What Should You Know About Assisted Living?

By Rob Nigro

Just about everyone looks forward to retirement as a time to relax and enjoy life. Often, though, we get too consumed by daily responsibilities to fully relish the leisure time we’ve worked so hard to gain. That’s where a move to assisted living can make quite a difference.

Although the majority of assisted living communities tend to be very well-regulated and of unusually good quality, there are certainly major differences among them. People who are familiar with many communities tend to prefer those that that stand out by placing far more emphasis on helping to keep residents active, busy, and involved than most other facilities do. This philosophy can often be manifested by a very warm, personal feeling that comes across readily to prospective residents who stop to talk with current residents, and ask their feelings about living at the facility. Indeed, one of the most important considerations for anyone considering assisted living is to speak directly to existing residents of any particular facility.

Most seniors considering such a move to assisted living are very concerned about maintaining their dignity and independence. Their ages typically range from about 65 to 100, with an average in the low to mid 80s. Moving to a fine residential environment with quality accommodations, good neighbors, and a strong program can often be a major benefit to seniors who have previously lived by themselves. Indeed, they very often “come alive again” once they no longer have to concern themselves with the burdens of living alone.

One of the most common sources of confusion for those looking into retirement living is the challenge of correctly understanding the difference between independent retirement living and assisted living. The former is typically a living arrangement in residential apartments where elders share common space, but are able to maintain their independence with little or no assistance. Better facilities typically provide three meals daily for all residents, plus utilities, some transportation, housekeeping, etc., as well as standby assistance, if needed, and a wide variety of social activities. In some cases, communities blend independent living and assisted living options into one facility.

Similar to independent living, assisted living is a housing option for older adults who need some assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing, ambulating or toileting, but who do not require 24-hour nursing care. They are still able to live independently with some assistance, but that assistance is generally necessary on a daily basis. In many ways, assisted living might be seen as “independent living with an added bonus!”

Many folks profoundly seek and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy their “golden years” in a very caring assisted living place Often, the majority of seniors looking into these communities prefer the many benefits of a large community, with the intimacy of a small assisted-living home where everyone knows your name.

Assisted living facilities should not be confused with a nursing home.

Rob Nigro has been a consultant in the Massachusetts independent and assisted living industry for 12 years. He currently serves as executive director of the not-for-profit New Horizons seniors community in Woburn, Mass. In addition to this non-profit facility, Nigro is affiliated with the much larger not-for-profit Metrowest assisted living community called New Horizons at Marlborough in Marlborough, Mass.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Bayada Nurses

In 1975, the spirit of Bayada Nurses was born from a vision to help others live a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity. More than three decades later, we have grown from our humble beginnings to become a national leader in the home care industry.

Driven by a passion to help others, Bayada Nurses provides clients of all ages with a broad range of in-home services including high-tech skilled care, personal care, rehabilitation, therapies, homemaking, and companionship. There is nothing like the confidence and hope our clients feel from knowing they are not alone and help is only a phone call away — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Bayada Nurses understands it is an honor and a privilege to be invited into a client’s home. Therefore, we only hire only caregivers who share in our commitment to provide home care services with compassion, excellence and reliability — Bayada Nurses’ core values.

It is Bayada Nurses’ belief in its people that has lead to 30 years of stable, debt-free, and consistent growth throughout the country.

Comprehensive, Client-Focused Services
Bayada Nurses offers a broad range of in-home services — including high-tech skilled care, rehabilitation following a hospital stay, and ongoing assistance with daily activities — to people of all ages. Our disciplines and services vary by location, state licensure requirements, and Medicare/Medicaid guidelines, and include:
• Skilled Nursing (RNs & LPNs)
• Personal Care (HHAs & CNAs)
• Support (Homemakers & Companions)
• Therapies (PTs, OTs, STs, & MSWs)
• Rehabilitation (CRRNs)
• Pediatric Care
• Geriatric Care
• Catastrophic Care
• Palliative Care

Compassionate Community of Caregivers
Bayada Nurses employees are compassionate, reliable and strive for excellence. Our disciplines vary based on location and include RNs, LPNs, home health aides, companions, homemakers, therapists and social workers. Since employees are Bayada’s greatest asset, the organization is committed to helping our employees increase their knowledge, enhance their skills, and strive for clinical excellence.

For employees, Bayada Nurses offers meaningful work with great flexibility and benefits such as:
• Competitive, weekly pay; direct deposit; and paid time off
• Flexible schedules — choose your own cases, locations & hours
• Classroom, in-home, and online training programs
• Scholarship opportunities
• Various career advancement opportunities — field leadership, clinical specialist, business management or clinical management
• One-on-one care with 24-hour, on-call support
• Medical and dental insurances
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonuses

Bayada Nurses’ Union County office, 908-687-6363.

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