Moving a loved one into assisted living can be a difficult and emotional decision for families. It is important to be well-informed and prepared for the transition to ensure that the move is as smooth as possible for both the senior and the family. Here are 5 things a family should know when moving a loved one into assisted living:

1. Understand the level of care needed: Assisted living facilities offer a range of services and care options, from basic assistance with daily activities to more advanced medical care. It is important to understand the level of care that your loved one needs and to find a facility that can provide that level of care. Be sure to ask about the specific services and care options that are available at the facility.
2. Take a tour: Before making a decision, it is important to take a tour of the facility. During the tour, pay attention to the overall cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere of the facility. Be sure to ask about the staff-to-resident ratio and the qualifications of the staff. Additionally, be sure to inquire about the availability of recreational activities and social programs.
3. Consider location and accessibility: The location and accessibility of the assisted living facility is important. Consider how close it is to family, friends, and important services such as hospitals and doctors. Also, consider the accessibility of the facility for your loved one, including ease of mobility and transportation options.
4. Discuss financial options: Assisted living can be costly, and it is important to understand the financial options available. Many facilities offer private pay, Medicaid or Medicare options, or veterans benefits. It is important to understand the costs and to discuss financial options with the facility before making a decision.
5. Communicate with the staff: Once your loved one is settled in, it is important to maintain open communication with the staff at the assisted living facility. Be sure to ask about the daily routine, meals, and any care or medication changes. It is also important to ask about any concerns or issues that your loved one may have.
6. Moving a loved one into assisted living can be a difficult decision, but it can also be an opportunity for them to receive the care they need while remaining independent. By understanding the level of care needed, taking a tour of the facility, considering location and accessibility, discussing financial options, and communicating with the staff, families can ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for their loved one.

1. More personalized care: Smaller assisted living homes typically have fewer residents, which means that staff can provide more personalized care to each individual. This can include things like customizing meal plans and care routines, as well as addressing specific medical needs. In contrast, large facilities often have a one-size-fits-all approach to care, which can make it difficult for staff to provide the individualized attention that each resident needs.
2. A more home-like atmosphere: Smaller assisted living homes often feel more like a traditional home, rather than a hospital or institution. This can make the transition to assisted living easier for both the resident and the family. It can also help to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment, which can be especially important for seniors who may be dealing with dementia or other cognitive issues.
3. More opportunities for socialization: Smaller assisted living homes often have a tighter-knit community, which can make it easier for residents to form connections and friendships. This can be especially beneficial for seniors who may be living alone or who have lost friends and loved ones. In contrast, large facilities may have so many residents that it can be difficult for individuals to form meaningful social connections.
4. Greater flexibility: Smaller assisted living homes are often more flexible when it comes to accommodating with changes in the resident's needs or preferences. Staff at smaller homes is more likely to be able to quickly adjust to the resident's needs, which can make for a smoother transition for the resident.
5. Greater Safety: Smaller assisted living homes are more intimate, which can be beneficial in many ways. Staff can keep a closer eye on residents, which can be especially important if they have dementia, which can lead to wandering. Also, in case of an emergency, staff can quickly locate and assist all residents in a smaller home.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why smaller assisted living homes are better than large facilities. They offer more personalized care, a more home-like atmosphere, more opportunities for socialization, greater flexibility, and greater safety. It's important to remember that every resident and their family have different needs and preferences, so it's essential to visit and tour the assisted living homes before making a decision.

Adult foster care homes provide assistance to adults needing help with daily living tasks and activities. Unlike nursing homes, these facilities are smaller which allows for a more individualized level of care. Foster Care is a tremendous service for seniors needing help.  

Foster care be helpful for people with changing health conditions. Foster care facilities provide a more personal approach to care than in bigger facilities and in unskilled nursing facilities. Not to mention, foster care facilities generally cost less than having in-home personal care. Adult foster care homes offer supervised personal care along with a variety of activities and meal services.   

Residents generally will receive guidance in daily activities and are assisted with keeping appointments and managing medication. They are also provided with transportation to doctor's appointments. All of these services are designed to promote maximum independence, while minimizing the likelihood of institutional care for older adults. Adult foster care homes are licensed and inspected by state agencies. 

Some states entrust this role to the Department of Health, while others states provide oversight through the Department of Social Services. 

Residential houses with shared space are one of the most common housing options for foster adults. They are much less expensive than institutional settings and provide a more homelike environment. Additionally, these homes are often located in convenient locations in a city. 

Some foster care homes are also intergenerational, meaning that residents can have a mix of children and older adults living in their homes. Residential houses with shared spaces are similar to assisted living facilities, but in a residential setting. These homes can generally hold between 2 to 8 residents or even more.  

In contrast, assisted living facilities typically have no minimum or maximum resident numbers. Many states also distinguish between the two types of facilities when determining financial assistance for foster care for adults.

Foster care for adults is a type of care where a single person is given ongoing care by another person. Care is generally non-medical and encourages the development of each resident. While the level of care differs between foster homes, the primary goal is to promote the well-being of each resident.

In the United States, there are approximately 30,000 licensed adult foster care homes. In 2014, about 168,000 people lived in them. According to Open Minds, a market research firm, there are two types of adult foster care homes: four-bed residential facilities and larger assisted living homes. These residential care facilities typically house four to 25 residents, with the majority of residents being female.

However, there is no set number for the number of residents in a single care home. Most adult foster care homes accept long-term care insurance. If your loved one needs such care in the future, it is best to enroll them in a policy before they move into a foster care home. 

