may be patients with additional medical needs due to chronic health conditions. Their healthcare may include glucose and insulin management and nursing care.
Nursing and Rehabilitation Services
Some assisted living communities have licensed nursing staff. Certified nursing assistants may be on duty as well. They are part of a coordinated physician-led team that provides rehabilitative services.
Often, residents may be recovering from a stroke, accident, surgery, or physical impairments. These services allow them to receive wound care, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Mental Health and Social Services
Memory care provides residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia with tailored care. This involves medication management, therapy, and other activities. Social activities greatly assist with the unique needs of these residents. However, all residents benefit when they participate in these activities as well.
Health Education and Promotion
This component provides residents with information on physical, mental, emotional, and social health. This empowers them to take charge of their health. It also gives them a much-needed feeling of independence. Promoting health initiatives also reinforces the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Collaboration Between Families and Caregivers
Collaboration is key when a loved one becomes an assisted living community resident. All parties should be aware of and agree to the resident’s needs. This requires continuous, open communication as a resident’s needs may evolve throughout their time in the community.
Things to Consider When Choosing An Assisted Living Community
Most family members would prefer having their elderly loved ones at home. However, they may not have the expertise to care for them. The effort required may also take a toll on a caregiver’s health.
The right assisted living community can resolve these major issues. Consider the following before deciding which community is best for your loved one:
Type of Healthcare Services
Not all assisted living communities provide the same healthcare services. Verify the services the communities you’re considering DO provide. You’ll want to ensure they meet the needs of your loved one.
Cost of Healthcare Services in Senior Homes
This will depend on the level of care your loved one requires. The median cost of assisted living in Louisiana is roughly $4,750 per month. There are local and federal assistance programs that can offset your total costs.
Quality of Healthcare in Senior Assisted Living
Licensed assisted living communities must have trained staff. This ensures residents receive optimal care. It also protects them from harm.
Basic training should include CPR, first-aid, and medication aid. Staff to resident ratio is also important.
Although the healthcare available should be a major concern there are other factors to consider including:
- Security
- Amenities
- Recreation
- Culture
- Transportation
- Location
Ease of accessibility is crucial. Residents should know their family is near and can visit often. Finding a community close to your home, also means you can respond quickly if there is a medical emergency.
Finding the Best Care for the Seniors in Your Family
The decision to place a loved one in an assisted living community is usually a difficult one. Having them remain in the comfort of their home would be ideal. However, this may not be realistic due to their increasing medical needs.
Comprehensive healthcare in assisted living could give you peace of mind. Summer House Senior Living provides a community where residents feel at home. Our range of services and amenities ensures a holistic approach to their care.
We’re ready to partner with you to improve the health and happiness of your loved one. Schedule a tour today!
