Assisted living facilities are considered to be an optimal, ideal solution for aging and disabled adults who require personal care and various support services such as meal preparation, the management of medications, hygiene assistance, help with activities of daily living, transportation, and socialization.
Currently, assisted living facilities or “ALFs”, as they are often termed, are becoming the fastest-growing and most popular option for individuals that require long-term care. These facilities offer housing solutions for those that have the capability of maintaining their independence, yet, still require a little help.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that result in delayed care. In this article, you will be introduced to the 5 most prevalent misconceptions surrounding facilities that provide assisted living services and the care provided in these specially-designed establishments.
Misconception #1: The Term “Assisted Living” is a Another Name for “Nursing Home”
The terms “assisted living” and “nursing home” are often used interchangeably due to the fact that most individuals are not aware of the fact that there are distinct differences between the two.
When an individual joins an assisted living facility they will be encouraged to remain as independent that is possible for them, in terms of activities of daily living; however, if additional support is needed, it is readily available to them.
In a nursing home, patients are under 24-hour medical supervision and are deemed incapable of living in an independent fashion. Nursing homes place the focus of care on skilled medical assistance and medical-based therapies.
Misconception #2: Once in an Assisted Living Facility, All Independence is Lost
One of the main consequences associated with the aging process, the onset of a disability, or the recovery period after an illness or injury is sacrificing your privacy, your privileges, and your independence; however, if you elect to utilize the services offered by an assisted living facility, this is not the case at all.
Many mistakenly believe that temporary or permanent placement in an assisted living facility means that they will lose their independence, but this is not true. In fact, those employed at such facilities actually encourage you to remain independent for as long as possible.
Misconception #3: The Staff at Assisted Living Facilities Abuse Their Patient
Abuse of the elderly and disabled is a common occurrence. Not just in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, but also by caregivers, neighbors, friends, and other people in a person’s life. While abuse has occurred in all types of placement settings, it does not happen in all facilities.
In order to determine if an assisted living facility is ideal, you simply evaluate their history, read reviews from patients and their loved ones, inquire about the certification and the training that the staff has had, review the turnover rate of the facility, and you can even make inquiries to the local law enforcement agency about the crimes that have been reported at the facility.
By conducting just a little research, you can find a safe assisted living facility where no abuse has occurred. If you are a patient and are experiencing abuse, you must report it – even if it is just to a loved one.
If your loved one is placed in assisted living, you should research the signs of abuse, evaluate them regularly for signs of abuse, and report any suspected abuse right away.
Misconception #4: Pets Are Not Allowed in Assisted Living Facilities
Research indicates that there are many health benefits to owning a pet. As a result of this fact, many assisted living facilities will allow one’s pet or pets to stay at the facility with them. Many will allow cats, dogs, fish, and even birds.
In most instances, the facility will have a staffed pet management specialist. In addition to providing this service to benefit the health of the resident, many potential residents are more willing to move into an ALF that allows them to keep their pet(s).
Misconception #5: It Is Cheaper to Live at Home
The average costs of an assisted living facility are anywhere from $1,700 to $3,500 a month. Of course, this looks extremely expensive; however, if you are unable to properly care for yourself at home, you may incur larger expenses such as home modifications, home health care, medical expenses due to illness and/or injury, etc.
Furthermore, while at home, you commonly have all of your utilities, property taxes, insurance, groceries, etc. as expenses. The good news is, there are many ways to cover the expenses associated with living an at assisted living facility.
These include the use of Medicare, Medicaid, VA Benefits, Disability benefits, retirement, etc. When you consider the fact that the amount charged each month covers meals, all of your utilities, your rent, and your care, the amount charged is small for the peace of mind you experience.
Conclusion
If you are independent in a few ways but need a little help in other ways, it is time to consider assisted living placement in New Jersey.
Simply contact us today and we will help you find the perfect facility for your individual needs: https://beaconsenioradvisors.com/contact-us/