Assisted Living Facilities: Bridging the Gap for Senior Adults

As baby boomers approach retirement, the issue of where to live while in retirement is a major life changing decision. As with most baby boomers, their own parents were faced with these dilemnas and it is, by this approach, that the baby boomer is able to learn and develop a strategic plan for living independently during retirement.

For some senior adults, without significant health related issues, the option of living independently may be considered through a program within an assisted living faciltiy. While not truly an independent home, the assisted living facility provides senior adults the opportunity to continue with some independence, while reaping the benefits of 24 hour services.

Also known as retirement homes, community residences and even sheltered housing, the assisted living facility will become a more significant standard of living within the next 25 years. With an aging population, many senior adults will turn to assisted living facilities in an effort to maintain privacy and dignity while obtaining the services of the staff. Cheaper than a nursing home, assisted living facilities are equipped to provide services such as bathing, dressing, grooming and assistance with moving about the facility property.

In addition to standard living services, some assisted living facilities offer optional additional ammenities including private vehicle parking, an allowance for small pets, 24 hour visiting hours, storage facilities and onsite religious services. Additionally, several facilities offer onsite massage, spa, hair care and nail care services with onsite drugstore services permitting purchase of over the counter medications in additional to various medical supply items. Prescription medication and more costly medical care services are generally provided, at an additional cost, as a delivery or service contracted by a vendor and delivered into the assisted living facility. When considering assisted living options, consider not only the personal needs offered but also the unique hobbies and optional grooming ammenities the senior adult may desire into retirement.

In addition to basic 24 hour care, the assisted living facility also provides the senior adult with a community based social network with most assisted living faciltiies coordinating trips, outings, onsite social events and community dining areas. Three meals are generally served per day and housekeeping and laundry services are provided. Additionally, many communities offer coordinated fitness programs including yoga, mild aerobic, free weights and light cardio programs.

Whatever the living arrangement in retirement, the goal of both baby boomers, was well as their adult children, is to maintain the same quality standard of living while ensuring daily living services are effective and efficiently provided. For information regarding local assisted living facilities in your area, visit www.assistedlivinginfo.com.