Next week is National Assisted Living Week. It runs from September 12 through September 18, 2021. The theme this year is “Compassion, Community, Caring.” This is a time to celebrate the individuals who reside and work in assisted living and the services these facilities provide.
What Are Assisted Living Facilities?
Assisted living facilities are residences for older adults and people with disabilities. They are designed for people who may need some help with daily living, as well as access to medical care, but want to retain some of their independence. Assisted living facilities are a step below nursing homes in terms of the level of care they provide.
What Benefits Do Assisted Living Facilities Offer?
Assisted living offers important benefits for many seniors, including the following.
Preventing Social Isolation
Older adults living alone may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Assisted living provides a community environment and encouragement to participate in social events. Seniors moving into these facilities have the opportunity to make new friends, find new hobbies, and participate in activities to help them stay fit.
Freedom From Home Maintenance
Homeownership comes with the burden of continuous housework, yard work, and general home maintenance. Many seniors are tired of it all and ready to use their time for better things. Residents of assisted living facilities do not have to worry about cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, shoveling snow, or mowing the lawn. Instead, they have more free time for socializing, reading, hobbies, and whatever interests them.
Nutritious Meals
Good nutrition plays an important role in the physical and mental well-being of older people. But cooking for yourself is not always enjoyable, and neither is eating alone. Assisted living facilities provide nutritious meals and give older adults an opportunity to eat with friends. When eating becomes more enjoyable, seniors are less likely to become malnourished.
Safe and Easy Transportation
Driving and owning a car can become a hassle at a certain point in life. Some seniors may have health problems that make it unsafe for them to drive. But we all need to get around, so transportation is important. Many assisted living facilities offer safe, reliable transportation to doctor appointments, shopping, dining, social events, and other excursions.
Custom-Tailored Care
Assisted living facilities promote healthy living. Residents have access to fitness programs that may include personal training, group fitness activities, and brain fitness classes. Residents are routinely evaluated, and care plans are custom-tailored to suit the individual senior’s needs. This often means early diagnosis and treatment, which can help prevent health conditions from becoming more serious.
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?
Medicare does not cover living expenses in an assisted living facility. However, for residents of these facilities, Original Medicare will cover approved costs, such as doctor visits, although deductibles and coinsurance will apply. A Medigap supplemental health insurance plan can help cover these out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Advantage plans may provide the same coverage as Original Medicare and more.
Speak with our friendly agent for more information about Medicare coverage for assisted living residents.