One of the most important decisions you can make for your loved one is where you will place them in assisted living. Many families face a dilemma: Which assisted living community is best for their loved one? Thankfully, many assisted living communities in Dallas, TX can cater to the needs of aging family members. Member-focused communities cater to their residents as individuals and offer tailored care plans based on each person’s unique needs. These communities value their members’ independence and encourage them to use the services they need to stay active and engaged in their own lives.
In contrast, standard assisted living communities are typically run like nursing homes with set meals, activities, and medication administration schedules. Residents may be unable to choose when they take their medications or decide what time of day works best for them. Below we’ll address the pros and cons of each type so that you can make an informed decision about which works best for your family member.
Activities And Programming
When it comes to activities and programming, one thing is clear: member-focused communities offer a much wider range of options. Most member-focused communities offer a full calendar of activities, and some even have multiple classes running simultaneously to keep their residents busy throughout the day. In standard communities, there may be fewer activities taking place on any given day—and if you’re lucky enough to find a community that offers activities every day, they’re likely only available from 9 am to 1 pm each day (the typical downtime for many assisted living communities).
For your loved one’s experience with an assisted living community to be positive and beneficial, they will need access to good food, quality care, and an active lifestyle filled with fun memories. Having more choices when it comes time for socializing can help your loved one stay engaged in life rather than feeling stuck in their room all day waiting for something interesting to happen.
Meals
A member-focused assisted living community focuses more on serving the needs of the resident members. This may include providing meals that meet their dietary preferences and tastes or even assisting with meal preparation. Additionally, members can participate in social activities such as clubs and special events throughout the week.
A standard assisted living community offers its residents three meals daily, but some offer additional dining options or social interactions during meal times. In some cases, there may be a cafeteria available for residents to purchase snacks between meals if they would like something extra to eat or drink during their day; however, this is not always provided at all times and will vary based on the location of each community (some communities will only provide this option within walking distance).
Caregiver Relationships
The caregiver is the most critical part of the process; therefore, it’s important to hire one that is a good fit for your loved one. This person should understand their needs and be able to communicate with them in a way that makes sense for each resident. They need to be available when needed.
If you’re looking for an assisted living community with high-quality care, the Member-Focused approach has been proven effective in providing excellent service and support for members.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that your loved one is unique and deserves a caring community that will accommodate their needs. While the standard approach may work for some, it’s sometimes best for others. If you need an assisted living community for your loved one, consider all of these factors before deciding where they will live.
