There are approximately 188 assisted living facilities in Idaho. This number, of course, can shift up and down as new communities open for business and others close for one reason or another. Assisted living can be an excellent option for seniors who need help with their personal care or household chores, but seniors and their families should be careful to choose a community that is a good fit.

Benefits of Assisted Living

Assisted living offers a wide variety of benefits to seniors. Most communities provide several levels of care that residents can access through personalized care or service plans. Staff members may provide assistance with daily living activities like bathing and dressing but also with medication and mobility. At the higher care levels, seniors can receive help managing chronic conditions like diabetes and incontinence. Usually, housekeeping, laundry and meals are included in care packages as well.

Another major benefit of assisted living is the opportunity for socialization and fun. Most communities offer a full schedule of activities that residents can enjoy. There are games, movies, music and social hours. Some facilities provide walking clubs, exercise sessions and outings, too. Nearly all assisted living homes have common areas in which seniors can gather to chat and simply spend time together. This can help counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Choosing the Right Community

Choosing the right assisted living community can be difficult, especially for seniors who are not especially enthused about moving out of their homes. The first step in the process should be researching several area communities, their services, and their amenities. Then seniors and their families can visit those that are appealing to see if they would be a good fit.

Several factors often play into the final decision. These may include the size of the community, the floor plans of apartments, the care levels, the community’s atmosphere, the meals, the activities provided and, of course, the price. It may be helpful to make a pro/con list for several communities to see which ones come out on top for all the factors in question. This way, seniors will be better able to choose the community that can truly become their new home.