What Are the Pros and Cons of Assisted Living?
by Chrissy Turner
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What Are the Pros and Cons of Assisted Living?
Currently, around one million Americans live in a senior living community, with numbers expected to double by 2030. The lifespan of the average American has grown thanks to technological and scientific advances, and by the year 2040, the number of people aged over 85 is expected to reach a total of 14.1 million.
According to American Senior Communities, there are more women than men in assisted living facilities, with the average resident being a woman aged around 87 who still enjoys mobility and whoenjoy good mental health, but who may require help with a few everyday tasks such as bathing, medication, food preparation, etc. If you are considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one, these are a few important considerations:
The Pros of Assisted Living
As numbers of elderly Americans continue to increase,the quality ofassisted living is rising to the occasionin terms of the range of services. The Centers for Disease Control recently conducted the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers study, to analyze and monitor the scope of long-term care. The study showed that assisted living centers now have more mental health and counselling services than in the past, as well as anincreased awareness of memory care, with one in ten residential care communities dedicating themselves solely to dementia care.
In addition to having their memory needs and daily activities taken care of, seniors who opt for assisted living can also avail of the social opportunities offered by communal living. Studies show thatsocial interaction is vitalto promote greater physical and mental wellbeing in the elderly, yet many seniors living on their own, far away from family, can lack opportunities for social get-togethers.
Assisted living centers offer the privacy that nursing homes lack, yet do away with home maintenance and chores; that is, they offer independence with assistance as and when required. They are ideal for those who need help with specific activities, but who wish to retain their independence.
Some seniors choose to have home care by trained professionals; this can work well, but seniors should factor in the costs involved. Home care can set them back $30 or more per hour, and there is a chance that the senior will not 'click' with the carer assigned to them.
The Cons of Assisted Living
Assisted living isn't for everyone, since the nationwide average monthly cost for this arrangement stands at over $3,650. Seniors requiring Alzheimer's or Memory Care services, meanwhile, will have to pay $1,000 or more in additional fees.
Those who have chronic conditions, meanwhile, may require a higher level of attention, making a nursing facility a better choice.
Finally, seniors who do not wish to live in close proximity with others may prefer remaining in their own home, with a part-time assistant helping them with daily activities such as cooking and bathing. For some seniors, the ideal solution is a blend of professional and personal assistance; that is, family members or friends can aid professional home carers, with each taking on part-time duties.
The choice of living independently, living in an assisted living facility, or opting for a nursing home, depends on various factors such as budget, need for independence, and one's state of health. It is vital for seniors to consider their future even before they retire, so they can make financial and other changes that will enable them to age with dignity and due care.
