You have many options when choosing an assisted living community or memory care center for your loved one, which is great until you start realizing just how many options you have. Sometimes, too many options can be overwhelming and it may be difficult to adequately compare one to another and feel confident that you’re making the best decision. Through your evaluation process of various communities, you may encounter the words “all-inclusive,” and wonder what that actually means. Different communities might vary slightly in their definitions of what this includes, but in general, all-inclusive should include the following services, programs and amenities for residents.
Residential Communities
Assisted living communities, all-inclusive or not, should include, at a minimum, clean, well-cared-for housing and grounds for residents to enjoy. All-inclusive assisted living communities should take it a step further by also including:
- A thoughtfully appointed apartment with options to furnish it yourself with your loved one’s furniture from home, or a fully furnished apartment with everything your loved one needs
- The community should be operated by highly-qualified experts with a leadership team that possesses a vast amount of experience and knowledge
- Three chef-prepared meals, plus snacks every day
- Therapeutic diets with the ability to accommodate special dietary needs if necessary
- Weekly housekeeping, laundry, linens, and on-going facility maintenance
Personal Care
An all-inclusive community should offer a variety of personal care assistance that can be customized depending on the needs of each resident. A well-trained, 24-hour care staff should include services such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Mobility
- Medication administration
Medical Services
Residents enter assisted living communities in various stages of medical and personal needs. All-inclusive communities should offer a variety of personalized medical care to match the needs of each resident. These services should include:
- In-room and remote mobile personal emergency response systems with timely staff response
- The scheduling of and transportation to off-site medical appointments
- An in-house pharmacy and medication management system
- Ongoing medical and nursing care plans by a Medical Director and Director of Nursing
Activities
Because it’s so important for seniors to remain active and stimulated, an all-inclusive community should offer activities for senior residents that include the following services:
- Fun on-site activities for assisted living residents and exciting trips
- Opportunities for community and family events and get-togethers
- Regular physical exercise opportunities and brain fitness activities
- Access to on-site physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies
All-inclusive memory care centers should also include additional options, activities and services tailored specifically for the needs of seniors afflicted with dementia and Alzeheimer’s disease.
By fully assessing the capabilities and services of the assisted living communities you are evaluating you can have the peace of mind of knowing your loved one is not alone, is safe, and is receiving compassionate care in a warm, clean, and inviting home. All of our assisted living communities in Georgia and Tennessee include the above services and more. If you need more guidelines to help you choose an assisted living community or if you would like more information or a tour of one of our nine locations, please visit our assisted living communities page.
