It’s inevitable that people lose some of their abilities with age. For some, this is a minor decline and they can maintain a high degree of function until late in life. For others, living alone can gradually get more difficult, especially after an illness or injury. That’s when it might be necessary to move into an assisted living community, where trained caregivers provide help with activities of daily living (ADLs).
What Are ADLs?
Activities of daily living are all of the normal things people do as part of their routine. Bathing, grooming, getting dressed and moving around are all typical ADLs. The list can also include preparing meals and cleaning up the home, as well as laundry, pet care and some activities typically done outside of the home. Shopping, trips to the pharmacy and driving can also be daily activities that get more difficult with advancing age.
Special Types of ADLs
In-home caregivers often help with these routine ADLs. As a disability advances, however, seniors may need more and more assistance to stay independent. Some very personal needs, such as bathing, toileting and various personal medical tasks like blood testing may not be possible with a non-medical in-home caregiver. When an older adult’s needs go beyond what can reasonably be provided for at home, assisted living may be the only choice.
How Seniors in Assisted Living Get Help with ADLs
Assisted living communities house seniors in a safe, caring environment where staff caregivers can provide more intensive services than are typically available outside of the community. The aim is to balance a senior’s need for assistance with their privacy and dignity. Caregivers in assisted living communities generally have training in senior care, plus pass a background check and meet the facility’s care standards.
Seniors in assisted living communities can generally expect daily assistance from caregivers. The presumption is that they will need daily check-in service and be able to direct caregivers to help with what they need done. Caregivers in assisted living communities can also take the initiative for things like cooking, cleaning and personal care. Some also offer medication management and monitoring services.
What Lies Beyond Assisted Living?
Not every service is available to seniors in assisted living. Some tasks are outside the scope of non-medical caregivers. For certain more medically intensive tasks, older adults might need to check into a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, while seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia could benefit from moving into a memory care unit with 24-hour supervision and care services.
Getting the Care You Need in Assisted Living and Memory Care
Inspired Living at Hidden Lakes is a standalone memory care community in Bradenton, Florida. We offer round-the-clock care and assistance with ADLs for residents with all levels of cognitive impairments. Our staff builds close relationships with the moms and dads who come to live with us. Contact us to schedule a tour and see what we have to offer today.
