Assisted Living: Not a Nursing Home: Cenla Health - Alexandria, Pineville, Louisiana

Your first thought when you hear the term “assisted living," is probably a nursing home.People use these terms interchangeably, but the two are actually very different.For me, a nursing home brings up memories of visiting my bedridden grandmother.But an assisted living community is a warm, homey environment where seniors are encouraged to live independently.It's like “an apartment with care."

Assisted living communities are a great alternative to living at home alone.They are designed for the safety and comfort of seniors.In most communities, each resident has their own “suite" or “apartment," equipped with a kitchenette that houses a small refrigerator and a microwave.For ease of bathing, the shower stalls have a fold-down bench and hand-held showerhead.Each unit has its own air conditioning/heating unit.Emergency pull cords are also a staple in the suite.And of course, all suites are handicapped accessible.

The biggest advantages to living in an assisted living community is the home cooked meals, companionship, and medication management.When living alone, seniors often get depressed due to lack of social interaction.Social interaction is a huge plus in assisted living.The social interaction is provided during the restaurant style dining in which a nutritious, delicious meal is served prepared by a registered dietician.Activities are also plentiful, again with the goal of socialization.

Licensed nurses assist in management of medication for residents in assisted living.This is helpful for those whose memory isn't quite what is used to be.It also prevents possible dangerous situations from too much medication or lack there of.

Assisted living communities are a wonderful place to visit and an even better place to live should you have the good fortune.A good one is filled with happy, healthy, independent residents who thrive in such a warm environment.

Stacy Milliner is Marketing Director for Kingsley Place, an assisted living facility in Alexandria.To learn more about Kingsley Place, visit their Profile Page.

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