Help With Daily Living Activities

Throughout one's life on earth, the time will come when he or she is not able to carry out tasks which were so easily accomplished in his or her younger days. Whilst family and friends of younger ages may be able to compensate where one is lacking, they too will find their hands full with taking care of needs from all quarters. It is therefore a natural progression in life to consider relocating an elderly parent or relative to an assisted living community which is better able to handle their needs in a professional manner. Whilst the individual is provided with needed care, he or she is not coddled as though an invalid. By allowing a degree of independence, many do well in the assisted care community as they interact with others of like feathers.

Whilst some of these centers provide a certain level of nursing care, most do not equip themselves with a full setup as though a nursing home or rehabilitation home. In the event a resident is in need of medical attention, staff on site will attend to the need and call in a physician if necessary. Alternatively, the resident may be transported to the nearest healthcare facility if the condition is too serious to be handled by the doctor. Due to its reduced level of care, an assisted living community tends to be a less costly option as compared to a nursing home. Often times, a resident of a nursing home having made sufficient recovery can be relocated to this sort of establishment.

Since a resident qualifying for stay in an assisted care community generally needs help with activities of daily life, he or she relies on the establishment to provide meals, housekeeping services, laundry and whatever else needed to make life comfortable. As it is well and good for an extra pair of hands to help in bathing and dressing the individual, his or her family members need to maintain regular visits and contact. Taking the person out for a meal or bringing some of their favorite homemade dishes brings a smile to the face. Help the individual decorate his or her room with family photos and memorabilia to impart a homey feeling. This is certainly essential upon initially moving into a new place.

Check with the resident on levels of care as some institutions may be less reputable than others. Areas of concern should be brought up to those in charge as the trauma of being apart from family need not be multiplied by unfriendly staff.