Who Qualifies For Assisted Living
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Written by Brian B

Who Qualifies For Assisted Living?

While many elderly individuals would rather age at home, sometimes this becomes too challenging over time. Moving to an assisted living community makes the most sense, both financially and for care purposes. Let’s take a look at the qualifications for moving to an assisted living community.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Assisted living requirements can change by location, but most qualifications remain the same across the country. Below are five of the most common requirements for anyone looking to move to one of these communities.

1. Medical Needs

The main focus of the staff assessing medical needs is to ensure the community can safely take care of your loved one. Some communities may offer different levels of care that can include round-the-clock checks. However, most assisted living communities are not designed to handle complex medical needs.

Typically, assisted living will come with a nurse on duty but for limited times during the week. The role of the nurse is to oversee the care and med-tech staff, overall. If an individual’s medical needs are too complex for this living situation, they may need to move to nursing home care.

2. Cognition And Behavior

The majority of assisted living communities will have some residents with mild cognitive impairment. Assisted living may accept someone who has severe memory loss, difficulty doing daily activities, or aggressive behavior.

In these situations, assisted living may recommend memory care. These communities are responsible for protecting their staff and community members from any harm.

3. Initial Assessment

Just because you can afford and pay for assisted living care doesn’t mean every community will accept you for admission. Complete admission paperwork will explain fees, responsibilities, and rules for the community.

Nurses typically assess anyone who wants to move to the community. This initial assessment will include a recent history and physical performed by the individual’s primary care physician. Required vaccines and a current medication list are also necessities.

4. Care Plan

Care plans will outline the level of care your loved one needs. This includes nursing responsibilities, amount of assistance, medication administration, dietary needs, and all personal information.

Care plans will also include the individual’s advance directive and living will. The average monthly cost of assisted living care will depend on the level of care recommended. However, this care plan is not set in stone, and is likely to be altered over time.

5. Daily Activities

The initial assessment for the individual includes examining what daily activities he or she needs help with. Possibilities include help dressing, bathing, and other daily activities from the staff.

The expectation is that assistance with these needs can change over time, as will the total cost. Of course, the more care needed, the higher the cost.

11 Signs It Might Be Time For Assisted Living

Assisted Living Coverage Options

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Medicare For Assisted Living

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities. Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid For Assisted Living

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties. There is a wide variety of resources and ways that seniors pay for assisted living care.

Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living

Assisted Living At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our assisted living or memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at 623-323-1796 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

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Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living
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Written by Brian B

Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living?

What financing options do Medicare, Medicaid, and others provide for assisted living residents? Let’s take a look below.

Assisted Living Coverage Options

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Medicare For Assisted Living

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities. Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid For Assisted Living

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties. There is a wide variety of resources and ways that seniors pay for assisted living care.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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11 Signs It Might Be Time For Assisted Living
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Written by Brian B

11 Signs It Might Be Time For Assisted Living

Here are 11 common signs that it may be time to consider assisted living care for your loved one.

1. Chronic Health Issues

Unfortunately, chronic health problems will only worsen with age. Additionally, the immune system can weaken, meaning illnesses will last longer at this point. If your loved one is experiencing any sort of chronic issues, then now is the time to consider a transition into assisted living care.

2. Aggressive Behavior

Individuals suffering from dementia will become more and more agressive as the disease progresses. This is not a reflection in any way of how the individual is being cared for, it’s simply an effect of dementia.

Caring for someone who exhibits aggressive behavior can be overwhelming. Verbal and physical abuse are clear indicators that 24/7 care is needed. Dealing with an aggressive individual is a task best left to the trained professionals.

3. Recent Falls/Injuries

The frequent occurrence of falls in and around the home is an indicator that alternative care is necessary. Mobility issues are all-too-common for seniors, and there are many problem areas in most homes. If your loved one takes a nasty spill and can’t get to the phone to call for help, it could have disastrous consequences.

