What is Assisted Living? A Complete Guide for Indian Families
India is experiencing a revolutionary transformation in the composition of its population. The population of 60 years and older would be 319 million by 2050, as per the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). As nuclear families are increasing and the population is shifting to cities, the traditional method of taking care of members of the family under joint families is being put to the test. As increasingly more families today are asking themselves: What is assisted living, and how could it benefit older loved ones in India?
This blog discusses assisted living in depth. It tells you what assisted living is, the different options available, the costs involved, and the most frequently asked questions. If you are planning long-term care for your parents or are just interested in knowing the options for the future, then this guide is all you need to know, ready for Indian families and their situation.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a form of residential care where elderly individuals are provided with assistance in daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, medication, and meal preparation. The care enables them to live independently in a secure and supportive environment, which is best suited for senior citizens who do not require constant medical care but require assistance with daily living.
In India, the concept is new but rapidly expanding as more and more people are becoming urbanised, living longer, and families are evolving. Assisted living provides a middle path between home care and nursing homes, which is safe and independent.
What is an Assisted Living Facility?
An assisted living facility is a home where elderly individuals reside in individual rooms or in shared rooms. They are provided with around-the-clock help for their basic needs.
These websites typically have:
- Daily living activities (e.g. dressing, grooming, toileting)
- Balanced meals
- Medication reminders
- Social and recreational activities
- Receiving emergency medical treatment
- Security and janitorial services
In India, homes like Olive Elder Care provide a secure and warm environment for older adults who require a little assistance. If you are wondering what an assisted living home is, think of it as a place that offers cosy comfort as well as the attention of a caring organisation.
What is Assisted Living for Seniors?
If you're interested in knowing what assisted living for the elderly is all about, it's independence and dignity. There are many elderly folks who have health issues, mobility issues, or cognitive impairment, but still desire some semblance of control in their life.
Assisted living aids such elderly with:
- Individualised care plans to meet specific requirements.
- Individualised assistance from expert aides
- Psychological and emotional support through social interaction
- Equilibrium schedules with medical monitoring
To most of the older population in India, it offers a preferable option to just depending on home attendants or lay caregivers.
Payment for Indian Assisted Living
One of the most requested questions from families is: How much do assisted living facilities cost, on average, in India?
Fees can differ considerably depending on the city, facility type, level of care, and level of amenities offered. Here is a rough idea:
- Basic assisted living (shared room, basic care): ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month
- Mid-range (private room, personal care): ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per month
- Premium assisted living (speciality medical services, luxury services): ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month
These costs are usually financed by the family's own resources, since standard health insurance in India does not yet cover assisted living. However, families can seek to cover these costs through these avenues:
1. Saving Money and Retirement Funds
Most of the elderly finance their living cost with pension schemes, retirement funds, or savings accounts. One should prepare in advance to make the shift smooth.
2. Family Contribution
In India, it is also a prevalent practice for kids or family members to contribute to the elderly's care, either fully or partly.
3. Reverse Mortgage
A lesser-used but somewhat available option, reverse mortgages can provide monthly payments for the property value, which can be utilised to fund assisted living without selling.
4. Employer or Company Support
Certain businesses offer eldercare assistance as part of employee wellness programs or retirement benefits.
Education on how families typically finance assisted living care in India prepares them financially and emotionally.
Options for Assisted Living in India
With the increasing need for care for the elderly, India has an increasing range of assisted living models:
1. Senior Living Communities
These are retirement housing developments that enable older adults to live independently or with assistance. The residents can choose to share meals, exercise, and cultural activities with fellow community members.
2. Independent Assisted Living Centres
These offer round-the-clock care, shelter, and medical care. Facilities like Olive Elder Care focus on long-term care, dementia care, and rehabilitation.
3. Medical Rehabilitation in Assisted Living
Ideal for seniors recovering from surgeries, strokes, or chronic illnesses. These facilities offer physiotherapy, 24/7 medical monitoring, and a structured routine.
4. Memory Care Spaces
Specific facilities for the elderly with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other types of dementia. These facilities provide added safety and staff trained to manage behaviour and thought problems.
While deciding, always consider the health, lifestyle, feelings, and future needs of the elderly individual.
Learning Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
One of the main considerations in deciding if one needs assisted living is one's performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
They are:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing and undressing
- Consumerism
- Mobility (from bed to chair, walking)
- Toileting
- Medication management
If a person is having trouble with two or more of these activities on a daily basis, assisted living may be the most appropriate option. Faculties such as Olive Elder Care utilise deliberate assessment to develop plans of care based on activities of daily living.
Why Olive Elder Care for Assisted Living in India?
Now that you understand what assisted living is, the next step is to choose the proper caregiver. At Olive Elder Care, we go above and beyond the essentials to provide a total eldercare experience that encompasses medical expertise, personal care, and emotional support.
If you are researching what an assisted living facility is or need special attention for dementia or post-surgery recovery, Olive Elder Care provides respectful, professional, and budget-friendly care that suits your family's requirements. Reach out today for the best assisted living in Mumbai.
Our Indian centres are fully equipped with 24/7 medical staff, trained care providers, and a supportive atmosphere that is supportive of physical and emotional well-being.
If you are willing to take that next step, seek addiction treatment at Olive Elder Care or learn more about our senior living facilities. Give your family members the dignity, respect, and comfort that they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assisted living is a type of elderly care in which the residents reside in houses and receive day-by-day care but remain independent. It is most suitable for elderly individuals who require help with day-to-day activities but do not require hospitalisation or nursing home residency.
Assisted living provides personal care assistance, meals, medication reminders, safety features, housekeeping, and social opportunities. Assisted living ensures that older adults lead a safe, dignified, and fulfilling life.
The duration of stay varies. Some stay for a short while after illness or surgery, while others remain there for the rest of their lives. Overall, the majority of residents remain for approximately 1 to 3 years, depending on their health status and family life.
In India, people mainly fund assisted living from their savings, pensions, or support from their families. A few families also look into reverse mortgage schemes or corporate eldercare schemes. What is the age limit for assisted living? There is no legal age requirement, but the majority of locations in India have an age requirement of 55 and above, with the majority referencing 60 years and above.
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