As about 80 million individuals of the Baby Boomer generation continue to age, life expectancy is climbing, but chronic conditions can still be a challenge. It’s believed that around 60% of the generation will be managing a chronic medical condition by 2030. Many of these people will require a higher level of care than in-home health support can offer. This is precisely where assisted living care in Bloomfield Hills comes into the picture. When someone doesn’t need the continuous care of a nursing home but needs some assistance on a daily basis with laundry and meals, assisted living communities are often the perfect answer.
The Purpose of Assisted Living Care in Bloomfield Hills
Assisted living in Bloomfield Hills is an option for seniors that is long-term and provides daily personal care but does not provide specialized medical care. However, this is only the beginning for some facilities. Several communities offer some level of special care, such as offering special programs for the elderly with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In general, assisted living offers a high level of independence with assistance for basic health services, personal care, around the clock security and group events. Some communities also provide meals, housekeeping and laundry services.
An assisted living facility in Bloomfield Hills, allows older adults to retain independence while getting the type of help they need. For instance, someone who forgets to take their medications or has trouble bathing on their own but functions well in other areas might find an assisted living facility a great option to live a normal life. Someone helps with the things that a person finds challenging, but the rest of their time is their own.
While communities do not all have the same services, many of the following are common:
- Assistance with bathing, eating, and dressing
- Educational opportunities
- Three cooked meals each day
- Religious activities
- Housekeeping
- Social services assistance
- Laundry
- Transportation support
- Medication administration support
- Recreational activities
- Health monitoring and management
- 24-hour supervision
- 24-hour security
Types of Accommodations in an Assisted Living Facility in Bloomfield Hills
In the United States alone, there are around 30,000 assisted living facilities and almost a million beds. The average number of beds in a facility is 33, but some communities have far fewer or many more than that. In these facilities, there are often semi-private apartments, private studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments to offer the right experience for each individual.
The single-unit spaces typically have an area for cooking food and a private bathroom. Some even come with full kitchens. While some residences are furnished, others allow the residents living there to furnish the space with their personal belongings so it feels more like home.
The Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
Assisted living is different from a nursing home or hospice in Bloomfield Hills, although many facilities have relationships with other types of units for those who transition into them from assisted living. Many people don’t know what the differences are between nursing homes and assisted living facilities; below are some helpful points.
- Living – Assisted living facilities are an option for older adults who require some daily assistance with living, whereas, nursing homes are for seniors who require 24-hour medical supervision
- Medical Care – Assisted living facilities provide more of a typical home atmosphere while nursing homes focus more on medical care. While a resident of assisted living might receive nursing care, someone at a nursing home may receive around the clock care. Nursing homes have on-staff medical workers, while an assisted living facility in Bloomfield Hills might only have medical professionals on certain days.
- Mobility – In most cases, assisted living facilities are for individuals who retain some level of mobility while nursing homes are for patients who are often confined to bed.
- Rooms and Apartments – While assisted living facilities often have studio or one-bedroom apartments, nursing homes typically do not. A nursing home will often have semi-private and single rooms without a living space or kitchen.
The Right Time to Consider Assisted Living
For an older adult, the thought of moving from a loved home into an assisted living facility isn’t a decision to make on a whim. However, if aging at home isn’t an option, assisted living care in Bloomfield Hills is often a great choice due to the high levels of independence afforded to residents.
Even if a senior isn’t quite ready for assisted living yet, speaking with someone at a facility that offers this option can be a good idea for future needs. Many of these facilities have waitlists so those who wait until a moment of crisis may find that there are not many options. Below are a few of the reasons that residents choose to move into assisted living communities.
- Frequent Accidents – As people get older, just getting around becomes more challenging so falls can become more frequent. Some residents also choose assisted living care due to forgetting to turn off appliances, which can lead to fires.
- Issues Doing Chores – Sometimes aging individuals have trouble doing typical household chores or simply forget to do them.
- Trouble Caring for Self – If someone can’t care for themselves and their support is also becoming unable to do so, assisted living can be a welcomed transition. It prevents caregiver burnout and allows a person retain their independence.
There are many reasons to consider an assisted living facility in Bloomfield Hills. Aging adults and their loved ones should consider this option if things are more of a struggle than they used to be. However, it’s important to look at all the options and make sure the facility that is chosen has exceptional staff, the amenities desired, safety for the resident and an affordable monthly cost. Wherever someone chooses to set down roots as they grow older, it should be a place of peace and happiness.
