Assisted Living Facilities: Benefits, Challenges, and the Importance of Culture

In Pakistan, where I grew up, caring for aging parents or grandparents was seldom an issue. Family members either lived close by had a big family house that accommodated at least two three generations while allowing privacy. Interdependency and codependency were one of the norms many families. Nowadays, this concept is fading away in Pakistan other eastern societies, particularly as nuclear system becomes more common than joint system. This trend being seen all over world, diminishing on levels value interdependent extended family. How does affect older adults who once maintained their independence now require assistance support inside outside homes?These shifts dynamics well changes health status among are often driving reason behind search appropriate assisted living community. work Maryland United States, children feel compelled to look alternative solutions risk independently outweighs benefits. The daughter my patients shared her concern: “I don’t want mom leave lose independence. But she forgetting turn off stove, cannot drive due recent car accident [driving wrong side road], she’s not able cook clean herself.” paused stated, safe home, event fall accident, won’t be ask help restricted mobility advancing dementia.”In States parts facilities (ALFs) offer families another option besides home care. Often, can maintain some autonomy they receive medical and/or with daily care activities available them independent homes. lost nursing homes multiple factors including complex state federal regulations, inadequate staff-to-patient ratio, lack resources time required provide specific person-centered care.Of course, there challenges communities opposed homes, financial burden high monthly cost living. Only those afford ALF may choose it. unavailability routine Unlike ALFs rarely in-house director. Instead, residents have designated primary physician, allow providers come into buildings psychiatric evaluations treatments.Oftentimes larger hire contract advanced practitioner treat residents’ acute chronic conditions, wide range variability residents. However, issues like medication management comorbidities such fractured setting To ensure needs met appropriately, psychosocial required, locate gaps attend needs.Returning started, it also crucial mindful cultural differences, intergenerational still common. Residents are, example, Korean, Indian, Muslim, Chinese, African, Black Americans carry own traditional values belief systems facility. has few focus providing particular religious ethnic group, Jewish, Catholic communities. Such population practice culture faith openly without restrictions. it’s important staff trained competencies, especially because themselves likely from diverse backgrounds.Overall, key successful delivery model establishing effective nonverbal verbal communication process maintaining empathy humility. After all, every patient life story, each story unique. Individuals go through trials triumphs until reach point needing greater assistance. going physical mental transition requiring support.Dr. Naqvi Hospice Medical Director MOLST Master Trainer Holy Cross Home Care Hospice.It homes? These dementia.” Of treatments. Oftentimes needs. Returning backgrounds. Overall, support. Dr. Hospice. It