Assisted Living Facilities: 11 Things To Ask Yourself Before Moving In

Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility Is A Life-changing Experience. Any senior who is considering such a move will probably feel a bit hesitant and more than likely have more than a few questions. The first course of action is to become fully informed about the assisted living lifestyle so you can make an educated decision.

11 things to ask yourself before making the life changing step of moving
into an Assisted Living Facility.

1. Is the Assisted Living lifestyle A Right Fit For Me? An assisted living residence is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs — both scheduled and unscheduled — of those who need help with activities of daily living. Assisted living covers a wide variety of needs and can work for just about anyone. Right now it is estimated that more than a million Americans live in approximately 20,000 assisted living facilities. And no two of them are alike. Some residents need some help cooking for themselves, or taking daily medication. This can be a concern for their family while they love and worry about them; assisted living is a perfect solution for you both. While other residents move to a facility just to enjoy the social life!

2. What Kind of Services Can I count on At an Assisted Living Facility? Everyone is different and has different needs, so no two residents will have the same needs. However, your specific needs will be met. When you meet with the facility in advance let them know your needs and they will inform you of what they can and can’t do for you. Chances are your day to day needs will be no problem.

Services provided in assisted living residences usually include:

• Three meals a day served in a common dining area
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking
• Access to health and medical services
• 24-hour security and staff availability
• Emergency call systems for each resident’ s unit
• Health promotion and exercise programs
• Medication management
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational activities

3. Are The Activities At An Assisted Living Facility Fun? Yes, assisted living can and will be FUN! Most facilities offer a wide variety of activities to fit the personal preference of all their guests. Everything from movies, fishing and shopping to enjoying the great outdoors and having a cocktail at the bar! There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

All activities are designed to enhance and encourage each resident’s independence, special needs and enjoyment. Some of the activities that are offered are:

Day trips and outings
Educational Seminars
Daily exercise program
Fellowship and inter-faith programs
Wide range of entertainment
Arts and Crafts

4. What About My Privacy At An Assisted Living Facility? A main concern of new residents is whether or not they will retain their privacy. But not to worry, assisted living centers pay a great deal of attention to your privacy wants and needs. Unlike a nursing home or a skilled nursing facility, which is quite a bit less private, assisted living gives you all the privacy you require, whether it be to sit alone and enjoy a good book or visit with a loved one.

5. What Should I pack when Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility? Packing for you move is very important, but what you need to bring heavily depends on the senior center you select. Some offer fully furnished rooms, where others you’ll have to provide yourself with any furniture you’d like. Visit the room in advance and make sure it suits your needs. Stop by the apartment you’ll be moving into and take a look around, what is provided, what will you need, take some measurements so you’ll know what fits and what doesn’t. Be sure to ask if you can paint the walls your favorite color and many times they will do one wall for free.

6. Assisted Living Facility have interesting terminologies for services, for example, what are ADL’s And IADL’s? These are two abbreviations you may start to hear about a lot while doing your research and visit different locations. They both refer to the kinds of needs seniors typically have, and what kind of day to day care they will need when they move into the Assisted Living Center. ADL’s are Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing and eating. IADL’s are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, such as paying bills, cleaning, and doing laundry. These activities, by nature, are less time sensitive.

7. Location Is Very Important When Considering An Assisted Living Facility! Make sure you are picking a location you are happy with. Think about what’s most important to you to have nearby. Some may want to visit somewhere new and enjoy a new and exciting atmosphere. For example, assisted living in the San Francisco Bay Area can offer you some amazingly beautiful landscapes to enjoy, fishing, shopping, and the general peace and beauty of the great California outdoors! However most feel that there is no place like home and wants to have their family and friends nearby. So if your family is in the San Francisco area you’ve really hit the jackpot! The best thing for you to do is check out the surrounding towns and cities, your family will want to visit you and you want to make sure there are places to stay nearby and fun things to do together!

