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The Arbors Assisted Living - Not a Nursing Home

Assisted Living: Not Your Parents’ Nursing Home

The words “nursing home” often strike fear into the hearts of aging Americans. While nursing homes have changed, your parents’ attitudes toward them probably haven’t.

Seniors fear the loss of independence and moving into a nursing home more than they fear death, according to the “Aging in Place in America” study commissioned by Clarity and The EAR Foundation. The survey asked people aged 65 and older about their greatest fears. Death was rated at just 3 percent. Moving into a nursing home was at 13 percent, and loss of independence was 26 percent.

Many older Americans aren’t even aware that there are other alternatives. After all, the first assisted living facility, Park Place, opened in 1981. Designed to offer independent living while offering minimal care, assisted living helps older and minimally disabled people the ability to stay independent.

Assisted Living is designed to be different

Assisted Living is very different from skilled nursing or nursing home care. Nursing home care is focused on meeting government requirements while Assisted Living focuses on the resident’s wants and needs. Assisted Living was specifically designed to provide an alternative to people who need minimal care, but do not need skilled nursing.

Assisted Living

Nursing Home

  • Provides meals, although some living arrangements may also have kitchens
  • Provides 24/7 care and supervision
  • Private apartments or homes decorated and furnished by resident
  •  Provides all meals
  • Individualized care plans
  • Semi-private or private rooms with hospital furnishings
  • Assistance with bathing, dressing and daily activities as needed
  •  No or limited transportation
  • Transportation available for activities and doctor visits
 

  • Staff determines schedule; often the same or similar for all residents
  • RNs or physicians offer visits for medical care
  •  Limited community activities
  • Focus on resident needs and wants
  • Resident determines schedule
  • Community activities and excursions
  • Soundproofed homes and apartments

Assisted Living offers customized care

An important difference between Assisted Living and nursing homes is that residents of Assisted Living can request as much or as little help as they need. They may ask to be reminded to take their medication at 10 a.m. and be helped with a bath twice a week. Their care is customized to their needs with the goal of maintaining independence.

For example, if your mother wakes up and decides she doesn’t want a shower that day, no one will say anything at an Assisted Living facility. Only those designated by your parents will receive notice that something has changed in their routine.

If your parents like a glass of wine after dinner, they can store the bottle in their apartment. If your father likes an occasional cigar, there are plenty of areas where he can smoke.

Assisted Living ensures confidentiality

Confidentiality is a watchword. Although residents have the freedom to do what they want, staff are trained to notice and document signs of potential problems. As the caregiver designated in your parent’s care plan, you are informed about all of these issues.

Assisted Living promotes privacy

Assisted Living apartments can be locked. Each individual has set up an individualized care plan that documents the circumstances required for someone to enter the home. Otherwise, all visitors must knock and be admitted to enter.

Assisted Living offers peace and quiet

Another difference between Assisted Living apartments and nursing homes is noise, especially at night. Your home is your haven, and nothing should intrude. Assisted Living  apartments or houses are soundproofed, so outside noise is minimal. Help is available when and if you need it, and only when or if you need it.

Assisted Living provides nutritious, delicious meals

One of the most glaring differences between Assisted Living and nursing homes is the diet. Most Assisted Living dining rooms offer – and pride themselves on – three nutritious meals a day. Many offer restaurant-style dining in beautifully decorated dining rooms.

Assisted Living gives individualized attention

Assisted Living focuses on maintaining residents’ independence while meeting their needs. Staff members grow to know your parent’s needs and wants and even some of their quirks. They’re trained in the best way to communicate with people who may have auditory, visual or memory impairments.

Assisted Living provides a stimulating environment

A stimulating environment enhances the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of residents. Assisted Living common areas offer numerous places and opportunities to socialize—in the dining room during meals, at the beauty salon or barber shop, in the theatre before or after a movie, in the pub while enjoying a late-night snack, in the courtyard or on a porch during summer days, while gardening, and in the sunroom.

Assisted Living activities are designed for socialization

Although your parents live in their own home, they can participate in group activities or excursions as much as or as little as they prefer. Popular on-campus activities include gardening, exercise, entertainment, and spiritual activities. Excursions to a nearby town frequently include shopping, museums, and festivals.

The best way to experience Assisted Living is to try it

You can talk to your parents until you’re blue in the face about Assisted Living. Instead, let them experience it. Plan a regularly scheduled event, take a tour or consider scheduling a short stay at a nearby Assisted Living community.

 

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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.

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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.

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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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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.


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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.


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-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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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?

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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.


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

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

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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