THE BENEFITS OF ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

Your senior loved one has worked hard for their retirement. Assisted living communities provide social interaction, and a productive and safe lifestyle, safety, as well as the right support for seniors who may require some assistance. Many communities offer a variety of amenities, such as beauty services, gourmet dining, and fitness centers. Many seniors find that assisted living communities offer convenience, happiness, and a better quality of life. These seven benefits of assisted living communities will help you understand how your relative can enjoy happiness and good health.

The boredom is gone!

Seniors may feel overwhelmed after retirement. They can use these extra hours to pursue their passions or learn new hobbies. There are many activities that can appeal to everyone, which is one of the greatest benefits of assisted living.

Seniors receive help when they need it

Activities of daily living (ADLs) is one of the most important benefits of assisted living. This could be anything from assistance with dressing to bathing every day. If an older person is able to move in independently but requires more care over time, assistance can be arranged quickly on-site. Assisted living communities offer many health benefits.

• Caregivers are available to help. A caregiver or nurse can assist you with many daily activities such as bathing and escorting residents around to restaurants and other activities.
• Management of medication. Prescription management is essential to ensure seniors receive the correct medications at the right time. This helps prevent dangerous mismanagement.
• Senior care coordination. Seniors can be transported to their appointments, and have access to some medical services on-site. Staff members and nurses can also evaluate any health issues.
• Trained staff and on-call nurses. Staff members can be reached for assistance and are trained to transport patients to the nearest hospital.

Intellectual stimulation

The risk of developing dementia and long-term cognitive decline may be reduced by mental stimulation. Assisted living facilities offer many benefits, including the possibility of lifelong learning. Seniors have many opportunities to keep engaged, including lending libraries, language classes, and woodworking workshops. Community offers:

• Ways to fight dementia. Community members have access to brain games and stimulating resources that slow down cognitive decline.
• Academic activities. Local professors and guest lecturers may visit assisted living communities to talk about topics such as art history or flower arrangement. Some communities can even be located on campus.
• Tech support. Seniors can get technical assistance from community staff, including personal tablets and computer rooms.

Safety features designed for seniors

Assistive living facilities provide seniors with safety and health benefits. This is one reason caregivers are encouraged to find a new home for their loved ones. Safety-related benefits of assisted living facilities include:

• Reduce fall risk. Falls can cause serious injuries and complications for seniors. With ramps, flat thresholds, and handrails in hallways, assisted living communities in Myrtle Beach are built for mobility and accessibility.
• Safer bathrooms. Bathrooms with raised toilets, walk-in showers that are specially designed, and grab bars inside the bathroom reduce the chance of falling.
• On-call staff. In assisted living apartments, there are emergency call buttons that can be used to notify staff of injuries or falls. Seniors don’t need to worry about trying to reach help or waiting for help after an emergency at home.

Increased security features

Security risks may be greater for seniors who live alone. Some security features that assisted living communities offer include:

• Security officers and alarms. Seniors are common targets for scammers and break-ins. Senior living communities use alarm systems and security companies to give them peace of mind.
• Disaster preparation. Senior citizens who are aging in place should check smoke detectors and install carbon monoxide alarms. They also need to replace fire extinguishers. They might need to seek safety for themselves in the event of an emergency, such as a tornado, earthquake or fire. Seniors can receive assisted living benefits such as disaster plans and prepared staff to assist them in an emergency.

A healthy, restaurant-style dining experience

Seniors living at home may have special nutritional needs. Seniors, family members, and meal delivery service providers may have to prepare healthy, balanced meals.

You can live a more active life without having to exert as much effort

Lack of exercise can cause mental and physical decline. Seniors can be more active and have a lower chance of falling if they aren’t getting enough exercise. Being active can help seniors stay healthy and improve their cognitive function. It’s also a great way to make new friends.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for an assisted living community in Myrtle Beach.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living facilities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

How to Know When It’s Time for Assisted Living

As humans, it is one of the most challenging tasks to take care of our elders. It is possible that a senior will need to be cared for by their family members. It can be emotionally draining to watch someone you love no longer be able to take care of themselves. When that happens, you need to find an assisted living facility.

How do I know what type of care I need?

Charting ADLs (activities of daily living) is one way to determine the level of senior care needed. It helps professionals understand how a senior can perform routines and other activities that contribute to daily living. These routines were broken into six categories.