8. Sometimes There’s An Emotional Transition Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility: Chances are you will eventually be very pleased with your decision to move into assisted living Center, the beginning transition can be a struggle for some. When you first arrive you may not know anyone, or just a few, but remember that everyone there once went through something very similar to what you are going through now. These people are your allies and can bring a sense of understanding and compassion to the new situation. They can help you adjust for your new life living at an Assisted Living Center. You may feel compelled to stay in your room and keep to yourself, however getting out and making new friends and getting involved will make the transition much smoother and is said to be the very best way to assimilate into your new home.

9. Who Pays The Assisted Living Facility Monthly Bill? Most Assisted Living Centers are privately owned businesses, so in most cases the senior residents will be paying the bill out of their own savings, retirement or long term health insurance. Residents and their families typically pay the entire, or at least the bulk, of the assisted living expenses themselves. However, before you start paying the bills out of your own pocket, don’t forget to check your health insurance long term care policy, some or all costs may be reimbursed. Unfortunately, there has been very limited government aid for assisted living, so you should look to your insurance coverage for financial assistance.

10. Is the Assisted Living Facility Family Owned or Corporate owned? Corporate owned Assisted Living Centers sometime are out to please the stock holders and can take awhile to implement needed changes. A family owned Assisted Living Center can tend to be much quicker to implement needed changes and the owners are usually assessable to the residents so you get to speak to the top if there are issues or concerns.

11. You Become What You Think About All Day: It’s important to stay positive and upbeat during the decision making and moving process, for both the individual and immediate family and friends. It can be difficult at times, even a bit emotional to let go of your home and some possessions you’ve enjoyed through-out the years. Giving up some of your independence and admitting you may need a little help can be a challenge for some. But don’t focus on the things you are letting go of, instead think of all the new opportunity there is to do all the things you really enjoy doing. No more cleaning the kitchen or having to do the laundry. No more taking the trash out or fixing a sub-par meal. You’ll be eating three square meals a day with new friends and perhaps a great movie or some live entertainment afterwards. This is a new adventure you’re embarking on! You may be pleasantly surprised how much you’ll have in common with your new neighbors and friends.

Dance: the movement activity for the elderly ( www.bestlocalassistedliving.com )

Just gotta dance!

Here is an all-purpose -- and inexpensive -- activity providing many benefits:

Dance equals the most vigorous of sport participation and it may provide the same physical exertion that sports and games provide with less space requirements. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Aerobics Center in Dallas, states "ballroom dance is a fairly minimal activity, but if you can combine frequency per week with duration, you can get a nice training effect." Other possible physical benefits of dance for older adults include: improved balance, coordination and kinesthetic awareness, improved alignment with decreased arthritis difficulties, insomnia, neuromuscular hypertension, and low back pain. Dance also seems to maintain interest better than a regimen of calisthenics.

Dance may contribute to the physical fitness of its participants through versatile exercise that aids muscle tone, weight control, gracefulness, general body control, and health. In 1988, Sutton at the University of Minnesota found that middle-aged men who participated in moderate activity over a seven year period reduced the risk of fatal coronary heart disease incidence by thirty-seven percent. Simmons measured changes in the cardiorespiratory systems of older adults after participating in thirty sessions of dancing and no form of aerobic dance was used, only modified folk, couple, and square dances. Results identified that low to moderate intensity in a regular dance program did contribute significant improvements in predicted V|O.sub.2~ Max and resting systolic blood pressure. These findings support the premise that dancing is a legitimate aerobic workout for older adults.

Creativity

Dance provides for self expression, even if it's only shuffling movements, which still have some element of "creating one's own routine". Each individual shuffles their feet as they wish to. Though some dance forms such as square and folk have very structured steps and formations, ballroom and social dance allow individuals to be creative and try different steps and moves.

Dance has long been a rationalization for getting people together. Unlike other activities, dance allows participants to concentrate on each other rather than play to an audience or strive to meet regimented skill specifications. Dance may decrease isolation, loneliness and boredom, increase tactile support, cooperation and enjoyment, and it also gives participants something to do with their hands, feet, and body if communicating on a purely verbal level is awkward.

Other areas that dance may contribute to include:

Rhythm and coordination

Relaxation and escape

Recognition and understanding of one's own culture

Opportunity for adventure and new experience

Characteristics of the Aged

According to Shephard, there are two primary questions that the leader of an older adult dance program must consider. First, what movements and fitness demands are required to successfully perform this dance? Dances with slow tempos and very little locomotion involved should be chosen for those individuals with minimal fitness levels. As fitness levels improve the tempo and amount of space that steps cover may be increased.

