Assisted Living is one of the fastest growing segments of long-term care. The philosophy of assisted living is to provide maximum independence in a home-like setting, with individualized care and assistance when needed. Assisted living offers a unique mix of security and independent living, privacy and companionship and physical and social well-being.

Do not allow an acute health episode to throw your life into “crisis” management. Choices become limited when decisions are “reactive” instead of “proactive”.

Loved ones and family members will realize the process of entering an assisted living community will be much easier if the topic is discussed early and openly. Remember, it is never too early to consider your own needs and plan for your future. Take time to select the “right” community where your loved one will feel comfortable, find familiar faces and build relationships just like they would in their homes. By doing so, you can ensure your loved one will be provided with excellent care and services and enjoy the highest quality of life!

Be aware of the signs that it is time to explore options and share preferences with loved ones:

• Isolation/Depression: Is your loved one isolated from social contact? Are his/her sleeping habits, eating habits or activity levels changing?
  
  
• Daily Activities/Eating Habits: Is your loved one having a difficult time walking, dressing or eating?
  
  
• Bruises/Falls: Has there been an increased susceptibility to falling and bruising?
  
  
• Cognitive Ability: Is your loved one’s mental reasoning ability at a level where his/her personal safety and the safety of others are at risk?
  
  
• Increasing Medical Needs: Does your loved one need medical care you or he/she cannot provide? Does he/she need more and more help taking medications?
  
  
• Caregiver Burnout: Is a family caregiver exhausted due to the amount of care your loved one needs?
  
  
• Household Management: Can your loved one still manage the components of running a household, such as cooking, cleaning, keeping a checkbook or paying bills?

Tips for Selecting the “right” Assisted Living Community

• Visit the community and meet the residents of the community.
  
  
• What security/safety systems are in place for the community and residents?
  
  
• Do staff members show interest in the residents, are they courteous and respectful?
  
  
• Are rooms and materials available for residents’ activities, both group and individual?
  
  
• Do the residents seem happy, well groomed and engaged in the day to day activities?
  
  
• Is transportation available for activity outings and medical appointments?
  
  
• Ask about the roles and availability of the medical staff; i.e. Medical Director, other physicians/providers of care, Director of Nursing, Nurses, Resident Assistants/Caregivers.
  
  
• Ask about menu selection and meal service; i.e. time, place, # of meals served/day and snacks. Have a meal, if possible.
  
  
• What services are covered in the basic daily charge and what other services are available for an additional cost? Are services explained in a “Community Handbook” and/or “Admission Packet”? Does the community have a pet policy?
  
  
• What cost/fees are expected at the time of move-in and thereafter?

There is a lot to consider when choosing the “Right” Assisted Living Community, and Edgewater Place Assisted Living encourages you to consider what’s right for your family’s needs.

 

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At Edgewater Place Assisted Living Community, day-to-day worries are no longer a concern and the focus is on life itself. Experience assisted living at its finest.

Thinking about an Assisted Living Home for your loved one? Edgewater Place Assisted Living in Plain City invites you to come share in the fun and see what they are all about by bringing your family member to their Spring Fashion Show Thursday night April 8th at 6:30 pm. Come see Fashion of the 40's!  It's a fun event, plus a chance to meet and mingle with current residents and see if this is a place your loved one could call home.

Where: Edgewater Place Assisted Living
11351 Lafayette Plain City Road
Plain City, Ohio 43064

When:  Thursday April 8th at 6:30pm

For more information or to arrange a personal visit, please call 614/873-9700 or go to www.edgewaterplace.us

A Greencroft Managed Community