Considering an assisted living facility for your loved one? Here are some things you should consider before making the decision. The staff and residents of an assisted living facility are just as important as any of the amenities. People make any place and the staff and residents should have a good rapport. Your loved one needs to feel at home in their new surroundings and be involved in making decisions about their care. With nearly 1 million beds across the country, there are many types of assisted living facilities to choose from. First of all, you'll want to consider the staff's qualifications. Is there a registered nurse on staff? Is there enough coverage for ill staff? Is there a variety of activities available? Does the facility provide a nutritious diet? What are the amenities of an assisted living facility? How much assistance does the staff provide with daily living tasks? How much help does each resident need to perform these activities? Do they have the proper equipment to perform their activities? Another important factor to consider when choosing an assisted living facility is the cost structure. Some facilities offer a fixed monthly fee for all of their services, while others itemize bills by charging for amenities or services. The latter is more expensive, especially as the resident grows older. An all-inclusive monthly fee, on the other hand, stays fairly steady and is subject to standard cost-of-living increases. The right choice for Mary depends on the individual needs of the senior. Assisted living facilities are residential care options for seniors who require help with daily activities. While they don't provide round-the-clock supervision, they do provide assistance. Assisted living communities typically offer housekeeping, meals, and personal care. Residents can enjoy recreational activities at the facility and still receive medical care when needed. There are also many assisted living communities available for seniors with mental or physical limitations. In general, these services are not only provided for the elderly, but they also provide them with social opportunities, and have staff who can help with their medication and personal care. Federal regulations don't exist for assisted living facilities, but states are hurrying to develop them. At the time of this writing, there are only two states with regulation on assisted living and one state that has drafted its own regulations. Many more states are studying the matter. However, federal regulations still do not exist. Despite the numerous federal laws and regulations aimed at helping seniors remain in their homes, assisted living is not yet fully regulated.