Secondly, what is the skill complexity and cognitive demands of this dance? Older individuals need clear and concrete instructions and an opportunity to learn at their own pace. Begin with only the basic steps of a social dance or the most simple degree of difficulty for folk and square dances. Progression on step complexity should be slow with sufficient repetition for learning. The gradual loss of sensitivity in the feet will affect the older adult's sense of position and balance; therefore, steps requiring rapid change in motion or direction should be avoided.

Individuals should have a medical examination before participation in dance programs. After the examination the instructor then needs to assess the biomechanical capabilities and weaknesses to determine appropriate type and intensity of movement according to the need of each individual. There should be sensitivity to the variability of present fitness and mobility levels within the dances called. Traditional movements and their style of execution should be modified in response to signs of over-exertion. The risk of injuries, such as strains, and sprains increases with age, particularly after the age of 55. Furthermore, many older adults fear bodily injury during a movement activity, and for good reason, since an injury can be a serious blow to self-sufficiency and personal freedom.

In short, dance leaders should possess a sound understanding of these limitations and be able to teach the participants rules of safe participation.

Social/Emotional Characteristics

Motivation of the older adult to seriously participate in a dance program requires the leadership of a caring person who has a personality that assures the participant of success and well-being. The leader's ability to provide meaningful feedback that conveys an appreciation of the older adult's accomplishments will also be motivational.

Different types of dance can lead to different types of social interaction. Line and folk dances allow for simultaneous interaction among the group. Mixers allow for short acquaintances with everyone participating in the dance. Square dances provide interaction for a small group of friends. Social dances allow a couple to interact apart from the group, although the steps from the social dances can be performed in line formation without the need for separating into couples.

The Dance Routine

The first dances should always be chosen to slowly warm-up the body. The last dances should also be slow for a cooling-down effect. The routines between might alternate among fast, moderate, or slow tempos as long as continuous movement is sustained throughout. It is often helpful to end each class session with a short period of relaxation.

Any or all of these can be used to provide residents with exercise, social opportunities and fun -- and sustain and improve the independence they have remaining.

What I Would Tell Baby Boomers About Nursing Homes by Kathleen Mears

My fellow baby boomers need to find out who pays for long-term care. Most hospitals discharge patients quickly, and those who cannot go home, go to nursing homes to recuperate. Know what your insurance will cover. Get information on Medicare payment, and how to qualify for Medicaid. Though rehab is usually short-term, adjustment is required. The facility is your home while you recover. Depending on the circumstances, a rehabilitation stay can turn into long-term care.

Whether the stay is short or long, learn how nursing homes are run. Read as much as you can about long-term care issues. If you have had no long-term care experience yourself, talk with friends and neighbors who have.  Nursing homes are rated based on the yearly survey done by the state's Department of Health and ratings are available on the Internet. There are web sites about nursing home living and some have comments from family members of residents. Your state ombudsman's web site and office will also give you information about residents' rights.

Get familiar with the long-term care facilities in your area. Visit them without notice and look around. Select occupied rooms to see the available space. Ask to see the communal shower rooms. Talk with people in your community about their experiences with particular facilities. Make an appointment later with the administrator and any other available staff. Ask why they are in the healthcare field, but be aware that they will be marketing the facility.

Find out if your doctor will be able to care for you at a facility. If he cannot, ask if you can choose a physician. In some nursing homes the medical director will be your physician. You can check out physicians online at your state medical board's Web site.

Nursing home life is definitely a culture change. Though nursing homes are trying to improve their environment and services, they are still structured and institutional. Meals and activities are scheduled Therapy will schedule with your preferred daily routine in mind. But since therapists work limited hours, you will have to conform. .

Meet as many staff as possible. If you have questions, ask them and make sure you get answers. Ask what activities are offered and request a monthly activities calendar. Ask who your 'go to' person is if you have a difficulty. Nursing homes have a 'chain of command' and it is wise to follow it.

