Now Is The Time To Find Assisted Living Near You

Author

Assisted Living Locators

Posted on

Jun 09, 2021

Book/Edition

Nebraska - Eastern Region

If youve been putting off a decision about assisted living near you, revisit the choice. Now Is The Time To Find Assisted Living Near You.

The past year has been lonely and frightening for many seniors and their families. Many postponed a move into assisted living in 2020 due to concerns about COVID-19. Seniors who are isolated at home have missed many of their favorite activities like enjoying meals with family and friends, volunteering or attending worship services in an effort to stay safe.
But now, with the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, its time to rethink your options. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that those living and working in assisted living communities should have top priority. As federal and state authorities roll out the distribution of the vaccine, anyone living in an assisted living community will have the option of getting the vaccination.
Incoming residents, too, may also have priority access to the vaccine, if the new resident commits to a move-in before each communitys assigned clinic dates. Bottom line: those who choose to move into senior living will likely get the vaccine sooner than they would have otherwise, had they remained at home. But the window of time available for receiving the vaccine through the community may be limited.
Safety in Assisted Living Near You
Even under normal conditions, seniors with chronic diseases or memory challenges are best cared for in a safe, controlled environment with the protocols in place to meet their health, nutrition, and social needs.
If you work outside the home and are suddenly faced with the need to provide care for a parent or spouse, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 can be worrisome. Assisted living near you offers a safe place for older adults to live during the ongoing pandemic. Infection prevention policies at these communities range from enhanced sanitation protocols and symptom screenings to restricted visitation and routine testing, among other precautions.
People living with Alzheimers disease and dementia particularly need help remembering important hygienic practices such as washing hands. Under the guidance of the CDC and local government directives, senior living communities ensure frequent and rigorous cleaning of high-touch surfaces while ensuring adequate levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) are on hand.
Certainly, the vaccine will be a turning point in our fight against the pandemic, providing another layer of infection prevention and control. However, even after vaccination, everyone in the facility will continue following all the current guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, and cleaning hands often.
Planning the Move
If youve been considering assisted living near you, dont put off the decision any longer. Your local Assisted Living Locators advisor will carefully analyze factors such as medical needs, lifestyle choices, location, activities of daily living, more to find the right plan and senior living choices.

Other Articles You May Like

Assisted Living Home Care Services: Care Wherever You Call Home

Do you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility? Assisted living facilities are residences designed for people who are independent but need some help with daily activities. These facilities can be freestanding communities, part of a retirement community or integrated within nursing homes or hospitals.Assisted living maximizes the dignity and independence of residents while also providing 24-hour supervision. In addition to housing, which can range from a private or shared bedroom to a full apartment, assisted living facilities generally provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, security and activities for residents for a set monthly cost. In addition to monthly costs, personal care services may be provided at an additional charge. Such personal care services could include laundry, medication reminders, or assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and ambulating/transferring.While people in assisted living dont require skilled nursing around the clock, they do need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Depending on the facility and its staffing ratios, your loved one may need additional one-on-one care to complement the care provided by the facility staff. In addition to always being ready to help with ADLs, SYNERGY HomeCares assisted living home care services can provide more regular supervision and companionship as well as encourage your loved one to eat meals or participate in activities.This added layer of support for your loved one living in an assisted living facility can provide you with peace of mind, as well as help reduce the anxiety and agitation your loved one may experience in a new environment.If youre interested in supplemental caregiving, begin by consulting the facilitys administration to understand what services they cover and where a professional caregiver can add the most value. SYNERGY HomeCares assisted living home care services ensure that the caregiver, while working at the facility, will report directly to the loved ones family who contracted their care.In my opinion, this offers the best of both worlds: a safe and secure living situation with the added support of a personalized caregiver.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-204-5788.

How to Know If Its Time to Move to Senior Living

Needs and priorities change as people age, and living independently at home may no longer be the best option for seniors. Determining when to make the move to senior living, such as an assisted living community, can be challenging due to factors such as emotional attachment to the home, financial considerations, and concerns about losing independence.Since the decision can be deeply personal for seniors and their families, here are some signs to consider.Difficulty Managing Daily ActivitiesActivities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and taking medications can be one of the clearest indicators of a seniors ability to maintain independence.If you or your loved one struggles to complete these tasks independently, consider senior living, where help is readily available. The trained staff there help with ADLs, allowing residents to enjoy a better quality of life.Health Concerns and Safety IssuesChronic conditions, mobility issues, and memory loss can all contribute to an unsafe living environment. This can result in frequent falls, difficulty moving around the house, or forgetting to take medications. These are serious red flags, especially if seniors live alone for a significant part of the day.Senior living, such as an assisted living community, is designed with seniors safety in mind, offering features such as grab bars, emergency call systems, and round-the-clock medical support. This environment can provide peace of mind, knowing that help is always nearby.Feelings of Isolation and LonelinessFactors like the loss of a spouse or friend and the inability to drive can make it difficult for seniors to maintain social ties. Loneliness can lead to depression and other mental health issues, which in turn can affect physical health. Senior living offers a built-in social network with opportunities to engage in activities and events. These interactions can improve mood and well-being, making life more enjoyable and fulfilling.Caregiver BurnoutFamily members often step in to help aging loved ones, but caregiving can be demanding and stressful. Over time, caregivers can experience burnout, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. If youre a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, or if your loved one needs more care than you can provide, it might be time to explore the benefits of senior living.Home Maintenance Becomes OverwhelmingMaintaining a home can be exhausting as physical abilities decline. Tasks like mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters, and keeping up with repairs can become overwhelming and even dangerous for seniors. The staff handles all maintenance in an assisted living community, allowing residents to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle. This means no more worrying about unexpected repairs or seasonal upkeep.Financial ConsiderationsOwning and maintaining a home can be expensive, especially when factoring in property taxes, utilities, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. In some cases, the cost of staying at home can outweigh the benefits, particularly if additional in-home care services are required. Transitioning to an assisted living community can provide a more predictable and often more affordable solution, with various levels of care included in the cost.Ready to explore senior living that feels like home? Our team at The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, is here to provide you with all the care and community you need. Contact us to discuss your options and see how we can help 303-420-7258.

