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Is it Time for Assisted Living?

Over 800,000 older Americans are living in assisted living facilities and communities today. Residents choose assisted living because it offers the combination of a private, home-like residence as well as support to meet personal care and some health care needs.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living, the typical assisted living resident is 85 years old and is mobile, but needs help with a few of the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, using the bathroom and transferring from bed to chair. This assistance is provided in addition to the basic services that typically go with retirement housing, such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation and meals.

Charlesgate offers residents three options: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Assisted living is an important middle option for seniors who are concerned about their present or future ability to live independently, but who are also not in need of long-term care.

For elders who live in their own homes, families should be alert for signs that their loved one is no longer safe and healthy doing so. Here are some questions to ask:

My loved one’s home is as clean, tidy and in as good repair as ever.   YES   NO

My loved one eats well and is able to prepare nutritious meals.   YES   NO

My loved one’s home is convenient and safe for his/her mobility level.   YES   NO

My loved one has plenty of opportunities for physical activity and socializing.   YES   NO

My loved one is able to manage medications and take them correctly.   YES   NO

My loved one is able to manage doctor’s appointments and other healthcare tasks.   YES   NO

My loved one drives well, or has access to good alternate transportation.   YES   NO

Our family is confident that our loved one is well-off living at home.   YES   NO

My loved one could get help right away in the event of a fall or other emergency.   YES   NO

If you answered “no” to several of these questions, learn more about how the supportive environment of an assisted living community promotes independence, health and safety for senior residents.

Charlesgate Senior Living Center’s assisted living services are designed to enhance the quality of life of its residents, with services, socialization, healthy living and activities being the basis of that high-quality life. One of the features that set Charlesgate apart from other programs is our ability to provide outstanding services at surprisingly fair and reasonable fees for all of our residents.

Read more about our assisted living services, or feel free to request information or give us a call at (401) 861-5858. We look forward to meeting you!