4. Difficulty With Daily Tasks

For some seniors even the easiest of tasks can be difficult to accomplish. When typical housework like cooking and cleaning becomes too complicated, it may be time to consider assisted living.

Most assisted living communities can take care of a residents’ daily needs. Meal plans, along with laundry services and routine cleanings will help rid the burden of tougher daily activities.

5. Forgetting To Take Medicine

This is one of the most important areas to monitor if you are concerned about a loved one’s health and safety. Forgetting once in awhile is okay, but if this becomes a pattern, it’s very worrisome. A medicine regiment is crucial to keep health conditions under control. Try looking into some systems for daily reminders. If the system(s) fails, though, assisted living care is the best option.

Medicine

6. Bad Eating Habits

Inability to cook will undoubtedly lead to a decline in eating habits. This doesn’t just mean poor nutrition, it could mean eating during irregular hours, as well.

Thankfully, assisted living communities will provide meal and snack services each and every day. Good nutrition is vital to maintain both physical and mental health. Assisted living communities can cater to your specific dietary needs and restrictions.

7. Poor Hygiene

When suffering from dementia, good hygiene is one of the first things to go out the window. Individuals may not bathe as often or cleanse properly. When this becomes noticeable, it’s wise to start looking around at assisted living options.

8. Isolation

Seniors struggling with physical or mental issues will not drive as often. This could unfortunately lead to withdrawal from society. Symptoms of isolation or depression should trigger the thought of extra care. Communities will typically offer a plethora of activities designed to promote social interaction.

9. Sundowner’s Syndrome

This is a condition where individuals with dementia become more agitated at day’s end. Essentially, this is when seniors have exerted all of their mental energy for the day. Sundowner’s syndrome is a clear sign that someone can’t survive independently.

10. Wandering

As mental awareness wanes, loved ones may be concerned about individuals wandering off and getting lost. This is a valid fear because it happens often to seniors. If this a concern of yours, do not wait until it is too late to put your loved one in a safe and secure environment.

11. Caregiver Stress

There may come a time when caring for a senior is simply overwhelming. Caregiver stress is common, whether it is a loved one or paid professional. Whenever care proves too difficult, it’s time to look at assisted living options.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Questions For Assisted Living Interviews
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Written by Brian B

Questions For Assisted Living Interviews

If you are searching for “questions for assisted living interviews,” then this post should help! Below is a checklist of questions to help you make the best choice possible for your loved one.

Questions For The Assisted Living Community

  • How are activities chosen for residents?
  • What are the typical activities offered, weekly?
  • Are there flexible menu options available in the dining experience?
  • What is the social experience like?
  • Do residents spend the majority of their time in their rooms or in common areas?

You want your loved one to feel a sense of belonging within the community, regardless if it is a small or large facility. Find out all you can about the activities schedule, transportation, and chances to mingle with other residents.

Questions About Care At Assisted Living Facilities

  • In the monthly agreement what services are included?
  • Are services available a la carte?
  • If comprehensive care options are needed, can my loved one transition?
  • What is the ratio of residents to staff?
  • How do your competitor’s community care services differ from yours?

Your loved one’s need should be priority number one when preparing for an interview. Do not settle for anything less than the service and care that they deserve.

Questions About Assisted Living Costs

  • How and where does the funding come from for the community?
  • What would the circumstances be to warrant an increase in costs?
  • What are the emergency handling procedures?

Before deciding on a facility, you must understand all costs that are involved in a move like this.

What Are The Benefits Of Assisted Living Facilities?

Benefits of Assisted Living

Reduced Stress

Assisted living helps lover stress levels in your loved one and improves the quality of life for all involved. Seniors can enjoy their independence while receiving the care and help they require while the loved ones families no longer have concerns about fulfilling their loved one’s needs. One benefit to assisted living surroundings is that they permit seniors who may have physical issues or the early onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia to live a moderately independent way of life. The facility will usually have on-site medical care, but it will not be there 24/7. An assisted living facility will offer a care level that is suitable for seniors who do not need full-time care, but may require assistance with their meds, eating or food preparation, and other day to day activities.

