While every community is different in certain ways, all assisted living communities offer a special combination of housing, individualized supportive services, and health care designed to meet the needs of older adults who need support with activities of daily living.
Residents are still active, but may need support with activities like bathing, dressing, medication managment and grooming. Assisted living communities offer a compassionate environment where you can enjoy an independent lifestyle and care when you need it.
What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are basic tasks and activities necessary for independent living at home or in a community. If you or a family member have trouble performing ADLs, it might be time to consider assisted living.
There are many variations on the definition of ADLs, but most experts agree on these basic categories:
Personal hygiene. This involves a series of practices, like bathing, nail care and oral care, that preserve your health and prevent the spread of diseases.
Dressing. The ability to make appropriate clothing choices for the weather and time of day, and the ability to physically dress and undress yourself.
Eating. This ADL is the ability to successfully feed yourself, but not necessarily the capability to prepare food.
Transferring. The ability to get in and out of bed, and move from sitting position to a standing position.
Walking. The technical term for this ADL is “ambulating,” which means the ability to walk around your home or outside.
Each adult in assisted living is unique, and how they perform ADLs will vary from one person to another. Some residents need small reminders about their daily tasks, while others may depend completely on someone to perform an activity for them.
What are Instrumental Activities of Living (IADLs)?
IADLS, which stands for instrumental activities of living. These are self-care tasks. They include:
- Managing finances
- Managing transportation
- Shopping
- House cleaning and home maintenance
- Managing communication
- Medication Management
- Pet care
What is the difference between ADLs and IADLs?
ADLs are being able to eat, bathe, walk around and have adequate rest and are critical for self-reliance. IDALs is going to the grocery store or continuing a hobby help you live a fuller life.
Thankfully, assisted living communities like Edgewood Summint prioritize both ADLs and IADLs, and offer specific services, programs, and amenities that help you, mom or dad stay as independent as possible.
Are Assisted Living Communities and Nursing Homes the Same?
Assisted living is for those who only need a little support with certain daily activities, while nursing homes are for older adults who require top-priority, 24-hour care. Assisted living communities will likely have a fitness centers, pools, robust wellness programs, and a wide variety of delicious, dining options. In a nursing home, you’ll notice more medical equipment and hospital beds for more thorough medical attention.
The goal of assisted living in Charleston, WV. is to keep you as independent as possible, while giving you the support you need only when you need it.
When you tour an assisted living community, it will be difficult to tell the difference between assisted living residences and the other apartment complexes. Most residents personalize their apartment homes with their favorite decor and small pieces of comfortable furniture.
Apartments in Assisted Living are Rightsized for a Full Life
The well-designed apartments are equipped with modern and helpful features that make life a lot easier. Apartments at Edgewood Summit feature a charming kitchenette that’s perfect for convenient meal preparation; wall-to-wall carpeting; and full, private bathrooms in each residence.
The amenities don’t stop at their apartments. Here are just a few of the community amenities to help Mom, Dad, or another loved one feel at home:
- Arts and crafts room
- Exercise room
- Card room
- Library
- Convenience store and café
- Many lounge areas across the neighborhood
- A variety events and programs
- Scheduled Transportation for medical visits or fun day trips
- Restaurant-style dining
Assisted Living Communities Offer Programs that Make a Difference
One of the biggest benefits of assisted living (other than expert care) are the easy opportunities to make social connections and feel a greater sense of purpose. Seniors who socialize have improved mental health, better nutrition, and less physical pain.
Here are some ways to enjoy assisted living:
Special activities and outings. Activities may include educational, cultural or religious events or services, guest speakers, or trips to see concerts and plays.
Classes. Lifelong learning is important at any age, which is why the best assisted living communities offer group classes for fitness, art, technology, home safety tips, and other ways to enrich residents’ daily lives.
Scheduled transportation. Free scheduled transportation trips to the grocery store and other essential errands allow residents to get together outside of the community.
Welcoming dining venues. Restaurant-style dining offers a fantastic way for seniors to socialize and enjoy healthy, hearty meals specific to their needs.
Find Hospitality and Kindness You’ve Been Looking for at Edgewood Summit
Enjoy a vibrant life on a scenic mountaintop when you live in the only locally owned, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Charleston, West Virginia. Our living options include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, which means you have a plan for the future.
To experience our gorgeous campus next to Cato Park, schedule a tour by contacting us online or calling us at 304-346-2323, and we’ll connect with you shortly.