Ensuring that older adults, myemail.constantcontact.com regardless of their degree of independence, live fully and comfortably is at the core of all these differences. Whether one chooses the minimal support of independent living or the safety net of assisted living, both paths celebrate life's later years rather than diminish them. Although they define autonomy differently, both options respect it. While some people value having a caregiver nearby, others prefer the freedom to travel or spend afternoons in the garden.

I learned from touring these communities that aging is about reshaping what you have rather than what you lose. Think of it as moving into a condo or apartment within a larger complex designed specifically for seniors. Living independently while taking advantage of the advantages of a community setting is precisely what independent living entails. The key here is autonomy- residents independent living communities typically don't need help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal care.

Instead, they want a low-maintenance lifestyle that allows them to concentrate on their interests, social interactions, and physical activity. You or your loved ones can receive assistance with activities like bathing, dressing, eating, using the restroom, transferring, managing medications, and housekeeping in assisted living facilities. In the event of a fall or other medical emergency, residents can be helped by trained staff and professionals on the premises. However, these facilities provide more services than independent living settings.

For instance, it might make sense to relocate to a neighborhood where people can observe religious holidays and keep kosher if I'm working with a Jewish client who wishes to maintain his Jewish traditions. The other piece of this is understanding your physical needs. That choice comes from thinking about the values that are most important to you, both in terms of spirituality and lifestyle. The decisions we make are manifestations of these values, he writes.

Everybody has a different set of values, so even if a facility satisfies our physical needs, it will be a bad choice if it does not align with our values. David Henderson, MD's book The Art of Aging is one of my favorites since it begins by examining your values. He states, Each of us has a distinct set of values that shape our perspective on life and direct our actions. Or maybe want to learn more about the types of homes out there for senior residents.

The state of New York requires that assisted living facilities have a minimum of one full-time registered nurse on duty at all times, a part-time physician on call, a staff of at least two certified nursing assistants per shift, and a licensed practical nurse on duty at all times.