Housing

Communication

Technology

Health & Safety

Legal / Social Services

Social & Personal Development

Caregivers Needs

Neighbourhood
 


Introduction



Assisted living (also known as extra-care housing) offers more support than sheltered housing but still allows you to live independently.

You live in a self-contained flat, with your own front door, but staff are usually available up to 24 hours per day to provide personal care and support services. These are tailored to you and can include help with washing, dressing, going to the toilet and taking medication. Domestic help, such as shopping and laundry, and meals may also be provided.

Common features of assisted living accommodation include:

  • help from a scheme manager (warden) or a team of support staff 
  • 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system.
  • social activities arranged for the community.
  • a minimum age for residents, usually 55 or 60.
  • self-contained flats allow you to stay independent.
  • communal lounges allowing you to socialise as and when you feel like it.
  • assessment, but it isn’t available in every area.

Task



What should you as a caregiver consider before advising your loved one moving to assisted living housing?

There are a few things you should consider before they consider moving to assisted living accommodation, not only to ensure it is the right option for you both, but also to ensure the specific site is going to meet their requirements.

 

Process

 

Conclusion

Now that you have completed this module you know assisted living is a type of housing designed for people who need various levels of medical and personal care. Living spaces can be individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters. The facilities generally provide a home-like setting and are physically designed to promote the resident's independence. Overall, the main difference between nursing home care and assisted living is that nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting, while assisted living primarily provides personal care in a home-like, social setting. This promotes enhanced independence for the people we work with and at the same time meets their physical and mental needs.

Evaluation

Learning Outcomes

  • Reading this module participants will have a good understanding of appropriate housing for people with disabilities, the needs of housing and the barriers to independent living

Knowledge acquired

  • After having followed the training material, the trainees should have required a good knowledge of adaptation housing, external environment, housing needs, spatial organisation regarding disabilities.

Skills acquired

  • The participants will develop skills to generate solutions regarding housing for people with disabilities regarding spatial organisation, accessibility, functionality

Competences acquired

  • The participants will be able to take in consideration the person and the carers in the decision-making system.