Exploring assisted living options in Central Texas can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, there are several organizations and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping older adults navigate the landscape of assisted living in Austin. Texas Health and Human Services licenses assisted living centers based on residents' physical and mental ability to evacuate the center in case of emergency.
Anyone interested in exploring their assisted living options should also call and visit the facility to get the best idea that fits their needs and preferences. The Central Texas Senior Services Council can help older adults looking for assisted living options in Austin find a place they can call home. Assisted living communities are homes for older adults who want to remain as independent as possible in a home-like environment, but need help with activities of daily living (ADL), such as eating, bathing, dressing, maintaining good hygiene, and navigating the bathroom. There are approximately 161 assisted living communities in the Austin area, 36 of which are licensed as type A communities and 125 of which are licensed as type B communities. All assisted living facilities that house people with Alzheimer's disease are type B residences and are called certified Alzheimer's disease centers, certified Alzheimer's disease units, or memory care homes. Generally speaking, an assisted living community offers room and board, up to three prepared meals a day, assistance with personal care needs, help with medications and household chores, some transportation services, and a calendar of interesting social activities.
Assisted living facilities provide individualized medical and personal care assistance in a home-like environment, with an emphasis on personal dignity, autonomy, independence, and privacy. The number of residents per center ranges from just four to more than 120 people. A person with all the symptoms of dementia and who clearly needs memory care services can move to an assisted living facility if the residence is adequate. A reverse mortgage may be an option for a married person moving to a memory care facility if their spouse is still living in the home. Any residence that is not licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission cannot use the term assisted living. AGE of Central Texas offers resources such as adult day care, support for early memory loss, and education and resources for caregivers, including guidance on topics related to assisted living.
There are several ways to find the assisted living community that best suits your needs, but most experts suggest prioritizing high-quality care, budget constraints, accessible community design, and participatory community living. When considering an assisted living facility in Central Texas, it is important to keep in mind that medical and dental expenses can be deducted, and that they can include assisted living expenses. It is also important to remember that each facility has its own set of requirements for admission. It is best to contact each facility directly for more information about their specific requirements. Exploring your options for assisted living in Central Texas can be overwhelming but with the right resources it doesn't have to be. With the help of organizations like the Central Texas Senior Services Council and AGE of Central Texas you can find the perfect place for you or your loved one.
