When you’re considering living options for yourself or a loved one, it can be difficult to determine what type of community may be best. One of the most important things to keep in mind when making these decisions is how much personalized care your family member needs.
Assisted living offers a number of different services for residents who need daily help with tasks that family members already are helping with. In this post, we’ll break down the seven types of services included in assisted living communities (and services that typically aren’t included) so you can choose the right option for your family.
RELATED READING: What is Assisted Living?
Managing multiple medications can become challenging for many seniors, which can become dangerous quickly if they’re struggling to take their prescriptions regularly or are accidentally doubling up on doses.
Assisted living communities typically provide the following medication support:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are basic self-care tasks that we need to perform daily, like showering or going to the bathroom. As we age, our mobility can be significantly impacted and necessitate a little help.
Assisted living communities can provide assistance with ADLs such as:
Kisco’s approach to ADL support prioritizes dignity and independence. Our care associates receive specialized training to provide just the right amount of assistance—helping when needed but supporting autonomy. We conduct regular assessments to ensure the level of care adjusts as residents’ needs change, whether they need more support or are ready to reclaim more independence.
RELATED READING: What Are Activities of Daily Living?
Access to reliable transportation is essential for maintaining connections to healthcare providers and the broader community.
Assisted living communities typically offer:
At Kisco, all of our teams have extensive training to help keep residents safe during outings. Drivers are taught how to properly complete wheelchair tie-downs, for example, and all staff has a list of residents on each outing.
RELATED READING: Staying Mobile: Transportation Options in Senior Living
Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health, and assisted living communities can help ensure that residents have access to three nutritious meals a day that meet all of their specific dietary requirements.
Assisted living dining services generally include:
At Kisco, our dining program goes beyond just providing meals. Our communities feature all-day dining options, so residents can eat when they choose to. Our menus include “Eat This, Not That” nutritional information, helping residents make informed choices that align with their dietary needs.
Maintaining a clean and sanitary living environment becomes more challenging with age, and assisted living communities provide support.
Standard housekeeping services include:
Senior loneliness is a serious concern for those still living on their own, and is tied to significant health consequences. As a result, the recreational and social activities that assisted living communities offer are invaluable services that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Assisted living communities typically offer intentional programs to keep residents physically, mentally, and socially active. Some examples may include:
Kisco’s approach to activities and socialization is highly personalized. When welcoming new residents, we conduct detailed interviews to understand their interests and preferences. If we discover a resident has an interest not currently served by our programming, we’ll create new offerings to accommodate them.
RELATED READING: Exploring Social Activities in Senior Living
Resident wellness is a top priority for all assisted living communities. Security features in assisted living typically include:
Kisco communities implement comprehensive security protocols, including regular check-in systems. Residents can check themselves in at their apartments; if they forget, they’ll be acknowledged at breakfast. If neither occurs by the time they typically start their day, our team will personally check on them.
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While assisted living provides substantial support, there are certain personal care needs it doesn’t typically address. Understanding these limitations is important when choosing the right senior living option. Let’s review the types of services that aren’t covered by assisted living.
While assisted living provides regular check-ins and assistance, it doesn’t include constant one-on-one supervision. Residents who require continuous individual attention may need to consider additional private caregiving services or alternative care settings.
Assisted living communities generally don’t provide:
Residents needing these services may require skilled nursing care, which offers more intensive personal support under the supervision of licensed nurses and physicians.
RELATED READING: What is Skilled Nursing?
While many assisted living communities can accommodate mild cognitive impairment, those with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s often require specialized memory care, which provides:
At Kisco, we offer dedicated memory care neighborhoods in many of our communities. These specialized environments feature additional security measures, specially trained staff, and programming designed to enhance quality of life for those living with dementia. Some of our senior living residents may transition to memory care when their condition progresses.
RELATED READING: What is Memory Care?
Choosing between different levels of lifestyle personal care can be difficult, and should involve a careful evaluation of the resident’s current needs while also factoring in potential future changes. This can help families create a continuum of care that accounts for the potential progression of health conditions.
At Kisco, we take a personalized approach to assessing each resident’s needs. Our team works closely with residents, their families, and even their personal care team to determine if assisted living is the best choice, or if another level of support would better serve their needs. We also regularly reassess support needs to ensure residents continue to receive the right level of support as their situation evolves.
Understanding what’s included in assisted living services (and what isn’t) helps families set realistic expectations and make confident decisions about senior living options. The right community will provide the perfect balance of support and independence, creating an environment where residents can truly thrive.
Disclaimer: Information provided above may vary by community. We encourage you to speak directly with each Senior Living community to confirm specific details and ensure the community is the right fit for your individual needs and preferences.
