Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Sandy Moffett, Certified Senior Advisor
With aging comes a variety of issues that can impact independence. Senior independent living housing offers an ideal combination of assistance and independence to meet the needs of older adults.
Independent Living
Senior independent living is the beginning of the spectrum in which a resident is able to live independently with no supervision or assistance. Seniors who choose independent living communities benefit from community amenities such as housekeeping, laundry, meals, entertainment, planned activities and transportation.
Seniors here are able to accomplish all activities of daily living without supervision or assistance. Residents have safe, self-directed mobiity and can respond independently in an emergency. These communities provide the convenience of meals and housekeeping options.
Social engagement is very important. Opportunities and activities as well as entertainment are offered and encouraged. Lifestyle is self-directed, including decisions regarding personal finances and healthcare. Independent seniors show little to no memory impairment, ability to use an emergency call system and may come and go as they please.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living provides some supervision and assistance required to maximize independence. Residents benefit from community amenities and staff on-site 24/7. Residents require assistance with one or more activities of daily living. They may need cues or hands-on assistance. They may require assistance with medication and incontinence. If mobility is an issue, they can receive assitance getting around or making transfers and help responding in an emergency.
Dining and housekeeping services will be provided. Residents in assisted living enjoy self-directed lifestyles with assistance when needed. They are able to make decisions regarding personal finances or healthcare; they have a healthcare proxy in place if needed. In assisted living, residents have mild or no memory impairment, with possibly some confusion and disorientation. They may come and go as they please, though some may require assistance to do so, and they are capable of using an emergency call system.
Memory Care
Memory Care communities provide care services for those folks who are no longer able to live alone and supervision is required. Supportive services are provided with staff on-site 24/7. Residents here may require verbal cues, direction, and physical assistance for activities of daily living including dressing, medications, and incontinence. They may require environmental cues for safe navigation and require assistance responding to an emergency.
Dining and housekeeping services are required for quality of life. A specialized dining program accomodates unique needs of the memory care resident. Memory care services require personalized approach to social interaction. Residents may face challenges connecting and understanding social cues. Decision-making requires direction. Family members are responsible for financial and healthcare decisions through Power of Attorney and/or health care proxy. Communities are locked for resident safety.
Next Steps
When you’re ready to move forward with a move to a senior community, whether Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, it is a good idea to contact a Certified Senior Advisor to help you navigate the complexities of Senior Housing. There are many really wonderful and beautiful communities at all levels. An Oasis Senior Advisor can work with you to help you know what your financial resources can be and how to qualify for the community you want. We have a personalized service including being with you for your tour of communities of interest.
Understanding the spectrum of senior living options and working with a Certified Senior Advisor is essential to finding the best fit for your lifestyle. Oasis Senior Advisors is here to help. We are a free service with a strong network of trusted partners. Contact Oasis Senior Advisors at (239)218-7739 or (352) 422-5952 to set up your initial consultation and explore your options.
Oasis Senior Advisors
(239) 218-7739
www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/
Lower-SW-Florida
3739 Milano Lakes Circle #408
Naples, FL 34114
