Five Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors

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Senior Care Authority - Pittsburgh Market

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Senior Care Authority

Posted on

Jan 22, 2024

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

Five Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors

As we age, it can become more and more challenging to maintain independence. Simple tasks we once took for granted, like cooking and cleaning, can become obstacles. Add a few physical challenges, like arthritis or difficulty showering, and things can seem insurmountable. That's where assisted living comes in. Assisted living is designed specifically for seniors who need help with activities of daily living. It is also a situation where social engagement becomes possible and easy. If you are considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one, here are five benefits to keep in mind:

1. 24/7 Access to Caregivers

One of the most significant benefits of assisted living is that there is always someone on staff who can help when needed. Whether it helps with daily living or is simply someone to talk to, caregivers are always available to residents. This can be a massive relief for seniors and their families, who can rest assured knowing that help is always nearby.

2/ A Sense of Community

An excellent component of assisted living is the sense of community that it can provide. Residents have the opportunity to socialize and form relationships with their neighbors. This can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation seniors often experience while living alone. Many assisted living communities offer activities and amenities that encourage socialization, such as game nights, fitness classes, and group outings.

3. Increased Safety and Security

Assisted living communities are designed with safety and security in mind. Everything is in place, from security cameras to emergency call buttons, to ensure that residents are safe at all times. This added layer of protection can be a massive relief for seniors and their families.

4. Maintenance-Free Living

One of the best things about assisted living is that it frees residents from worrying about tasks like cooking, cleaning, and yard work. This allows them to focus on things they enjoy, such as pursuing hobbies and interests or spending time with family and friends. In addition, many assisted living communities offer housekeeping and laundry services so that residents don't have to lift a finger if they don't want to.

5. A Continuum of Care

If care needs change over time, many assisted living communities offer a continuum of care to receive the level of care they need without having to move locations. This can include everything from memory support apartments to skilled nursing care. Having this option available can give both seniors and their families peace of mind knowing that they won't have to go through the stress of moving if their needs change in the future. 

Finding the best senior living setting for your loved one can be an overwhelming task, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The expert advisors at the Senior Care Authority are here to help!

We offer various services designed to help seniors live their best life possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.

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Heres a detailed breakdown: 1. Minimum Weekly Staff HoursPer Florida Administrative Code Rule 59A36.010, ALFs must meet a minimum number of direct care staff hours each week based on total residents (including daycare and respite). Independent living residents receiving no services are excluded. # ResidentsStaff Hours/Week051686152121625253263529436453354655375566541666754577685498869553996++42 hours per week for each additional 20 residents 2. Staff Availability & Ratios24/7 supervision:At least one qualified staff member must be on-site anytime residents are present home.caringdata.com+5casetext.com+5quality.healthfinder.fl.gov+5.For facilities with 17+ residents, one staff member must be awake and present around the clock FirstAid/CPR coverage:At all times, someone on duty must hold a valid First-Aid and CPR certificate (nurse, EMT, or paramedic qualifies) .Responsible staff in absence:If the administrator or manager is absent longer than 48 hours, a written-designated staff member (21+) must oversee facility duties  3. Staff Qualification & TrainingAdministrator oversight:Every ALF must be supervised by a licensed administrator responsible for operations and staff management.Preservice & Core Training:New staff must complete at least 2 hours of orientation before resident interaction.Ongoing training related to job duties and care must meet FAC 59A36.011 requirements. Medication assistance:Staff helping with self-administration of medication require 6 additional training hours, followed by 2 hours annually. Background screening:All employees (including contracted staff) must undergo Level 2 background checks.  4. Documentation & OversightSchedules & recordkeeping:Facilities must maintain written 24hour staffing schedules and time sheets. 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I'm a Survivor... And Now I have my Own Trust?

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Senior Care Authority - North Pittsburgh

Senior Transition Services 2009 Mackenzie Way Suite 100, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, 16066

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We meet the staff, residents, family members when possible. State reports are reviewed to advise you of any citations or complaints issued against a particular provider. We have comprehensive knowledge and experience with all facets of senior living, from Independent Living to Personal Care and Assisted Living, to Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.Your Advisor will meet with you in person to discuss your options and then accompany you on visits to places that meet your criteria. We ensure that all your questions are answered and assist with paperwork and negotiations. The hallmark of our service commitment is that we are by your side every step of the way.We are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes so there is no cost to you for our placement services. In the rare case where we are not contracted with a community, your Advisor will let you know at the outset and explain any fees that might be incurred, should you choose that location. 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Senior Care Authority - Pittsburgh

Senior Transition Services 651 Holiday Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15220