Vibrant Social Life

It’s not that surprising for seniors to start to become lonely as they get up in age. Loneliness in seniors may lead to a lot of complications, ranging from poor health or bouts of depression, problems being active and more. In the assisted living facility, the residents belong to a part of a supportive, loving, and caring community. Your loved one will surrounded by seniors their own age and have numerous opportunities to socialize and take joy in the company of other seniors.

Increased Activity 

It’s very important that we stay active as we age. Assisted living seniors are offered a bunch of indoor activities as well as outdoor activities from strolling in the courtyard, to gardening, or picnics. Some assisted living communities will offer their residents transportation, so they can go on excursions, go to the corner market or visit the doctor’s office.

Healthier Diet

Greatly cooked meals and nutrition are essential for today’s seniors. Award-winning chefs make appetizing meals that also fulfills your loved ones dietary needs and individual preferences of each of their seniors.

Assistance In Day-to-Day Tasks

It’s very essential for seniors to have their independence, but also have the assistance they need. Assisted living communities provide their residents with help, only when needed, with daily living undertakings, such as dressing, preparing meals and eating or laundry duties.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

If you are searching for the phrase “assisted living vs memory care“, this post should help. There are a lot of things to think about considering the livelihood of your loved one and where they may live.

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Undertaking a life change can be scary and stressful—possibly a little fun too. For example, if you’re moving into an assisted living community, you might miss your home but are looking forward to forging new roads and friendships and simply making life easier. However, what if you’ve started to notice that your memory is not like what it used to be? You may have heard about “memory care” and might be wondering if it would be appropriate under your circumstances and if you can get it in an assisted living facility. Here are some explanations on what assisted living and memory care are.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee. Learn more about assisted living and take a look at our assisted living checklist.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care communities will differ considerably from assisted living communities. The residents in memory care communities have serious memory-related and specific requirements. They might not remember who they are on some days and may get angered walking around spaces that they have lived in but now feel unfamiliar with. They may tend to wander off the campus and can present a danger to themselves and to others, particularly if they get aggressive when they are frustrated. Learn more about memory care and take a look at our memory care checklist.

Can You Get Memory Care in Assisted Living?

So, back to the worries about being forgetful. You think you may be okay in assisted living as of now, but what if you need memory care sooner than later?

You can’t receive memory care in assisted living, but there are a lot of communities that integrates a wide range of care. For example, there are places that offer nursing home care, assisted living, and memory care. These types of care take place in its own wing or building, but because you are generally in the same place, transferring from one stage to the next can be a lot easier. The decor shares a lot of common features, and there can also be the same staffers’ faces regardless of where you’re at. It’s also usually easier on your family and friends. Not only can they continually visit the same place, but they also won’t have to take tours every couple of years and make new decisions and as to where you may live. This can be helpful for you as well if you are trying to plan out your options in advance.

Some degree of forgetfulness is typical with aging and doesn’t necessarily suggest serious problems later on. In any case, if you are concerned about your memory, it’s always a good idea to speak with the doctor.

Paying for Assisted Living and Memory Care

One thing assisted living and memory care facilities have in common: Paying for them isn’t as straightforward as many of us would like to believe.

First, assisted living: The state you live in Medicaid’s program may not provide much, toward assisted living. If you are a veteran, the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance benefit can help offset some of your assisted living costs.

In a nutshell, you should still plan to finance assisted living through private means like long-term-care insurance, asset sales, savings accounts, reverse mortgages, settlements, and other financial means. The earlier you purchase long-term-care insurance coverage, your monthly costs could be lower, particularly if you opt for protection against inflation. Don’t get too discouraged if your get denied by one company for your coverage, other companies might still accept you.

