If you or a loved one can’t live independently anymore, assisted living may be the solution. In an assisted living environment, individuals have access to a range of activities and assistance that’s tailored to their needs (as long as they don’t need skilled nursing care).
Here are the basic facts about assisted living:
What is assisted living?
In assisted living communities, residents receive personalized care services, meals, and access to activities, all in a homelike setting. The services offered vary by facility but generally include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs, like bathing, dressing, etc.), housekeeping, laundry, meals, medication management, and transportation. Each resident will have an individual care plan that reflects their needs.
What are the alternatives to assisted living?
There are several other options for senior housing besides assisted living.
Aging-in-place
Many seniors prefer to stay in their homes, whether it’s a house or apartment. When they require additional assistance and don’t want to move to assisted living, the alternatives are:
- Caregiving from one or more family member
- Hiring a home health aide
Independent living
Independent living communities are age-restricted (for example, 55+, 60+). There may be activities offered but no care services. However, residents can hire their own home health aides or cleaners.
Nursing homes
These provide skilled nursing care 24/7 and are appropriate for anyone needing round-the-clock medical care. Nursing homes often offer rehabilitation services as well. Rehabilitation stays are usually short-term.
What about memory care?
A memory care facility offers specialized services for individuals suffering from dementia (including Alzheimer’s). They offer increased supervision and an environment designed to reduce confusion. These facilities may be part of an assisted living or other senior housing community.
What are the benefits of assisted living?
Residents of an assisted living community can expect:
- Comfortable, senior-friendly living space
- Nutritious meals
- Services tailored to their needs
- Coordination of care
- Fun and interesting activities
- Freedom from the hassles of home ownership
- A sense of security
How do you pick the right assisted living facility?
We recommend visiting a range of communities in your area. Beyond the practical considerations of cost, size of living space, and whether the community offers the care services you need, think about the “personality” of the environment. Some communities feel comfy and intimate while others feel more luxurious. It’s important that the community “feels right” to the prospective resident.
Assisted Living in Nashville, TN
As a leading provider of senior living communities in Nashville for over 25 years, Blakeford has earned a reputation for excellence. Visit our Green Hills community and see for yourself. We offer comfortable apartments and the care services you need. Plus, there are many entertaining and educational activities to try. Contact us to schedule a tour.