Even if you are on a special diet, you should have some food choices. Talk to the dietitian and dietary manager to make those choices known. Your dislikes are recorded, but you may have to reiterate them before they are removed from your diet. Remember there are many residents to please, and things can be overlooked. If you are unhappy with the food, register your complaints in a reasonable way.

Ask what things you cannot bring to the facility. Bring what makes you comfortable. Most residents bring photos, books, favorite furniture, radios, CD players, DVD players, and cell phones. Some bring bed clothes, towels, and sometimes their own coffee mug. Bring your favorite soap. But realize that liquid soap is more hygienic than bar soap. Put your name on all items with an indelible marker. If you need a lamp or special magnification device for reading, bring them along too. If you want to bring your computer, ask the facility what you need to get connected. Put your things away and keep track of them.

Whether the facility does your laundry or not, put your name in your clothing. Clothing can be lost much easier without identification. Use a laundry marker. If you purchase preprinted, iron-on, cloth name labels, sew them on or they will come off after repeated washings.

The facility will inventory all of your items and clothing. But ask your family to help you keep track. The facility may have a small clothes closet. Bring a dresser with you. Most residents here bring a chest of drawers for clothing. Wrinkled clothing can be a problem, so bring wrinkle spray with you. Clothing is not pressed at my facility. But I do have a fabric steamer an aide can use for special occasions.

Be a partner in your care. Care conferences are held every three months. Make sure you attend and have your POA or family member attend too. If a family member cannot attend, they can participate by conference call. Facilities have a preset schedule for conferences. If you do not receive notice soon enough, request an appointment for a care conference. It shows that you and your family are involved with your care.

It is important to get out of the facility. If allowed, go outside on your own. Everyone needs a change of scene. Go on outings with family or friends. This will broaden your horizons. Long-term care is isolating. You do not get to see the outside world's hustle and bustle. Sign up to go on outings with activities. It can be a lot of fun.

Remember to take care of your soul. Activities will have times designated for church services. But if you are not a churchgoer or do not choose to worship in a communal setting, make time for it on your own. If a Bible is important to you, bring one with you. Bring items that are helpful in your spiritual life. If you take time every day to meditate, make sure facility staff are aware of it. They will ask you several questions about your culture and your spiritual beliefs. Give them as much input as possible. .

See that your room or half of the room reflects your personality. Bring photos and put them on a bulletin board to hang or put them in frames. Photos hung on walls willy-nilly look messy and make work for the staff. If you have a private room and have visitors, close your door. Try not to inflict your visitors on others. Some residents may not be able to move away from your noise. If you are in a semi private room and are able, take your visitors to a common area for your visit. Perhaps your facility will provide rooms for family visits. Be a good neighbor and respect other residents.

Nursing homes are not like home. But you can do things to feel at home. Get up every day as if you have a job to do. Fill your days with things that are important to you and do not just watch television. Get involved with activities. Talk with other residents and ask staff what you can do to help out in your new community. Get involved with Resident Council. If you are doing something for others, it will take your mind off whatever is hurting you. Living in a long-term care facility is just like real life: You get out of it what you put into it.

Managing Medications

Senior counselor Carol Carson advises you on Medication Management. Making sure your loved ones take their medications exactly how prescribed will ensure they are receiving the exact treatment they need, and hopefully keep them healthier for a longer period of time.

As your parents or loved ones age, the amount of medication they will take will most likely increase. Taking medication correctly is crucial to its effectiveness on our bodies. This becomes increasingly true as now, even some Cancer medications are able to be taken at home. While this convenience saves patients time and visits to their doctor, Cancer is a very serious condition, and should be treated specifically and consistently. Because some patients are opting to take their medication at home, it becomes imperative that you or your loved one take their medication exactly how it is prescribed.

As your parent or loved one becomes more dependent on others, and as their need for a primary caregiver increases, their medication can become lost, forgotten or taken inappropriately. Making sure they take their medications exactly how prescribed will ensure they are receiving the exact treatment they need, and hopefully keep them healthier for a longer period of time.

