Assisted Living FacilitiesAssisted Living Facilities (ALF's)can provide a safe and comfortable option for seniors who need help some help with the activities of daily life but are still capable of performing many of those tasks independently.
There are many levels of ALF's and is used to consolidate a couple of dozen different terms that used to confuse everyone. Some studies show that there are already well over 1 million senior residents in facilities across the United States. And this number will continue to grow as the baby boom generation pushes the limits of available housing.
It is very important to learn what the ordinary Activities of Daily Life (ADL's) are since they have become the standard in determing the level of care an individual needs. They are
- Eating
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Transferring (being able to move from a chair to a bed etc.)
- Continence (being able to control bowels and bladder)
Added to these are varying levels of cognitive problems including dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
Selecting a Facility is complicated by availability and it is a good idea to register at facilities before you are completely ready to make the choice. You can always turn down an opening and wait for the next one. Understand that waiting for the next one at the same facility will put you at the end of the list. Many people have found it useful to apply at several facilities.
We have a useful publication fro Met Life that can help you plan and decide on an appropriate facility and also suggest that you enlist the services of a professional care manager to walk you through the complex process of applying, qualifying and understanding all the rules and regulations.