• Feeding
• Continence
• Transferring
• Toileting
• Bedding
• Bathing

Once the pros are done measuring the ADL’S, they also need to take into account broader activities so they can evaluate and understand further the kind of care that your senior loved one needs. These include:

• Payment of the bills
• Cleaning the house
• Making your own food
• Transporting themselves out of your house
• Socializing

Signs that it is time for assisted living

There are a few signs that indicate it is time to consider assisted living in Myrte Beach. Many of these symptoms are related to activities of daily life and can be explained medically. This could indicate that the senior is suffering from depression or has dementia. Bad odors, for example, could indicate that they are unable to bathe or don’t have the strength. They may not be able to pay their bills on time, or they might have difficulty understanding numbers. What are the signs that your loved one is in need of professional assistance regarding their living situation?

Worsening Medical Conditions

The likelihood of developing a chronic condition increases as seniors age. According to the AARP, more than 70 million seniors (age 50 or older) suffer from at least one chronic medical condition. These can include debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. As they age, seniors with chronic conditions such as these need more medical attention. They also become less capable of caring for themselves.

Monetary Issues

Many seniors are less able to manage their finances. Seniors don’t always have the energy or motivation to pay their bills. Seniors with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, can have difficulty thinking abstractly and interpreting complex numbers. This can cause problems when it comes to taxes and managing multiple bills at once. Financial scams are also common among seniors. These scams can leave seniors with debilitating financial situations that can make it difficult for them to take care of their own finances, whether they live in their home or not.

Isolation

According to the U.S. Census, more than 11 million seniors live in isolation. This can have a serious impact on seniors’ health. Seniors who are isolated may decrease their participation in hobbies or social interactions with friends and family, or simply leave the house altogether. Isolation can lead to several health problems.

Messy Living Spaces

Untidy or odorous living spaces can be an indicator that a senior is not able to live independently. This can be explained by a senior’s inability to clean up after himself. It can lead to a loss of independence and a reduced ability to vacuum, clean dishes, or even put dishes in the dishwasher. You should also look at what your loved one eats. Take a look at the contents of your fridge. Are there any spoiled foods stacked on top? Is there a lot of food past the expiration date? Are there many of the same foods, such as leftovers from the same restaurant? These signs could indicate that your loved one is unable to cook or doesn’t eat healthy meals. A senior might have trouble living independently if their home is messy and smelly.

Poor hygiene and frailty

A loved one might be able to care for themselves, but if they lack the motivation or ability to do so, it could indicate that assisted living may be necessary. Bad hygiene can be reflected in a lack of motivation and messy grooming. It could also indicate that they are losing the ability to take care of themselves. As they age, seniors can become frailer and appear thinner or skinnier than they used to. This could be due to a deficiency in eating or a more serious medical condition that has not been treated yet.

What Types of Senior Care Are There?

There are many options available to ensure your loved ones are in the most capable hands. Let’s take a look at which type of care is best for you.

Nursing Homes

Patients who require long-term, attentive care can be provided 24/7 if they live in a nursing home. Nursing home stays are an average of two and a quarter years. A nursing home resident tends to have lower IADL and ADL scores.

Assisted Living

While assisted living facilities offer 24-hour care, they are not as intrusive as nursing homes. As with nursing homes, assisted living patients are expected to stay for the long-term. On average, they will stay for three years. Women are seven times more likely to be admitted to nursing homes than men. This is due to the longer life expectancy of women. While assisted living in Myrtle Beach allows residents to do many things on their own, but not up to a point where they can live comfortably or safely alone. Residents are provided with their own living areas and still have the freedom to interact with others. Residents are given meals, although some facilities allow residents to prepare their own meals.

Home Health Care

Because seniors can live in their own homes, home health care is most popular. It allows family members to visit them without restrictions. Some patients are able to travel outside the home depending on the care required. Home health care patients can receive a variety of services, from one to two times per week to 24 hours per day. Patients who receive home health care are often assisted by professionals. They can be provided hourly and are covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

Independent Living Communities

These are also called retirement homes or villages. Independent living communities usually have residents who score high in ADL and IADL scores. This means that they are not likely to require a lot of medical attention. These communities usually have medical facilities. The community is full of people who are similar in age and have a sense of belonging, which can make the lifestyle more similar or even better. Seniors who live alone are especially benefited by these communities. The isolation that can lead to depression can affect your well-being, health, and overall well-being. A retirement village can provide a sense of community that can combat this. Retirement homes often offer entertainment and social activities such as tennis, golf, and gyms to keep senior citizens engaged. Because there is less need for 24-hour care, independent living communities can be one of the most affordable senior care options.

