Assisted living can greatly enhance the quality of life for older adults and extend their health and well-being. Yet many seniors and their adult children continue to be confused by what is assisted living. Too often family members assume, “We’d be putting mom in a nursing home” when nothing could be further from the truth. Assisted living facilities provide assistance with daily living activities. The residents enjoy independence within a supportive environment.
State governments license and regulate assisted living facilities. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care provides oversight. The Office of Long Term Care licenses a facility as either an Assisted Living Level I or an Assisted Living Level II. While both levels share the name “assisted living” there are key differences. Level II facilities meet more rigorous staffing requirements. They also provide a higher level of support to the resident, especially in the area of medication administration.
So now that you know what is assisted living, how do you know if it is the right living situation for you or your parent? The following guidelines describe the abilities a resident of assisted living should have.
Physical Ability
The senior adult should be able to walk independently with or without a supportive device such as a cane or walker. If he uses a wheelchair, the senior is able to propel it without assistance. In an emergency the senior can vacate with limited assistance.
Transferring
The senior is able to move from one location to another with no or little assistance. The senior may have had a few fall incidences but falling is not a common occurrence.
Eating/Nutrition
The senior can eat on his own with or without adaptive equipment. He may need reminders regarding dietary needs but his appetite is good.
Bathing
The senior is able to bathe on her own or with some assistance. She recognizes the need for regular bathing.
Dressing
The senior is able to dress on his own or with some assistance. He chooses what clothes to wear and assists in dressing himself. Clothes chosen are season appropriate.
Toileting
The senior is able to care for toileting needs on her own or with some assistance. She can express when assistance is needed.
Medication/Healthcare Needs
The senior takes medications independently or with assistance. He may need reminders to take medications but he understands the need for the medications and complies. He is able to verbalize health concerns.
Socialization
The senior engages in activities with others. She may choose to do an individual hobby or interest at times but does not withdraw from others. She understands a daily routine and follows it with little to no prompting. She is not combative or violent.
Parkway Heights at Parkway Village provides the right combination of support and independence. We’re licensed as an Assisted Living Level II facility and we’re located on the beautiful grounds of Parkway Village in west Little Rock. To arrange a tour and learn more about the services we offer, call 501-202-1638 or complete this form.
