Assisted Living needs vary from person to person, and change as time goes on. Finding a program or community where a person can begin as an independent living resident and move into assisted care if it becomes appropriate, helps to make the adjustment easier. Residents can still maintain friendships, enjoy the activities and amenities they are familiar with, and remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Communities, such as Orchard Crest Retirement Community, for example, focus on individuals and offer personalized options to maintain high levels of care. The level of care changes without drastically changing the environment for the person. Light Assisted Living care, for example, requires no change in living arrangement. Scheduled care, such as bathing assistance or medication reminders, can be completed in the privacy of the apartment.
A change of living arrangements may be necessary when full assisted living care is needed, but the area remains the same. The swimming pool and spa are in the same place, the beauty salon is still available, and the physical therapy room is exactly the same. Full care includes three meals that are served in the assisted living dining room, but the other common areas, such as the library, the game room, and the movie theater, are still accessed by all residents. Activities and scheduled transportation are available, as health and mobility allow, so residents do not feel isolated or diminished. Full care includes extended nursing staff, 24/7 staffing for care needs, meals, weekly housekeeping and linen change, diabetic care and management. Practitioners, therapists, and other outside medical personnel visit the facility regularly.
Extensive services that still fall under assisted living guidelines are available for additional fees. They include nursing care such as medication administration, diabetic insulin injections, glucose monitoring, foot and skin care management, and nutritional oversight. Incontinence care, extra housekeeping, personal laundry, daily living reminders, transferring and mobility assistance, and assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and bathing are available via 24/7 staffing. A furnished apartment, complete with a television set, dishes, towels, and bedding, is available for short-stay respite care. Individualized care options for respite residents can be arranged to ensure that all needs are met.