Second, memory care: Any of the private means you may use to pay for your assisted living may also be used to pay for your memory care. There is also additional help for veterans and government support available for people who require memory care who are non-veterans. Programs such as Medicaid assistance, although the degree to which they help will vary by state. Also, you can be placed on a waiting list until you can get into a memory care facility, which may possibly not happen if you had private means to pay.

Retirement Communities in Youngtown, Arizona by Ventana Winds Retirement Community

Ventana Winds is an assisted living and memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-323-1796.

Assisted Living, Memory Care, Retirement, Retirement Living Options, Senior Living
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Differences Between Independent Living Vs Assisted Living

Independent Living vs Assisted Living

If you are searching for the phrase “differences between assisted living vs a nursing home“, this post should help. There are a lot of factors to think about considering the livelihood of your loved ones.

Making a choice between an independent and an assisted living situation for most seniors depends greatly on whether or whether not (or how well) they are able to manage their daily activities by their self. Daily activities include such things as personal hygiene, maintaining their own finances, preparing their own meals, ability to carry out household chores, managing medications, and driving or arranging their own transportation. Anyone that is having difficulties with any of the above independent daily activities should give some thought to an assisted living community, which would allow them to be have a maintenance free lifestyle.

More About Communities Of Assisted Living

Assisted Living is a wonderful choice for seniors who have problems attending to their daily activities in their own home, for they will be allowed to have an independent style of life when a resident in an assisted living community, however, they have support from staff members on a daily basis with numerous activities of the day which ranges from meal preparation to cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance services.

These things are generally included as part of the monthly rental charges. Furthermore, also included are the utilities and transportation. Additionally, they have the opportunity of enjoying the peace of mind of a maintenance free style of life, which otherwise would not be possible. It provides the residents with an advantage of having free time for other things, such as out-trips, activities inside and outside of the community, as well as social engagement. Assisted living care services also offer assistance with medication management and baths.

More On Communities Of Independent Living

Independent living in contrast to assisted living is that individuals that still have the ability to live independently will still be able to enjoy being able to access assistance should they need too. Whereas, a lifestyle at an independent living community provides their residents the convenience of accessing medical care, entertainment, a dining area that serves great meals, and so much more…

Seniors can also have peace of mind knowing they will be living an independent lifestyle in a community that offers their residents a safe and secure environment, it will just have a minimal amount of assistance offered. Typically available, housekeeping, laundry, meals, and hospitality may not be included as part of the monthly rental charges.

Making A Decision Between Assisted Living Or Independent Living

When it all comes down to it, the decision on assisted living or independent living will be determined in the end on what your loved one’s needs are. There are some communities which can offer seniors both, independent and assisted living arrangements, letting residents gradually adjust and adapt as their needs are changing.

Always inquire about the different options offered from each of the communities you have in consideration, making sure that you ask them what other services will be included in the monthly rental and which is going to cost you additionally. You should always make plans for the future anytime you are taking into consideration your senior living arrangements. Keep in mind that, although your loved one may not be in need of any care needs at this time, does not mean they will not need care later on. When touring the communities, take time to speak with both, the staff members as well as the residents, this is so that you can gain all the information needed in order to have a better understanding of each before that final decision is made.

Retirement Living in Youngtown, Arizona by Ventana Winds Retirement Community

Ventana Winds is an assisted living facility in Youngtown, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-323-1796.

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Senior Living Youngtown

If you are searching for Senior Living in Youngtown, Arizona, Ventana Winds can help. We offer assisted living and memory care services.

623-323-1796
Schedule a Tour

Ventana Winds is an Assisted Living & Memory Care Community is different than a lot of retirement communities. Located in Youngtown in Arizona, our Retirement Facility offers three story Assisted Living residences along with our Memory Care Community. Ventana Winds is located near first rate shopping, outstanding restaurants, plenty of golf courses, cultural centers, sports complexes and medical buildings.

