Which are the Different Types of Care in Assisted Living?

 

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Taking care of a senior loved one can be daunting, especially if you have other commitments, such as school or work. Fortunately, that is why Cypress Cove and other assisted living facilities are in place to help you out with caring for your grandma or grandpa. However, before signing up your loved one into such institutions, do you know what kind of care they need? Read on to understand more about the types of care offered in assisted living. 

Levels of Care

The type and level of care you or your loved one gets in an elderly home depends on your physical and mental health. There are no specific laws for setting up these levels – the responsibility lies with individual facilities. Nonetheless, the general types of care you can expect are:

Low Level

This type of care is for the seniors who are independent and those that require minimal assistance. Such individuals can handle simple activities of daily living (ADLs) with minimal or no help. However, if you or your loved one falls under this class, they may need assistance in taking any medications prescribed to them, but there is no need for complex medical monitoring. 

Intermediate/Moderate Level

At this stage, a senior can perform a few ADLs independently, such as eating, but may need help with others, for instance, maintaining self-hygiene. Additionally, you or your loved one may experience some memory loss. Some complex medication monitoring may also be required to treat chronic pain. There is also an elevated risk of falls and other safety concerns for individuals who need intermediate care. 

High Level

This care level is for seniors who need assistance with almost all ADLs. This level is geared towards individuals with different impairments that affect their functioning. This could include memory loss and mental conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. At this point, the staff at the assisted living facility receives more training on dementia care, and there could also be support groups for family members. 

Getting to old age is not for everyone. If you are already there, you might need some form of care and assistance in your daily life. Seeking help from an assisted living institution is ideal, but you need to know which level of care you or your loved one requires.