When you or your loved one is exploring assisted living communities, finding a facility that offers a personalized care plan is essential. But what exactly is an individualized care plan? And how can you tell if an assisted living community is right for you?
Let’s take a closer look at what senior care plans entail. In addition, let’s focus on the cost and different levels of care available for older adults in Johnson City, Tennessee.
What Is a Personalized Care Plan?
A personalized care plan is a document that outlines the specific care needs of an individual. It considers the person’s medical, physical, social, and emotional needs and creates a plan to address each of those items.
The best care plans will also include ways to simplify an older adult’s life. The plan should consider:
- Daily routines
- Medical history
- Dietary restrictions
- Social interests and hobbies.
A detailed plan for care is important because it ensures that your loved one receives the support they need. It also helps the staff get to know each resident personally.
Personalized plans for care are crucial in assisted living communities because they ensure that each resident receives the specific level of care they need.
When touring an assisted living community, ask about their approach to care planning. The staff should be able to provide you with a detailed explanation of how the community creates and implements personalized care plans for each resident.
How to Find Individualized Care in an Assisted Living Community
One of the most important things to look for when touring an assisted living community is whether or not they offer personalized care. A customized care plan ensures that each resident receives the individualized care they need to thrive.
Here are a few questions you can ask when touring an assisted living community to see if they offer a personalized care plan:
- Do you have a registered nurse on staff?
- What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
- How do you develop each resident’s care plan?
- What factors do you consider for individualized service?
- Can you provide me with a sample care plan?
- Can my family doctor make suggestions for the care plan?
You should also look for signs of individualized care during your community tour. For example:
- Are there common areas where residents can gather and socialize?
- Are the common areas focused on group activities?
- Are the apartments private and spacious, or do they feel cramped and sterile?
- Does it seem like some residents are neglected?
These are all critical factors to consider when choosing an assisted living community. Think of needs that are specific to your loved one’s needs.
What are the care costs of a senior living community?
Assisted living facilities and skilled nursing or nursing homes offer different services and drastically different price tags.
The national average for assisted living is $4,500 per month, while the average cost of a nursing home is $9,034 per month. However, the price of assisted living and nursing homes in East Tennessee is much lower than the national average.
Several factors play into the cost of assisted living and nursing homes. These include the location of the facility, the type of facility, the amenities offered, and the level of care required.
Location
The location of an assisted living or nursing home can significantly impact its cost. Facilities in urban areas tend to be more expensive than those in rural areas. This is due to many factors, including higher overhead costs and increased demand.
Type of Facility
The type of facility also impacts its cost. For example, independent living facilities are typically cheaper than assisted living or nursing homes because they offer fewer services and amenities.
Nursing homes are licensed healthcare facilities that provide around-the-clock care for seniors. Seniors in nursing homes typically need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. In addition to providing primary care, nursing homes also offer skilled nursing care, which is necessary for seniors with chronic medical conditions or who have recently suffered a severe injury or illness.
Assisted living facilities are non-medical residential communities that help with ADLs. While assisted living facility residents do not need around-the-clock skilled nursing care, they may require basic medical care such as medication management or monitoring vital signs.
Amenities
The amenities offered by an assisted living or nursing home also affect its cost. For example, facilities that offer private rooms or suites will be more expensive than shared rooms. Facilities that include fitness centers, salon services, or outdoor walking trails may also charge a premium.
Level of Care
Finally, the level of care required by residents also impacts the cost of an assisted living or nursing home. For example, facilities that provide memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia will typically be more expensive than those that do not offer this type of care.
Assisted living and memory care communities typically offer a base rate, which includes:
- Monthly rent
- Community amenities
- Meal service
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Utility costs
- Social and physical activities
Health care is an additional cost beyond hospitality services. It is a daily rate that includes the needs of the care plan, such as:
- Activities of daily living assistance
- Rehabilitation (if available on-site)
- Medication management
Find An Individualized Senior Care Plan in Johnson City
If you’re looking for an assisted living community that offers individualized care, look no further than Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City in Johnson City, TN.
We pride ourselves on providing superior senior care to all of our residents. When you tour our community, you’ll see firsthand how our caring staff goes above and beyond to create a positive living experience for everyone.
Personalized support is available in all the services we offer:
Assisted Living | Johnson City, TN
When considering an assisted living community for yourself or your loved one, ask about their approach to care planning. A personalized care plan is essential in ensuring that each resident receives the specific level of care they need.
At Dominion of Johnson City, we offer individualized care plans for all residents. Contact us today to learn more about our community or to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to show you around!