Hospice Care

It can be difficult to decide whether or not to place a loved one in hospice care. However, it is the most comfortable option for certain circumstances. The National Hospice Organization describes hospice care as “the model of quality, compassionate care for patients facing a life-limiting disease or injury.” It is designed to ensure that patients have the best possible quality of life. The Medicare website has extensive rules regarding hospice care. However, they mostly revolve around whether the care is treating or attempting to cure any type of illness.

Alzheimer’s Care

This care is designed for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease (memory loss) is the most common type of dementia. It can lead to immobilization in advanced stages. Alzheimer’s care is specifically tailored to the condition. Patients with Alzheimer’s are more likely to wander. It’s crucial to ensure that patients don’t leave the area. As with senior care, there are many options. Sometimes Alzheimer’s care can be integrated with other senior care such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Understanding the different types of senior care can help you and your loved one feel more confident and at ease when making this important decision.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for an assisted living community in Myrtle Beach.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living facilities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME FOR ASSISTED LIVING

Seniors with special needs may benefit from assisted living. It can be difficult to know if your loved ones are a good fit for assisted living. We will discuss some indicators that your loved one is ready to move into assisted living and how they can benefit from assisted living.

Benefits of Assisted Living

Personal Care Problems: Seniors often choose assisted living because they have difficulty with personal care tasks. Assisted living in Myrtle Beach may be a good option if your loved one has difficulty dressing, grooming and bathing themselves. Reflections Assisted Living staff can assist residents with personal care tasks, so they can continue to live independently but still have access to help when necessary.

Decline in Cleanliness: With declining mobility, it becomes more difficult to keep up with housework such as cleaning and laundry. It could be a sign that your loved one is having trouble keeping up with their housework. Seniors can be relieved of these responsibilities and still retain their independence.

Loneliness: Seniors can feel lonely and isolated if they live at home, particularly if they no longer drive. Long periods of isolation have been shown to be linked with obesity, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest is a positive step for many seniors.

Safety concerns: Seniors are at risk from falling, injury, or other accidents within their homes. You may be concerned about your loved one having an emergency at home if they live alone. You don’t have to worry about your loved ones being left alone in an emergency. With senior living in Myrtle Beach, the staff is available 24/7 and are always on-hand for assistance.

Difficulty driving: Many seniors abandon driving after a while, which can leave them feeling frustrated and isolated at their home. Residents can use assisted living facilities to transport them to appointments and other social events. This allows residents to go out and enjoy their favorite places without having to drive.

Frequent forgetfulness: Although everyone experiences forgetfulness from time to time, some people find it more common and more burdensome as they age. If it becomes a regular occurrence, forgetting to lock the front door or set the alarm can lead to serious consequences. Our company provides a safe environment and can remind seniors to make appointments. We also provide transportation and help with memory loss.

Costs of assisted living

Care costs will vary depending on the size and level of care required. Monthly care includes all expenses, including meals, personal care, housekeeping, community activities and access to amenities. There is an additional charge for medication assistance, hair styling and other personal care.

Financial Assistance 

Seniors often use financial aid to help pay for assisted living. It is important to remember that Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living. This surprise surprises many seniors and their families when they start to look into assisted living. There are still other options.

Medicaid and its Waiver Programs

Medicaid provides financial assistance to seniors who are eligible for the program. Medicaid is not federally regulated like Medicare. It is a joint program of the federal government and the states. Each state has the ability to set its Medicaid guidelines and can also vary in how it covers assisted living.

Medicaid is a waiver program that covers the cost of assisted living in most states. Medicaid waivers enable states to provide benefits and coverage that are not covered by federal guidelines. For example, coverage for long-term senior care. The Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waiver program gives seniors more control over their care and helps to prevent them from being moved to skilled nursing homes. You will need to verify your state’s Medicaid eligibility guidelines and coverage for HCBS waivers.

Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has several financial assistance programs available for veterans over the age of 50, including the Aid and Attendance. A&A involves paying eligible veterans every month in addition to their VA pension. It helps to cover their long-term care services such as assisted living.

A&A is only available to veterans who are eligible for and have received a VA pension or have served during a war. A veteran must meet several eligibility requirements, including the need for assistance with daily living tasks. A&A is an option for many veterans or their spouse who are in need of assisted living. Veterans must be examined by a doctor to receive this benefit and then complete the VA form.

Life Insurance Settlements

Although not their original purpose, life insurance policies may be used to assist seniors in paying for long-term care such as assisted living. Sometimes, the policy can be purchased by a third party company for 50-75% of its initial value. In what is called an “accelerated death benefit“, some insurance companies allow policyholders to get their benefits early. As with the previous option above, accelerated death benefits almost never equal the value of the initial death benefit. However, it is worthwhile to have liquid cash available to you during your lifetime.

No matter what route you take to obtain a settlement for life insurance, losing your policy’s death benefit can be a difficult decision. Before you make a decision, weigh the pros and disadvantages of accessing your benefit and consult trusted resources.

Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgage loans can be used by seniors to pay for assisted living costs. Homeowners can convert some equity in their home into cash or take out a loan against their home’s value with reverse mortgages. This payment is usually tax-free, and seniors can move into a residential care facility like Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest without having to sell their home in order to receive the money.

Reverse mortgages have limitations and may not be the best choice for everyone. Reverse mortgages can “use-up” equity in a home, which leaves less assets for the homeowner’s spouse and heirs. Be aware of scam companies and untrustworthy loaners. It is best to use the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loan (HECM). HECM loans are backed by the federal Government and typically offer larger advances with a lower total price than loans from private firms.

Insurance for long-term care

LTC insurance, a private type of insurance policy that covers senior care and personal and custodial services, is called long-term care insurance. This insurance policy is more likely to cover the expenses for assisted living compared to Medicaid or private health insurance plans. However, seniors are not usually able to sign up to an LTC insurance policy. This type of insurance is only available to people who have signed up earlier in their lives.

LTC insurance policies can be very different in what they cover. You should review the policy details to see if assisted living is included and, if so, how much per day or year.

Call us now if you’re looking for a place where your senior family member can get the best care possible.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

TIP TO CELEBRATE FALL IN ASSISTED LIVING

Fall is a wonderful time of the year. There are so many things to do even for the residents of assisted living facilities. Fall is a great time to go outside to enjoy the changing leaves, especially since the weather cools down, so we don’t have to worry too much about heat stroke. You can also enjoy the traditional harvest foods.

You are wrong to think that older Americans should be denied the wonderful aspects of fall because they are getting older. These are just a few of the many ways that you can enjoy autumn with your loved ones, regardless of their age.

1) Take a hike

It is great to get outside and walk around. Autumn is a good time of the year. It’s cool enough to not worry about heatstroke and warm enough to not worry about frostbite. It is also the most beautiful season of the year. You can admire the changing leaves and the late-blooming flowers by simply walking around your neighborhood.

These walks can be made into a game with family and friends by having them spot the most autumn colors or taking the best picture.

If your loved one is unable to walk or uses a wheelchair, we are blessed with beautiful sidewalks and stunning scenery in our assisted living community. Stop by to see us!

2) Get in the Kitchen

Autumn is a great season to bake and cook seasonal dishes because of the cooler temperatures. You can roast squash and apples with ground pork to make delicious meals. You can also puree them in hot water to make soup (autumn is great for soups or stews).

You can make fancy pumpkin and apple muffins, or both! While pie is the most obvious option, you can use them in everything from muffins and cakes to bread and cookies. You can make your entire house smell divine by using pumpkin pie spice.

3) Dress up

It is hard to find someone who doesn’t love dressing up as another person or something for a day. This is why Halloween is so popular. So get out your old costumes and put on some masks and hats to create something amazing within the assisted living facility.

4) Get Crafty

You can make your own fall crafts with your older Americans by having them create their own masks using glue, colored paper and markers. You don’t have to limit yourself to what you find in the stores or your closet when you can create a mask that is unique to your own.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest’s mission is to make sure that our residents have the best season possible. This could mean spending time outdoors, crafting, cooking, or just enjoying life in general. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our efforts to keep residents healthy and happy throughout the year. Reach out to start the conversation.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living communities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/