Assisted living is really living

Most every Friday I have lunch with a group of intelligent, charming and witty single women. Mildred, Lucille, Tressie, Carolyn, Elizabeth, "Pinky", Lula Mae and Sybil are just a few of the wonderful people I have come to know at The Arbor, an assisted living facility in Minden.

Today I want to share with you my first-hand impression of assisted living facilities and the truly amazing benefits they provide to their residents.

Early in 2004, a longtime friend and client - at the age of 89 and on the advice of her primary care physician and supported by friends and family - moved from her family home in Homer to an assisted living facility in Minden. At that time, I know very little of the services and benefits of assisted living facilities.

However, almost two years later I am a big fan. These facilities do exactly what their name implies - they assist people in living.

You can expect assisted living facilities to provide spacious independent apartments, three scheduled daily meals served in a well-appointed dining room, laundry service, 24-hour staffing, beauty and barber shop and a host of activities and special events.

Assisted living facilities also provide various levels of care for residents who may need assistance managing medications ad assistance dressing or bathing. Costs for services vary widely from facility to facility as well as by region and level of care. However, national statistics indicate that north Louisiana has some of the most affordable care available anywhere in the country.

All the previously mentioned services provided by assisted living facilities afford residents and those close to them a great deal of peace of mind. However, I believe the greatest benefit for those residing in an assisted living facility is the quality of life and true sense of community they enjoy.

The majority of residents are single and typically widowed. Prior to moving to an assisted living facility they were "home alone" and most likely lonely as well, even though they were in their long-time family home filled with memories and keepsakes. The decision to leave the family home is difficult and emotional.

Our friends and loved ones would greatly benefit by moving to an assisted living community will need our encouragement as well as input from their family physician. As a resident works through the initial transition, they are surrounded by a host of other people in similar circumstances and, often, very similar backgrounds.

They are quickly assimilated into a community of caring and supportive neighbors. Activities are designed by the facilities to promote interaction among the residents, provide for new adventures and experiences as well as nostalgia. Intellectual stimulation is encouraged and individual self-expression and fulfillment is cultivated as well. Assisted living communities strive to balance every resident's need for individual privacy with interpersonal interaction.

As I said earlier, I am a big fan of these communities because I see the peace and contentment as well as the smiles and hear the laughter of the residents who are enjoying life in their new home.

Ty Pendergrass is a Certified Financial Planner^® and member of the Ark-La-Tex Chapter, Financial Planning Association