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Assisted Living Definition - The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities

Assisted Living Definition: What Does Assisted Living Really Mean?

Losing their independence is something that almost every senior fears, yet a large majority of those over the age of 85 admit that they need assistance with activities of daily living. This is exactly what the assisted living definition describes, the ability to live independently while still getting help with tasks that have become difficult.

Assisted Living and Independence

Independence and assisted living are often misunderstood or misinterpreted when it comes to the elderly. This may be because independent living communities serve the social needs of older residents while assisted living communities provide services and assistance with everyday activities, yet allow the older person to live as independently as possible.

There are a few key differences that may answer the question “What does assisted living really mean?” In most cases, the assisted living definition offers assistance with things like housekeeping, medication assistance, food preparation and other daily tasks. Your older loved one may also receive daily personal care, such as assistance with toileting, bathing or grooming.

What Does Being Independent Mean When Aging?

Independence is something we begin craving as soon as we learn to talk. Even toddlers realize that they want to think for themselves and do things on their own without help from their parents. As we age, we continue to crave that independence. We want to make our own decisions, handle our own affairs and do things without the assistance of others. Unfortunately, as we age, mobility and health may deteriorate, requiring us to depend on others to perform daily tasks. Although we may need help with these tasks, it is still possible to have both assisted living and independence.

Most assisted living services encourage seniors to make their own choices while providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions and choose healthy options. Assisted living agencies will provide assistance at the level your loved one needs, allowing them to perform some tasks on their own before stepping in. All of these factors can help an older person feel as if they are still living independently but give you the peace of mind to know they are safe and protected.

The Importance of Independence for Seniors

We spend most of our lives either being taught how to be independent or teaching someone else how to be independent. There is a strong sense of accomplishment when you do things for yourself. That is why it is so important for seniors to continue completing tasks that they can without assistance. It may be the last thing they feel they can control, but it also provides them with a sense of achievement.

Although we often think of an assisted living definition as moving a loved one into a special facility, that may not be necessary. If your loved one seems to need help due to physical or mental limitations that are not uncommon as we age, then one way to maintain independence is through home health care. With home health care, your loved one is able to remain in their own home but will receive help with some of the things that have grown difficult.

Each individual ages differently and your loved one may simply need a little help a few times a week or they may need someone to provide them with help each day, yet they are still able to live on their own.

What Does Assisted Living Really Mean to Seniors?

Losing independence can be devastating to an older person. For most, they have created a life that they built on their own, whether through a career, raising a family or both. Some seniors may begin to struggle financially, especially if a spouse dies and they lose that portion of their income. Others may struggle because they have mobility or health issues. Assisted living includes helping seniors manage tasks, but it also provides the following benefits:

  • Retains the older person’s individuality as they can continue to express themselves and continue living under their own personality and belief system
  • Reduces the risk of depression, anger or destructive behavior
  • Maintain balance and strength as remaining active encourages older people to live a healthier life
  • Gives your older loved one a sense of purpose
  • Reduces feelings of hopelessness and limited quality of life
  • Improved memory skills due to continued activity, both mentally and physically
  • Sense of control over their own lives

Assisted Independence

Assisted living services at home include having a caregiver come in to help with things such as grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, organizing medication or assisting with bill payment. If your loved one is able to remain in their home and just needs some assistance with daily tasks, assisted living services are available to provide that help. For some, this is not a convenient option. Understanding the assisted living definition and what assisted living can really mean for your family and your loved one can make a huge difference in everyone’s life.

However, it is possible that it is no longer safe for your loved one to live alone. For instance, if they live in a two-story home with a bathroom only on the second floor, getting up and down the steps may become impossible. If they are suffering from cognitive issues, such as memory loss, it may not be safe for them to cook their own meals. An older person may lose the ability to drive which also isolates them significantly.

When this occurs, you may want to consider an assisted living community.

The Goal of Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living provides community as well as care for older adults. The communities have private apartments that allow the seniors to live independently, but also offer assistance with activities of daily living.

Your loved one can receive medication management, nursing service, health monitoring and more, usually managed by a personalized service plan that is designed specifically for their needs.

The goal of assisted living communities is to allow your older loved one to live as independently as possible while also offering services designed to help them when they need it. There is restaurant-style dining as well as social activities to keep your loved one active and engaged.

Often, assisted living communities are like towns in themselves, offering beauty or barber services, communal gardens, fitness centers, pools or spas, chapels, art studios and more.

The goal of assisted living communities? Empowering and promoting the independence of our loved ones through signature programs and activities individualized to meet their needs.

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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.

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Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

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Have you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

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In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how health care professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

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This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

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If you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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