Senior Care Authority is a senior care consulting firm that helps families find the right care for their loved ones in the Pittsburgh area. Their team of Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs) are experts in senior care and can help you navigate the complex healthcare system, understand your options, and make informed decisions. Senior Care Authority is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to their clients. FINDING SENIOR LIVING OPTIONSMaking the right care decision for your loved one can be a daunting task. There are so many options; the terminology is often unfamiliar and the terrain unknown. Senior Care Authority of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will streamline the process to make it easier for you to make informed choices and reduce the stress and pressure associated with such important decisions.Our team of Certified Senior Advisors carefully inspects locations from mid-to-larger size communities as well as smaller, residential care homes. We meet the staff, residents, family members when possible. State reports are reviewed to advise you of any citations or complaints issued against a particular provider. We have comprehensive knowledge and experience with all facets of senior living, from Independent Living to Assisted Living, to Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.Your Advisor will meet with you in person to discuss your options and then accompany you on visits to places that meet your criteria. We ensure that all your questions are answered, and assist with paperwork and negotiations. The hallmark of our service commitment is that we are by your side every step of the way.We are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes so there is no cost to you for our placement services. In the rare case where we are not contracted with a community, your Advisor will let you know at the outset and explain any fees that might be incurred, should you choose that location. You can expect total transparency from us and we respect your right to choice.ELDERCARE CONSULTINGSometimes our families need help with challenging transitions, endless decision-making and navigating a complex healthcare system. This can include facilitating essential conversations between family members, locating a skilled nursing facility, home care agency or caregiver selection, long distance caregiving, finding the right resources and learning how to access them, or regular visits to your loved one, providing you with "peace of mind" when you are unable to visit.  It can be comforting to have someone partner with you who is outside the emotional landscape of the family: doing research, talking to providers, organizing paperwork, or finding those "needle in a haystack" resources  a go-to person you can turn to when things get overwhelming. No care plan is cookie cutter. We customize our services for your family. We are your advocates on this often difficult journey and help you track the endless details.There is no cost for an initial consultation. You and your Advisor can get to know each other and decide if working together is a good fit to meet your needs.ADVOCACYAn advocate can be a good friend to have on your side, especially when things get complicated. When navigating the healthcare system, sometimes there is so much information being offered that it is nearly impossible to hold it alone and sort out what you have been told. As your advocate and coach, we do our best to ensure that everyone understands the information being dispensed and that your questions are answered appropriately.FAMILY COACHINGA third party who is outside of the emotional landscape of the family during tough decision-making can be a great benefit. Each family has its own dynamic and a coach can help make sure everyone is heard and seen, and that everyone is treated fairly, even if you dont all agree. Your coach can help your family find consensus or at least encourage everyones point of view to be voiced and listened to calmly. We are not therapists. We are trained to empower families to move forward with whatever process is most beneficial. Initial consultations are always offered at no charge.Kathy Thompson is the owner of Senior Care Authority for the Pittsburgh area of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. She became a Certified Senior Advisor to help families and seniors navigate the broad, confusing, and stressful decisions regarding senior living options. From her mothers fight with cancer, she has learned that life can change instantly. Her mission is to help families get the necessary resources and information they need in a timely fashion to be able to make the best educated decision for their elder parent or loved ones.Kathy understands that choosing the right senior care is a difficult decision, and she is here to help you every step of the way.  Contact her for an initial consultation and see how she can make a difference for the senior in your life.

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Housing Placement & Resource Specialists 2009 Mackenzie Way Suite 100, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, 16066

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Your coach can help your family find consensus or at least encourage everyones point of view to be voiced and listened to calmly. We are not therapists. We are trained to empower families to move forward with whatever process is most beneficial. Initial consultations are always offered at no charge.Cara Lapic loves helping seniors and their families! Let her and her team help you.She wants to get to know your family and your unique situation and connect you with solutions that enable your family to thrive.Senior Care Authority North Pittsburgh is in its third year of business helping families. Over the years, we have helped many families along their journey, connecting them with elder law attorneys, realtors, financial and medical professionals, home care and home health professionals and a myriad of others resources too numerous to list.  Many of our clients are seeking assistance with finding residential living options (e.g., Independent Living, Assisted Living / Personal Care and Memory Care). We make it our business to know the communities well and to understand their unique cultures and areas of expertise.  We work hard to align individual preferences and needs to help ensure success for the family.Cara has been called "a nerd"!  She is constantly studying and learning new things to support the families that she partners with. She spent almost thirty years in the financial services industry doing analytical and consultative work.  She has her doctorate in Information Systems and Communications and several certifications in the senior space - Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner and is a Beyond Driving with Dignity Professional.  She tells the families that the more that they share, the more she can help -  and she means that. We each have a journey unique to our family Cara understands that solutions are not a one size fits all.She appreciates being part of the national Senior Care Authority Network with similarly driven and trained professionals who serve throughout the United States.  She is happy to connect you with resources in your area.Cara lives in the North Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania with her husband, Dan, two girls, Maizie Elle and Evelina Shae, two Bengal cats, Remy and Luna and a Dachshund, Ms. Molly. In her free time, Cara spends time with family and friends, and is always studying and learning new things!