Assisted living depends on the professionals in each community. The good and forward-thinking providers and companies have created senior condo-like settings where care is provided discreetly, on a resident’s own schedule, inside their own apartment or home, and by consistent staff. Daily schedules are different for each resident and should be, as they are catered to individual needs. That alone shows how the trend in care has shifted to each individual. A regional sales representative discusses these changes: “An example of how assisted living has evolved over the years would be that I have eleven events planned for today in one location.”
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Using the toilet independently
- Walking and getting around
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLS):
- Finances
- House Cleaning and Chores
- Meal Preparation
- Shopping
- Transportation
- Using the Telephone
In assisted living, many of the IADLS are handled by either the community or a relative of the resident. Each community has their own system, so it’s important to find the options that work for each family’s unique situation. Care professionals become like family for the residents and they come to rely on them for their daily activities, whether it’s dressing them, helping them shower, or simply bringing them the right types of meals or newspaper articles for their morning routines. Staff at communities become a part of each resident’s life. They can even become family who are missed if they’re on vacation or leave.