According to the FDA, 50% of prescriptions written in the US are not taken correctly. There are some very common reasons why this is the case. He or she could feel better before their medication runs out, and discontinue taking their pills or they might forget the schedule of their medicine, especially if they are supposed to take it multiple times a day. Some medications do not have an obvious benefit immediately, so one might think the drug isn't working and discontinue use. Someone might also skip medication purposefully to make their prescription last longer, and avoid the high cost of refilling it.

Communicating with your loved one's doctor is the best way to avoid these common mistakes. Ask them questions about the medication, prior to filling the prescription. This way you will know what his or her purpose is in prescribing each medication and what to expect when taking them. Things you should know:

1. How long will your loved one need to take this medication?
2. What should they do if they miss a dose?
3. What are some common side effects of this medication?
4. What amount, and in what dose should they be taking this medication?
5. Are there foods or beverages that will alter the effectiveness of this medication?
6. What is the plan of action if an unexpected side effect occurs?
7. What should they do if they double their dose of medication?

Ask your doctor to write down instructions so you can refer to them later, and also make sure to have their phone number, so you can contact them should you need to. Assisted living communities will also help keep track of medication, side effects and administer them according to the doctor's instructions.

Once you have the medication, staying on the right schedule is the most important part. Make sure to organize the medication in a way that is easy for you and your loved one to remember and keep track of. Here are a few tips to help you.

1. Read the labels on the medications carefully to make sure you or your loved one is taking the right dose at the right time. Make sure to take the medication at the same time every day.
2. Use a weekly pill organizer, so you can keep track of which day you have taken your medication. Also remember to keep the prescription bottle for reference.
3. Keep a reminder in the home of your loved one. Whether it's on the refrigerator or on their bathroom mirror. Make sure they have at least one reminder to take their medication.

While communicating with your loved one and their doctor about their medications will help you care for your loved one, keeping track of medications and other things can become overwhelming. It is very likely that the number of medications they take will increase as they age, and the more complicated the times and schedules of each pill will become. Assisted living communities administer medication manage meals for each resident. If your loved one should avoid certain foods and take their medications at a specific time each day, an assisted living community will be able to tailor their care specifically to your loved ones needs, avoiding any type of mishap with medication.

How To Communicate With Your Senior Parent

If you have an aging parent, you probably have received advice from friends and experts to start talking with your parent about issues such as finances, health and safety concerns. You know you shouldn’t delay any longer, and you definitely should not wait until a crisis occurs. However, it is tough to know how to get started. You respect your parent’s privacy. You have had no experience or training for this. It is downright uncomfortable.

You may be thinking:

How do I find out what my parent really wants and what he/she expects from me?

How do I broach sensitive subjects?

What if they get upset with me?

What if they refuse to talk with me?

It’s important to realize it takes just one event to change your parent’s world and yours. A seemingly simple fall can result in a broken hip or brain injury. An aneurysm can result in a coma.

None of us can predict the future. But, we certainly can start the conversations with our parent now. Here are some tips.

1. Start with an understanding of how your motivation and your parent’s motivation differ. David Solie in his book, How to Say It To Seniors, tells us that the primary driver in the elderly is to “maintain control.” That makes sense when you think about the losses they are experiencing; the loss of strength, health, and friends. As adult children, our primary driver is “safety”! We have to learn to assist, not insist.
2. Plan a special visit of 2 or 3 days with your parent. During this time, just plan to be present, listen and walk beside your parent in their daily routines. This means putting your laptop, blackberry and phone away. The first time I did this, I was amazed. I gained insight into my mother’s world, and the experience also helped me transition from my fast-paced world to hers. A natural result of the visit was a deepened trust and openness between my mother and me.
3. Broach sensitive discussions with thoughtful wording, such as using the phrase, “What If”. “What if your arthritis gets worse and you need help in your home” or “What if one day you need full-time care?” If your parent doesn’t want to talk about it at that time, know that you’ve planted a seed. It also helps to share these conversations with your other siblings (who may live states away from you and your parent). Try to get family members on the same page.

So, start with a sincere desire to understand your parent, their fears, needs and wishes. Put yourself in their shoes, and listen, non-judgmentally. Build a foundation of trust and sharing. That foundation is what will help guide you through the conversations you need to have with your parent now and in the future