Your loved one’s well-being is a treasure, and the chapters of life can sometimes require new arrangements to make sure that they’re taken care of with the standard of support they deserve. For many, this means transitioning to assisted living. But what does this decision mean for you or your loved one?
At The Athenaeum of Skaneateles, assisted living includes:
- 24-hour care
- Nutritional meals with restaurant-style service
- Activities and special events
- Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services
- Scheduled transportation service for appointments and activities
- Dedicated chapel for spiritual services for all faiths
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy if needed
The path forward can seem daunting and mysterious, so we’re here to help you understand this transition.
Exploring Your Assisted Living Community
An assisted living community’s extensive support network is designed to cater to every facet of your loved one’s life. This lifestyle isn’t just about meeting basic needs, however. Assisted living does that, but it also takes care of the little daily tasks so your loved one can focus on making the most of their days! This requires getting to know your loved one on a personal level, which we’re happy to do.
Assisted communities typically offer:
Personal Care Assistance
From dressing and bathing to mobility assistance, personnel is on hand to provide the necessary support with respect and professionalism.
Medication Management
Trained professionals oversee and manage medications so that the correct doses are administered at the scheduled times. This can also include on-call medical personnel.
Housekeeping & Laundry Services
There are many tasks throughout the day that, while necessary, take up a lot of time. Assisted living means your loved one can let someone else keep their living space clean and orderly. This reduces the physical burden of tidying up, but they can still enjoy a comfortable environment.
Meal Preparation & Dietary Support
Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of healthy living. We prepare and serve nutritionally balanced meals tailored to dietary requirements. And, of course, these meals are as delicious as they are healthy!
Recreational & Social Activities
Sometimes, life can be all fun and games. Assisted living provides enrichment through a diverse schedule of activities. Your loved one can stay active while fostering a vibrant community life.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Transitioning to an assisted living community has many benefits, not just for older adults but also for their families.
By addressing the challenges of daily living, your loved one can once again experience a life of relative ease and comfort, engaging in activities they enjoy without the stress of managing day-to-day tasks. Plus, many of these communities are equipped with safety features and personnel to create a secure environment that reduces risks and promotes peace of mind.
Assisted living communities also provide ample opportunity for social interaction, reducing the sense of isolation and contributing to better health and well-being.
Families can rest assured, knowing their loved one is receiving the care they need from qualified professionals.
How to Know When It’s Time for Assisted Living
Realizing that it’s time to consider assisted living for a loved one often comes from the desire to see them thrive in an environment that meets their evolving needs. Here are some signs that might indicate it’s time to begin this conversation:
- Changes in health and mobility: Noticeable declines in health, frequent falls, or a decrease in mobility.
- Difficulty with daily living tasks: They may have trouble with basic self-care routines like bathing, dressing, and managing medications.
- Increased isolation: A significant reduction in social interaction and interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
- Home safety concerns: If their current living situation poses safety risks—such as difficulties navigating stairs or managing the upkeep of a household—it might be time to consider a safer, more manageable living environment.
- Caregiver stress: If the physical, emotional, or financial strain of caregiving becomes too great, it can affect the quality of care you can offer.
You’re not navigating this path alone. Seeking guidance from professionals can make this process more manageable for everyone involved.
How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community
Selecting an assisted living setting is a highly personal process. Talk with your loved one and determine their needs and preferences. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves and set out a budget. The more involved your loved one is, the smoother this transition can be.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Level of care: Assess the level of care required and make sure the community can meet both current and potential future needs.
- Location and community: Location can greatly influence the overall experience. Consider proximity to family, the surrounding environment, and the culture of the community.
- Cost and financial planning: Look into insurance, personal savings, and any available financial assistance.
- Activities and events: Check out the events calendar and make sure there is a good variety of activities your loved one is interested in.
Scheduling visits and meetings with staff can provide invaluable insight. Use this time to gauge the atmosphere and observe interaction between residents and employees.
Empower Yourself with Informed Choices
Stepping into the world of assisted living can be a significant pivot, one ripe with opportunities for a renewed quality of life for older adults and a sense of relief for their families.
Take the next step confidently with Peregrine Senior Living at The Athenaeum of Skaneateles. Our assisted living lifestyle starts at the personal level, getting to know your loved one so they can receive care tailored to their needs. See what’s included in assisted living with your own eyes, and book a tour today!
