What is an Assisted Living Residence?

Assisted living residences are for older people who no longer feel comfortable or safe living alone, but do not need the 24-hour nursing and medical care provided by nursing facilities. The goal of assisted living residence programs is to provide maximum independence in a home-like setting with individualized care and assistance.

The residences provide a combination of housing, personal services, and health care to individuals who cannot or choose not to live alone because they need help with routine daily activities.

The support services include:

• Meals
• Assistance with activities of daily living
  (such as bathing, dressing and walking)
• 24-hour security and on-site staff to respond to emergencies
• Medication management
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Social and recreational programs

The typical assisted living resident is in his or her mid-80s and needs help with personal care and a reminder to take their medications. Assisted living is also an option for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairments. Programs that offer Alzheimer's care usually feature specially designed and secure environments, structured activity programs, and more intensive staffing.

Assisted living services can be provided in freestanding residences, integrated within skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, as components of continuing care retirement communities, or at independent housing complexes.

An assisted living setting is a congregate residential environment that is designed to:

• Maximize residents' dignity, autonomy, privacy, independence, and safety
• Accommodate residents' changing needs and preferences
• Encourage family and community involvement
• Minimize the need to relocate as health status changes

When choosing an assisted living residence, the individual should expect to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Be informed of services available and the costs and limitations of those services
• Retain and use personal possessions
• Interact freely with others both inside the residence and in the community
• Have freedom of religion
• Control health-related services
• Have privacy

Assisted living residences are required to post a listing of Residents' Rights in a visible place and provide new residents with a copy. In addition to observing the personal rights of its residents, assisted living residences usually have guidelines for visitors. Most residences establish "house" rules pertaining to, but not limited to, pets, the use of personal property, and the use of tobacco and alcohol.

These health and housing options are bought to you by Plumbers Adelaide , Geelong Plumbers, Plumbers south Melbourne , Plumbers Sydney and Plumbers Newcastle NSW. These trades are glad supporters of healthcare and ahousing for the elderly and the belive in good housing options for all seniors.