Assisted Living In Youngtown, AZ

Assisted living residents are allowed to have plenty of independence, while also having personal support and care services when they are required. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with help doing basic day to day living activities like getting dressed, bathing and grooming and much, much more. In addition, the residents will have the freedom of enjoying the peace of mind of a maintenance free style of life, which otherwise would not be even feasible.

Learn more about assisted living in Youngtown

Memory Care In Yountown, AZ

To put it in layman’s terms, memory care is a long-term type of care dedicated to meeting the individual needs of today’s older adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other similar forms of dementia. Memory care programs are usually part of an assisted living community, but there are also some communities entirely devoted to seniors with some type of dementia.

Learn more about memory care in Youngtown

Ventana Winds Is Retirement Community Located In Yountown, Arizona

Ventana Winds is located at 12322 N. 113th Ave. in Youngtown, Arizona just off the U.S. 60 and N 111th Ave. Get in touch with us to schedule a tour at one of our facilities.

Find Senior Living In Other Areas Of Arizona

Senior Living Services (SLS Communities) has many different senior living options in Arizona.

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Assisted Living Peoria

If you’re searching for “Assisted Living Peoria“, while looking for the best places to retire close to Peoria, Arizona, then Ventana Winds is the Assisted Living Community for you! Take a look below and learn more about Assisted Living in Peoria, give Ventana Winds Retirement Community a call at 623-323-1796.

Looking for assisted living close to Peoria?

Ventana Winds provides Assisted Living, as well as Memory Care Services for seniors. We are conveniently located within the Peoria area, offering a variety of different living options in order to meet all of the personal needs you or your loved one may require with assisted living.

Ventana Winds is conveniently located in Peoria, close to all the places you will be needing, such as: medical & health care offices, terrific shopping centers, great restaurants, cultural centers, premier golf courses, sports complexes, and more. And the great thing about Ventana Winds, they are all within a two-mile radius!

The reason Ventana Winds Retirement Community is considered to be the best assisted living facility!

The reason people believe that Ventana Winds to be Peoria’s best assisted living facility is because the community has been designed specially for the seniors of today and that includes several different retirement living categories, which include assisted living, as well as memory care. Ventana Winds is perfect for seniors who lead an active lifestyle, as it offers interesting activities, a flexible daily routine and schedule, which is all very stimulating.

More on the assisted living facilities located close to Peoria:

Ventana Winds is an Assisted Living Facility with dazzle, and it is located within the area of Peoria, Arizona. We offer one and two-bedroom apartments, both have plenty of space for all of your personal things, such as furniture, clothing, and photographs, etc. We have a two-story building for our assisted living facility that has been built on an inviting courtyard which also serves as the main point for most activities, and it is a great view from within the apartments. We want to ensure that all of our residents feel at home when they are living within our facility. Our facility also provides help to those in need of it, with their medications, eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc. Residents in every apartment have a view of the scenic sunsets and the wide open mountain views.

The Amenities at Ventana Winds Retirement Community include:

  • Library
  • Activity room
  • Swimming pool
  • Pool table/ Billiards
  • Resort style of dining

Included in monthly rent:

  • Three meals per day
  • Staffing 24/7
  • Deep cleaning done weekly
  • Personal laundry done weekly
  • Utilities, which includes cable television

All apartments include:

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Spacious floor plans
  • Window treatments
  • Air conditioning & heating units

For our community’s safety we have the following:

  • Security cameras
  • Wheelchair access
  • Desk attendant 24/7
  • The Emergency Pendent System
  • Transportation for appointments

Floor plans for assisted living

Our retirement community here at Ventana Winds Retirement Community has many different assisted living floor plans for you to choose from. Ventana Winds Retirement Community offers an active style of living for seniors with assisted living needs, and they are conveniently located close to Peoria, Arizona. View our floor plans and find the one that is attractive to you!

Schedule An Assisted Living Facility Tour In Peoria

For More information about Ventana Winds Retirement Community or to schedule a tour at our Assisted Living Facility in Peoria, give Ventana Winds a call today at 623-323-1796.

