What Services and Activities Do Assisted Living Communities Provide?

If you are looking for the right balance of independence and support for you or your loved one's lifestyle, then Assisted Living may be what you need. The types of benefits offered by Assisted Living are abundant including enrichment activities, social experiences, fine dining with a professional chef, full laundry and housekeeping services, as well as attentive support and care from a medically trained, licensed staff. In this article, we will cover what you can expect from each of these services and amenities provided by Assisted Living Communities.

Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Perhaps neither you nor your loved one wants the burden of remembering to take daily medication or cleaning the apartment anymore. Or maybe dressing and using the restroom alone have become daunting tasks for you or your senior person. This might mean that it's time to reach out for support. At Assisted Living Communities, there’s help with ADLs — a series of basic activities necessary for independent living — such as the five listed below:

• Personal hygiene — includes grooming, bathing, nail, hair, and teeth care.
• Dressing — helping with physically getting dressed or undressed, and selecting clothes to wear.
• Eating — includes help preparing food or feeding oneself.
• Continence and toileting — includes physical help using the restroom and cleaning.
• Mobility — help to stand and sit, as well as getting around from bed to the restroom, etc.

Enrichment Activities

Assisted Living offers many group or individual activities to help residents’ mental, physical and emotional wellness. Programs and activities like learning a new skill foster personal growth, which increases our residents’ mental and physical stamina as well as helps them feel happy, motivated, and creative. Types of enrichment activities offered at Assisted Living Communities vary but many staples are:

• Arts & Crafts
• Community excursions
• Classes at the fitness/wellness center
• Playing billiards
• Swimming in outdoor and indoor pools
• Woodworking
• Devotional activities
• Playing piano
• Playing in the game room
• Dancing
• BBQs or picnics
• Educational speakers and lifelong learning events
• Holiday parties
• Live musical performances
• Gardening

Special Events

While many activities aid in cognitive, physical, and emotional health, there are certain other special events hosted by Assisted Living Communities that are meant to engage seniors with their peers and/or visiting family. Check out the Assisted Living Community’s social calendar to get an idea of their hosted outings and events. Some fun and exciting events to participate in include:

• Ice cream socials
• Senior Olympics
• Golf outings
• Fishing outings
• Holiday hosted events
• Holiday dinners
• Senior Prom

Dining Experiences

Modern dining programs in Assisted Living offer quality fresh food, gourmet professional chefs, and even restaurant-style dining experiences. You, or your loved one, will feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant rather than at a cafeteria. Many communities also offer tailored meal plans based on you or your loved one’s health and allergy needs.

Trained Staff

In most Assisted Living Communities, there are no doctors on-site, however much of the day-to-day personal care of the residents is provided by the nursing staff. This staff may include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and/or personal care technicians. Services offered by a trained, supportive nursing staff include:

• 24-hour emergency care
• Medication management
• Monitoring of vital signs
• Ambulatory care
• Coordination of care with doctors
• Help with personal care or ADLs

Depending on its size, an Assisted Living Community may also employ a Medical Director (responsible for the overall health strategy of residents), a Nursing Director (responsible for the nursing staff), and/or an Activities and Event Director (responsible for social and enrichment programs). Doctors offer residents the convenience of appointments in their own apartments, instead of having to travel for medical attention. Blood work can also be ordered on site, as well as other services such as access to portable x-ray equipment.

On-Site Amenities

Looking for a tranquil walking path to enjoy daily strolls or perhaps a garden to grow your own vegetables? Many Assisted Living Communities offer lush, manicured, and fully maintained grounds for their residents to explore and spend their time in nature. When you or your loved one aren’t enjoying time outdoors, dedicated inside spaces allow for a variety of activities to participate in. Depending on the community, outdoor and indoor amenities can include a variety of options:

• Courtyard
• Fishing Pond
• Garden Area
• Greenhouse
• Porches, patios, and sunrooms
• Walking Paths
• Beauty salon and spa
• Movie theater
• Game room
• Library
• Fitness center
• Chapel
• Large event space

Housekeeping and Laundry

A highlight for many residents in Assisted Living are the cleaning services provided. Seniors find that they have more time to focus on things they’re interested in, while no longer having to worry about housework. Housekeeping staff is available to provide the following services:

• Vacuuming
• Dusting
• Cleaning the bathrooms and kitchens
• Changing bed linens
• Washing and folding laundry

Security

One of the most important and valued services provided by Assisted Living is 24-hr security for residents. Many communities offer specific equipment and advanced technology to ensure residents’ physical safety. Types of safety and security offerings include:

• Cameras and security systems
• Emergency Alert System
• Enclosed courtyard
• Indoor walking paths
• Accommodations designed for memory loss
• Elevators
• Ramps and hand-rails

Transportation

Many Assisted Living Communities offer transportation to residents as part of their rent or for a minimal fee. Residents will have access to transportation to doctor’s appointments, social and shopping outings, and going to-and-from the hospital.

What Can I Afford?

To learn more about the expenses associated with Assisted Living, check out our article “What Does Assisted Living Cost?” for more details about communities, care and how expenses can best be budgeted.

Find an Assisted Living Facility in Your Area

Feel more rested — mind, body, and soul — and explore new life experiences in Assisted Living. Let one of Referah’s Senior Living Experts help you find a community tailored to your exact needs, so you can enjoy life to the fullest.