How do I know if it’s time for assisted living?
If you’ve noticed some changes in your loved one’s abilities and it seems more difficult for them to complete daily tasks, it may be time to consider assisted living. Reviewing the list below can help you determine what kind of help they need. Have you noticed any of the following?
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Inability to keep up with household chores
- Poor nutrition
- Mismanaging money/bills
- Lack of socialization
- Falls or mobility issues
- Trouble managing medications
- Recent surgery or injury
- Difficulty caring for a pet
- Changes in behavior
If so, the long-term care offered in assisted living communities can help.
What is assisted living?
The National Institute on Aging defines assisted living as being “for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home provides.” Assisted living is a type of long-term care provided in a comfortable, residential community setting.
Residents are independent enough to live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. Services like three meals a day, help with personal care, medications, housekeeping and laundry, social activities, and scheduled transportation are usually provided. The specific services and amenities provided vary by location.
How big are assisted living communities?
Communities can range in size from 25 to 120 residents or more. Sage Oak of Lake Charles offers a much more intimate setting than larger facilities. With only five homes and 16 beds per home on a sprawling campus, we ensure we are providing high-quality attention, specialized care, premium services, and comfort.
What is the setting like in assisted living?
Calcasieu Parish seniors and their families can expect a boutique-style senior living environment with a set-up that’s unique to the industry. Residents can enjoy socializing around an open-concept kitchen, watching as a chef freshly prepares their meals. Rooms are comfortably appointed, accessible, and modern. Small pets are also welcome.
Residents and families also enjoy access to Sage Oak’s landscaped and wooded outdoor space that’s perfect for family visits, with sidewalks along the way to connect you to all of the community’s buildings.
What care services are provided in assisted living?
Calcasieu Parish residents at Sage Oak of Lake Charles can expect more services than with many other assisted living communities in the area. A common misconception about assisted living is that higher levels of care, certain behaviors, hoyer lifts, etc., are not permitted.
Sage Oak of Lake Charles is modeled to accommodate these circumstances. Through collaborative care with third party agencies and medical providers, Sage Oak can accept residents that might not be accommodated by other local facilities that offer assisted living. Calcasieu Parish residents can expect the highest quality of life and standard of care in assisted living.
Sage Oak’s intimate atmosphere means a higher level of individualized care. The 1:5 to 1:8 caregiver-to-resident ratio is unique in senior living. Other services include:
- Medication management
- Free medication delivery
- Assistance with Hoyer lifts for wheelchair-bound persons
- Assistance with diabetic care
- Bathing and personal grooming assistance
- Nurse on staff
- Incontinence care
- 24-hour CCTV security
- 24-hour awake associates
What other services and amenities can I expect?
- Chef-prepared meals
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation services to health care appointments
- Personalized care plan
- Spacious gathering room and lounge
- Tree-lined and garden-filled walkways
- On-site beauty salon and barbershop
- Daily activities, parties, and events
Will my loved one have social interaction?
Yes. One of the key benefits of assisted living, aside from the care provided, is the opportunity for seniors to stay socially active. Research has shown that isolation in seniors is linked to higher rates of conditions like depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairment.
Catching up with friends while your breakfast is chef-made to order is a great way to start each day in assisted living. Calcasieu Parish-area residents at Sage Oak of Lake Charles have a great time celebrating birthdays, taking up arts and crafts, or of course, playing Bingo together.
Assisted living is a great way to ensure your loved one gets the care, attention, and interaction that they need to live well. At Sage Oak of Lake Charles, they’ll also have a unique, intimate experience that provides an even better senior living lifestyle.
Let us help care for your loved one.
Visit our unique campus in person to see how we do senior living differently. Contact us today to set up a tour.