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What is Assisted Living?

If you may be wondering or searching for “what is assisted living”, this post will help answer some of your questions. When it comes to you or your loved one entering assisted living, it is good to know an idea what you are walking into.

Assisted Living Communities

Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more. There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.

These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.

Who will need assisted living?

Residents will normally be seniors who have started to decline in health and are needing assistance with one or more daily living activities. Seniors who are wanting to live within a social environment with very little responsibility as well as a place where care can be easily accessed when it is needed are the seniors that you will find within assisted living. Statistically, common residents are often females within their mid-80’s.

The difference between Assisted Living, Independent Living and Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are for those older adults that will require constant and higher-level care than those who live in assisted living communities. Nursing homes have staffed nurses 24 hours per day.

Independent living is a care level that is below assisted living. These communities are a form of housing that has been targeted to a senior who is over 55 years of age. Independent living can have apartments or even single-family homes or a townhouse. Normally, there will be activities planned for the residents as well as some assistance with yard work or other maintenance. The residents are able to maintain as much independence as possible and can still perform daily living activities.

What happens when the level of care needs to be increased?

Most communities will let the resident age within the community. They can do this because most have on-site care and if not, they will work with local providers so that the residents are able to stay within the community as the care level increases. It is this type of care that will be paid in addition to the rent and will vary based on the care that is needed.

Types of Amenities and Activities in Assisted Living Communities

Normally, all assisted living communities will offer prepared meals 3 times per day and help with laundry and light housekeeping. Based on the community, a resident could have access to transportation, the post office, beauty salons, swimming pools and fitness centers. There are also some communities that will plan trips, events and activities that a resident can be a part of which range from concerts to happy hour. These communities range from a large campus to a small home, and so the amenities will vary based on the community. Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is that many communities will recognize that keeping a pet is important for a resident, and so some communities will let the resident bring a pet as long as they can take care of it.

How are these communities regulated?

These communities are regulated at a state level. It is because of this that each state will have policies that will regulate and define what services and care are needed for assisted living communities to meet the standards for the state. The state will set the regulations to make assisted living different from any other care facility. Some states may even monitor are safety, food, providers and care provided.

How much will assisted living cost?

The average for a private, one-bedroom apartment in these communities will run about $3100 per month or around $36,000 per year. These prices are around the cost of living in various areas. The price will change based on the room sizes; for instance a shared apartment is going to be less expensive and a larger apartment or two-bedroom apartment is going to be much more expensive.

How to pay for assisted living

Assisted living is paid using private funds but there are some exceptions. There may be insurance policies that will cover assisted living. Check the insurance policy to see if it will be covered. If the resident is a military veteran or is the veteran’s spouse, they may qualify for veteran’s benefits which will pay for the community. In some states, Medicaid waivers and funds can be used to help cover assisted living.

Assisted Living in Youngtown, Arizona by Ventana Winds Retirement

Ventana Winds is an assisted living facility in Youngtown, Arizona. To schedule a tour of our assisted living facility, contact SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-323-1796.

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What is Arthritis?

what is arthritis

Are you wondering “what is arthritis?” This post can help you broaden your understanding of what arthritis is, and what actions you can take to help prohibit or slow the beginning of arthritis. Medical care can vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main purpose of arthritis treatment is to lessen the symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

Just What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not that rare but it is still not fully understood. Obviously, “arthritis” is not a particular disease; it is a just a simple way of referring to joint disease and/ or pain. There are more than 100 distinctive types of arthritis and associated conditions. People of all ages, sexes and races can and do suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is the main cause of disability in the U.S. At the minimum, approximately 50 million adults and around 300,000 children have some form of arthritis. It is more common among women and develops more often as people get older.

