As a person ages the body becomes frail and one may succumb to a number of ailments. The individual attempts to maintain his dignity and independence as long as possible. However old age , disease and frailty cannot be denied, hence the need for Assisted Living Facilities. These are broadly in three stages:-
a) Independent Living Residences Where medical and nursing services, security, comfort, food, adequate socializing in the way of recreational facilities, games and hobbies are made available. How ever, the individual is able to retain his independence. He is able to utilize the facilities as per his choice. Patients here need help but not round the clock care and are able to retain their independence and dignity.
b) Assisted Living Communities Gradually the patient due to age or diseases is unable to attend to his needs like bathing, dressing, and usual daily chores. Assisted Living Communities come in handy at this stage. Only when the frailty and age moves towards extreme, that the patient needs to move into a hospice or a nursing home.
c) Nursing Home or Hospice This is where all facilities or amenities including constant medical care are available. In addition, help and therapy is made available to do for the patients what he cannot do himself.
Services Available in Assisted Living Communities
Normally security, comfortable lodgings, nutritious diet facilities for reading TV viewing games and hobbies are made available. Trained staff for helping out in bathing, eating, and other general assistance is around. Above all short term emergency care and nursing are part of such a set up.
Expenses in Assisted Living Communities
Usually three types of arrangements are available:-
a) unlimited long term nursing care.
b) specific long term care on a monthly payment basis; additional ALC can be provided on prefixed payment.
c) long term nursing care provided at daily rates.
Need for advance planning
This being a serious and expensive procedure, timely and advance planning is called for. Planning should include the following factors-
a) Cost- The expenses must be clearly understood, initial payments, monthly payments, and charges for extra services and extension of facilities etc. must be agreed upon.
b) Finances- Consider own funds available, including insurance, government aid, and other charitable organizations. |
