You’ve certainly heard the term “assisted living levels of care” while comparing the services offered by a retirement community when looking for assisted living communities for yourself or a loved one. The term “levels of care” often refers to how much help a person needs in managing their health and performing activities of daily living (ADLs).
ADLs include activities including dressing, bathing or showering, eating, and using the bathroom. Whether a person requires support from a caregiver or can manage their chronic diseases or take prescription drugs on their own may depend on their medical requirements. In order to choose the ideal assisted living community or other senior living options in Sterrett, TX, below are the levels of care available.
Factors That Determine the Level of Care
Each member of an assisted living residence is unique and will need a different level of care. Use the following checklist to determine whether the resident requires assistance with any of the following, as well as the kind and degree of assistance needed.
- Bathing
Some individuals just want a prompt to take their baths or showers at the appropriate times. Others might be able to bathe independently, but they require assistance if they are at danger of falling. Yet some people might require one or more carers to assist with bathing.
- Dressing
Depending on their level of need, residents may need assistance getting dressed. A resident might be able to dress but not have the physical dexterity to attach zippers and buttons. Depending on the situation or the temperature, another person could need assistance selecting the appropriate clothing.
- Grooming
This covers tasks like shaving, hair maintenance, and tooth brushing. For instance, hair brushing could be challenging for a person whose shoulders lack a range of motion and necessitate the assistance of a caregiver.
- Mobility
This comprises the capacity for walking, the use of assistive devices, and the capacity for transferring or standing. It’s possible that a patient who can independently utilize a wheelchair or cane will require less care overall than another resident who requires help standing or walking.
- Incontinence
This involves having the independence to handle the disease, such as changing protective underpants on oneself. Residents are categorized as needing a higher degree of care if they need assistance from a caregiver.
- Eating
Some people can feed themselves, but they require assistance slicing their food. Some people can be at danger of choking and need a caregiver with them as a safety measure. Those who have trouble eating themselves may require assistance from a caregiver.
- Medication
Can the residents fill and take prescriptions on their own? Some individuals can find it challenging to open prescription bottles or administer injections on their own. While some people can take their meds on their own, others need daily reminders to make sure they are getting the appropriate dosage and taking their prescriptions on schedule.
3 Levels of Care Available
You can evaluate the resident’s overall degree of care required after looking through each resident’s ADLs and medical needs.
- Low level of care
Although this person is largely autonomous, ADLs may require reminders. Some people might just need a little guidance or help to complete activities effectively and securely.
- Intermediate or moderate care
While the resident may be capable of performing certain ADLs alone, such as feeding oneself, others, like dressing, may require assistance.
- High level of care
This person needs extensive support from several caregivers since their disabilities influence various ADLs.