Some more common arthritis symptoms include the swelling of joints, pain, reduced range of motion and stiffness. These arthritis symptoms can come and go. They can range from minor or moderate and in certain cases severe. They may be continual for years, but may advance or worsen as time goes on. Acute arthritis can bring about chronic pain, the inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can also lead to long lasting joint changes. These effects can be noticeable, such as contorted finger joints, but usually the impairment can only be seen by X-ray. Some types of arthritis can also affect the eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, and skin including the joints.

There Are Numerous Types Of Arthritis:

Degenerative Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is one the most common types of arthritis. When the cartilage in the middle of the bones wears away, the bones start rubbing together, creating swelling, stiffness and pain. As time goes on, the joints will lose their toughness and pain can become incessant. Some factors can involve excess weight, family history, age or a prior injury, like an ACL injury.

When the symptoms of osteoarthritis are mild or bearable, they can be handled by:

  • Balancing exercise with plenty of rest
  • Utilizing hot and cold therapy
  • Routine physical activities
  • Keeping a normal weight
  • Strengthening the muscles around the joints
  • Using equipment for support
  • Taking OTC pain medications or anti-inflammatory treatments
  • Avoiding to many repeated movements

If joint symptoms start to become more severe, causing restricted mobility and most important, affecting the quality of life, many of the above plans of action may be helpful, but joint replacement may also be unavoidable.

Osteoarthritis can hampered by continuing to stay active, managing a healthy diet and weight, and preventing injury and repetitive motions.

Inflammatory Arthritis

A strong, healthy immune system is very defensive. It develops internal inflammation to get rid of any infection and curb disease. But every now and then the immune system can get unstable, mistakenly attacking the joints with uncontrolled inflammation, maybe causing joint erosion and may damage internal organs, the eyes or other parts of the body. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are some types of inflammatory arthritis. Researchers believe that a blend of genetics and environmental factors can cause autoimmunity. Smoking is a prime example of an environmental risk factor that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with certain genetics.

With autoimmune and inflammatory types of arthritis, early diagnosis and intrusive treatment are very important factors. Hindering the disease activity can help cut down or even prevent long lasting joint damage from developing. Remission is the main objective and may be reached with the use of one or more medications recognized as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs. The main intention of treatment is to reduce the pain, increase function, and limit further joint damage.

Infectious Arthritis

Fungus, bacteria, and viruses can invade the joint and cause inflammation. Some examples of organisms that can infect joints are salmonella and shigella (food poisoning or food contamination), Chlamydia and gonorrhea (STDs) and hepatitis C (a blood to blood infection, most likely through sharing needles or blood transfusions). In some cases, prompt treatment with antibiotics may clear up the joint infection, but sometimes the arthritis can become chronic.

Metabolic Arthritis

Uric acid is created as the body breaks down purines, a substance found in human cells and also in many foods. Some people have higher levels of uric acid because they naturally generates more than what is needed or the body can’t get rid of the uric acid fast enough. In some people, the uric acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals in the joint, resulting in sudden spikes of severe joint pain, or a gout bombardment. Gout can come and go in bouts or, if the uric acid levels aren’t decreased, it can become chronic, causing continuing pain and disability.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Arthritis diagnosis, in most cases begins with a primary care physician, who will perform a physical exam, blood tests and an MRI or X-rays, to determine what type of arthritis it is. A rheumatologist or arthritis expert should be involved if the analysis is unclear or if the arthritis may be inflammatory. Rheumatologists mostly manage continuous treatment for inflammatory arthritis, types of gout and other complicated cases. Orthopedic surgeons can carry out joint surgery, as well as replacing joints. When the arthritis affects other parts of the body or systems, other specialists, may also be needed.

What Can Be Done About Arthritis?

There are a lot of steps that can be taken to manage normal joint function, the ability to be mobile and quality of life. Understanding more about the disease and its treatment choices, making more time for physical activities and maintain a healthy weight is important. Arthritis is a largely misinterpreted disease.

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If it is time for a change, contact us at SLS Communities about what location is best for your loved one. Give Ventana Winds Retirement Community a call today at 623-323-1796 or schedule a free tour at our facility.

 

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