Des Plaines Assisted Living: How to Choose the Right Level of Support
Choosing the right level of assisted living starts with an assessment of what you or your loved one needs. For some seniors, assistance might mean help with light tasks, whereas others may need more involved help with personal care.
There is a rising demand for support across America, as families begin to discover the benefits of professional support later in life, and in Des Plaines, IL, taking the time to find the right match for your needs will help you live a happy retirement.
Read on to discover more about Des Plaines assisted living and what that means at Discovery Village.
Assisted Living: A Personalized Approach to Care
When it comes to daily support for seniors, a one-size-fits-all approach isn't the best option.
Every senior is an individual, with unique preferences, needs, and daily habits. It's important to keep that in mind when you are looking at levels of assisted living support, because a tailored approach will be better for you or your loved one.
Some seniors may need light assistance with small personal routines that are proving more troublesome in old age, such as getting dressed. For others, help might mean practical assistance like reminders to take medication.
These needs can often change over time, so it's important that any care plan is adaptable and reviewed by a care team regularly.
How To Assess an Individual's Needs for Assisted Care, IL
Before you can decide on an assisted living care plan, you or your loved one will first need to undergo an assessment. This assessment helps determine your health, mobility, and cognitive needs right now.
It will also take into account other information, such as reports from medical professionals, to give a more comprehensive picture of those needs.
At Discovery Village Des Plaines, our care team works with the senior, their family, and medical professionals to assess the care needs. We do so in a compassionate way, ensuring that their personal preferences and habits remain a top priority when putting together the care plan.
Choosing Senior Care: How to Compare Services and Amenities
The assisted living help you or a loved one receives on a daily basis is only part of the advantage of being in a senior community. It's vital that you review the whole package of services and amenities before making a decision on whether it's a good fit.
Here are some of the amenities and services you'll find at Discovery Village Des Plaines:
- Restaurant with tableside service
- Coffee shop and ice cream parlor
- Fitness center
- Wellness center
- Landscaped gardens
- Indoor pool
You can find out more about our huge list of amenities here. Having this level of comfort and convenience on your doorstep can elevate your retirement, even when you have reached the point where you need daily assistance.
You'll have everything you need to lead a fulfilling lifestyle, whether your passion is staying fit, socializing with friends, or relaxing in a tranquil garden.
Evaluating Staff in an Assisted Living Community
Another aspect of care you shouldn't overlook when choosing assisted living is the quality of care and experience of staff.
Staff need to have expert training and, in some cases, specialist training for specific physical and cognitive conditions. Most importantly, they'll need to have a calming and compassionate approach to care, which is best assisted by touring a community in person.
That will give you time to ask any pressing questions and get a sense of who the care teams are and whether they will give you or your loved one the support they need.
Financial Planning and the Costs of Assisted Living
It's important to assess care needs early so that you can review your financial arrangements. Pricing will always be shaped by the level of care required, and that often changes over time.
Your budget will also help you determine the apartment types available and any other services you need on a regular basis. Make sure, when searching for providers, you ask what's included and what services come at an extra fee.
FAQ
What Is One of the Biggest Drawbacks of Assisted Living?
Assisted living has many advantages, including comfort and safety for the individual, as well as peace of mind for loved ones. But it's important not to overlook some of the challenges.
Moving from a private home, often one lived in for decades, to senior care is a big step for many. It can be an emotional time, and there is always a period of adjustment. Some seniors also find it hard to accept help from others if they have lived a fully independent life up until now.
What Is the Best Age to Move Into Assisted Living?
While senior housing is typically for 55+, there is no standard age at which you should make the move. It depends on your circumstances and needs. Nevertheless, moving early has its advantages.
It gives you the opportunity to settle, socialize, and embrace your new lifestyle before you reach the point where support needs become urgent. Plus, having services like housekeeping and maintenance means you get to spend more time on the hobbies and activities you want to embrace in retirement, rather than facing a list of household chores.
How Do You Know if Assisted Living is the Right Level of Support?
Assisted living is generally for seniors who need extra help with daily tasks, like dressing or bathing. It's not intended to provide full-time nursing care or other more intensive support.
While it can include help with things like medication reminders, it's also not for those who need specialist support for cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's. Families should always consider current and potential future health needs before making a final decision about senior living.
Des Plaines Assisted Living: Is It the Right Choice for You?
If you are considering Des Plaines assisted living, make sure you have a clear idea of your budget and what you want. Being clear on your preferences will help you find a personalized care package that best fits your needs.
At Discovery Village, our expert team is ready to work on building that tailored care option for you, so reach out to us today to book a tour. You'll discover that beyond our caring, expert team is a range of on-site amenities that offer the best senior community lifestyle.