In addition to this, most adult foster care homes prepare a plan of care for each resident. This plan defines the type of care a resident needs while in care.

There are many personal services available for adults in foster care. While many of these services are provided on-site, others are provided off-site. In foster care, the personal services are provided by a professional staff. 

Some typical foster care services include assistance with personal hygiene and medications. Generally non-medical services such as companionship and supervision is the main focus of care.

Adult foster homes are licensed housing arrangements for adults who are 18 and older. The homes provide meals, supervision, and personal assistance for adults needing help.  These homes must meet specific state standards for quality care and are monitored by each state in accordance with local law. 

The cost of assisted living care for your loved one may vary from facility to facility. For instance, some facilities use a tiered system for pricing, while others use a points system. This can make it difficult to compare costs between different facilities. 

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what type of care will be best for your loved one. Assisted living care costs less than nursing home care, and it is possible to save money by utilizing long-term care insurance. Pricing is set by each facility and can differ by quite a bit. 

Some insurance policies offer flexible payment options, so you can choose the location that best suits your loved one. However, be aware that not all policies cover the same services. 

An assisted living community will offer residents assistance with personal care, meals, transportation, and social activities. Assisted living facilities are staffed round the clock to meet the needs of every resident. 

Assisted living units may be single or double occupancy, and have varying sizes include different amenities. They also may have a 24-hour emergency response system in place as well. Some assisted living facilities will provide housekeeping and laundry services. 

These services may vary widely, but they may include personal laundry and laundering of residents' bedding and bath linen. Some facilities may also provide transportation to medical appointments. As you can see, while many assisted living facilities have similar services. There are additional services that can also be provided by some of the larger facilities. 

Some assisted living communities offer therapeutic activities, such as music therapy and art. Activities can focus on a theme such as a favorite holiday or activity. These programs help residents feel connected to the community. For example, some facilities host community events with choirs and civic groups. 

Other assisted living communities invite members of local churches to sing holiday carols. This helps elderly residents feel a sense of belonging during the holiday season. Therapy is important for residents because it can help them adjust to a new way of living. 

Therapy can help residents cope with the a new environment. The transition from their old lifestyle to an assisted living community can be difficult, and therapy helps to overcome the stress of this new environment.

It is important to remember that therapists help identify underlying reasons for negative behaviors, which helps residents cope better with the situation. It is important to understand which activities and therapy is offered at the assisting living facility that you are considering. 

Assisted living can be a great option for seniors who are no longer able to live independently. With many advancements in medical technology, seniors can live longer and healthier lives than ever before.

However, many seniors and their families don't want to consider the idea of moving their loved ones into an assisted living facility. This conversation is never an easy one to have and timing can differ for each senior. 

Generally when seniors begin to have a difficult time caring for themselves and need close supervision throughout the day or night. Working family members may also begin to struggle with the ongoing commitments and care needs of their loved one. 

This may present a time where further discussion may be warranted to discuss a change in ongoing care of your loved one.   

Brain games can be a great way to improve spatial skills and mental stimulation. Brain games are a great way for seniors to maintain mental awareness by engaging in gaming activities. In this post we cover the top 5 best brain games for seniors. 

Seniors can benefit from playing brain games to improve their memory, concentration, and mental health. Many of us joke about our memory fading as we get older. But, it's a reality for some seniors. Trivia is a great way to keep their minds sharp and energized.

Seniors can play trivia games with friends and family or on their own. The purpose of these games is to train the brain to recognize patterns and remember things, which can help prevent dementia. These games can be simple or complex. 

Some of them also feature music and movies, as well as current events.

No matter what the setting, trivia games are certainly one of the best games for seniors. 

Seniors may not realize it, but bingo can help them maintain their memory as they age. This game can also help them form tight social networks and make new friends. These bonds can extend beyond the bingo game room. 

Bingo can often help seniors relieve stress and anxiety. While there are many benefits to playing bingo, some people may think it is a boring senior activity. However, bingo is actually a fun and fast-paced game that can be played with friends and family. 

Seniors can participate in bingo games at home or at senior centers. Playing bingo regularly is an excellent way to keep the mind active and sharp. Seniors can even play the game alone, if they are able. Seniors can also play musical bingo. This type of bingo is designed for groups of eight or more players, and features pieces of music that are easily recognized. 

The players need to match up the instruments on their cards. The game can be played in a group or with individuals with different levels of dementia.

Card Games are fun and easy way to interact and improve motor skills and social skills. Games can be competitive and can be played by more than one adult. Some card games are more complex than others, which can challenge aging brains. 

Bridge, for example, requires concentration, communication, and calculation, which make it a great game for seniors. Card Games also help older adults improve their memory, cognitive skills, and memory. Many people believe that card games can benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease, as they can improve their memory and thinking skills. 

Another advantage to card games is that they are slow-paced, which allows them to stimulate the brain for extended periods. Solitaire is another popular card game that can improve memory and recognition skills. It can be an especially good game for seniors who suffer from dementia. 

While playing Checkers or Chess is not a quick game, it does promote concentration, patience, and logical decision-making skills. These are skills that are helpful in many areas of life, especially as we age. 

These games help seniors strengthen their memories. Checkers and Chess are two great games that have been around for centuries and are perfect for those who are aging. 

Playing chess requires having a deeper understanding of the game along with strategies. Some seniors truly enjoy challenging themselves and love playing the game of chess. After all, the game of chess promotes sustained concentration and focus and can help adults dealing with dementia.