Moving to assisted living is an exciting time for many seniors. However, seniors and their families want to ensure they get the right level of care when they transition to an assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, Florida. Depending on needs, most communities offer different levels of care for residents.
What Are Assisted Living Levels of Care?
Assisted living levels of care define how much care a particular resident receives daily. They can define the type of care received and how often care is provided.
Seniors must be assigned the right level of care. Residents who don’t receive enough care can find themselves in dangerous situations and may not have all their basic needs met. Residents that receive too much care are taking resources away from other residents.
While there is no nationwide standard for levels of care, most communities use a leveled system that generally ranges from level one to level three.
Level One
Level one care generally refers to a basic level of care for seniors who still have a lot of independence. Care may include things like wake-up visits, supervision with certain tasks, and some help with activities of daily living.
Level Two
Level two is a higher level and is reserved for residents who need more hands-on help with daily activities, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Mobility
- Grooming
- Cooking
- Household chores
A staff member caring for a level two resident will generally provide a mix of care that includes supervision for some tasks and hands-on support for others.
Level Three
Level three care is intended for seniors who need help with most activities of daily living. These residents require hands-on support most of the time, and care may be provided by more than one caregiver.
How Level of Care Is Determined
The level of care is determined through a detailed assessment test that takes place before a senior enters St. Petersburg assisted living. A new assessment may be given over time to ensure that residents continue to receive the care they need. New assessments may also be triggered by a medical event.
Assessments are performed differently depending on the community, but tests generally include observation and interviewing residents and their families.
Level of Care Can Change over Time
Generally, the needs of residents in assisted living change over time. Residents may start at level one but need more support over time. Changes in health and mobility are two of the most common reasons for a change in the level of care.
Changes in care needs may also be temporary. For example, a resident may need rehabilitation or therapy support after surgery.
Sometimes, a need for more care is obvious, but other times, it is less obvious. If a senior becomes uncomfortable with their current level of care, it is important that they speak up and advocate for a new assessment.
Level of Care Can Impact Cost
Every assisted living community is different, and costs vary greatly depending on a number of factors. In some communities, the level of care can be a factor that impacts the overall cost of staying in the community.
Level one care will generally be less expensive than level three since less staff work is required. It is important to discuss the cost before moving into an assisted living community.
Care in an Assisted Living Facility in St. Petersburg, Florida
Receiving the correct level of care in assisted living is critical for the safety and well-being of residents. Residents and their family members should be involved in the care assessment to ensure the senior’s needs are met and that they can comfortably enjoy retirement.