Harmony Mental Health Assisted Living Program Named 2024 Recipient of LeadingAges Program Innovation Annual Achievement Award

Harmony Mental Health Assisted Living Program Named 2024 Recipient of LeadingAges Program Innovation Annual Achievement AwardFramingham, MA (October 10, 2024) Mary Ann Morse at Heritage Assisted Living is proud to announce that its Harmony Mental Health Program has been named the recipient of the LeadingAge 2024 Program Innovation Annual Achievement Award. This distinction honors groundbreaking programs that transform aging services through creative, innovative approaches.The award was presented at the LeadingAge 70th Annual Meeting of Membership on October 9, 2024, at the College of the Holy Cross. Lisa Kubiak, President & CEO of Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp., and Brian Kelly, Executive Director of Mary Ann Morse at Heritage, accepted the award on behalf of the organization."Receiving this award is an incredible honor that underscores our dedication to providing compassionate, specialized care for aging adults facing mental health challenges," said Kubiak. "The Harmony Program began as a separate, secured community and has evolved - thanks to the vision, hard work, and commitment of our team - into an integrated, supportive environment. Its a model that reflects our belief in the power of a holistic approach to care, allowing our residents to transition and thrive within a safe, nurturing community."The Harmony Mental Health Program has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach in meeting the distinct mental health needs of older adults, including those facing conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Acknowledging the increasing demand for comprehensive mental health services, the program offers an innovative alternative to traditional assisted living by providing a transitional, step-down option for seniors requiring specialized mental health support following psychiatric hospitalization."I believe our comprehensive approach fills a crucial gap in mental health care by combining therapeutic support, social integration, and residential comfort, adds Chet Olson, Harmony Program Director. Our goal is to enhance residents' mental wellness, foster social skills, and support their journey towards greater independence, ultimately preparing them for transitions back to traditional assisted living or home settings whenever possible."Located on the eight-acre campus of Mary Ann Morse at Heritage, alongside traditional and memory care assisted living programs, the Harmony program fosters a nurturing, non-institutional environment. It prioritizes individualized care and psycho-social support, empowering residents to live fulfilling lives within a compassionate community setting, where their mental and emotional well-being is the focus. Residents receive assistance from partnering clinicians and other health professionals, including McLean Hospital-affiliated psychiatrists, care managers, therapists, a social worker, and a dedicated nurse practitioner.About Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. Mary Ann Morse Healthcare, a nonprofit organization, offers a continuum of senior living and healthcare services and has been a trusted community resource for over 30 years within the MetroWest region. Mary Ann Morse at Heritage provides traditional, memory care, and mental health assisted living programs for todays seniors. Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center offers short-term outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, as well as long-term care, including memory, respite, and hospice care. Mary Ann Morse Home Care provides 24/7 Medicare-certified home health and personal in-home care. As a nonprofit, we are deeply committed to our mission of helping seniors live their best lives and embrace healthy aging, no matter where they are on lifes journey. www.maryannmorse.orgAbout LeadingAge MassachusettsLeadingAge Massachusetts is dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. Together with its national partner, LeadingAge, it provides tools, resources, and knowledge to support members in overcoming day-to-day challenges while encouraging strategic thinking for the future. The organization represents the full spectrum of not-for-profit aging services providers across the state, championing mission-driven organizations that are integral to their communities. Its members are collaborative, respected, and forward-thinking, committed to meeting the needs of older adults. LeadingAge Massachusetts serves as the trusted and influential voice in the field of aging services. For more information, visit www.leadingagema.org.  For more information on the Harmony program, please visit www.maryannmorse.org or contact Chet Olson, Program Director, 508-665-5329, colson@maryannmorse.org

Local Services By This Author

Assisted Living Locators of Greater Omaha

Care Management PO Box 3193, Omaha, Nebraska, 68103

Exploring senior living options can be confusing and time-consuming. Assisted Living Locators Care Advisors are in your community and work closely with you to guide you through the process from beginning to endanswering your questions and addressing your concerns, helping you feel confident and comfortable with your decisions.

Assisted Living Locators

Assisted Living PO Box 3193, Omaha, Nebraska, 68103

Exploring senior living options can be confusing and time-consuming. Assisted Living Locators Care Advisors are in your community and work closely with you to guide you through the process from beginning to end answering your questions and addressing your concerns, helping you feel confident and comfortable with your decisions.

Assisted Living Locators of Greater Omaha

Housing Placement & Resource Specialists PO Box 3193, Omaha, Nebraska, 68103

Exploring senior living options can be confusing and time-consuming. Assisted Living Locators Care Advisors are in your community and work closely with you to guide you through the process from beginning to endanswering your questions and addressing your concerns, helping you feel confident and comfortable with your decisions.