The residential setting for
most Sarasota assisted
living facilities can range from a purpose-built apartment
complex to a recycled hotel or school. The units are usually studios or single
rooms that can be furnished or unfurnished and include a private or shared
bathroom and kitchen.
The Primary Objective
The main objective of support
residence is to allow the maximum degree of independence possible. This
independence must be balanced with the risks that it implies. For example, a
resident who enjoys cooking, but may not remember to put out the fire, will
need some degree of supervision to ensure his own safety and that of the
institution as a whole. While this example seems pretty clear, different people
will have different opinions about what constitutes an acceptable level of
risk.
The Risks
Patients who fall frequently,
but who refuse to use a wheelchair or accept help from others, may find that
freedom of independent movement outweighs the risk of falling. The assisted
living facility may think otherwise. Many institutions have a written hazard
agreement, which residents must sign. Before signing any agreement, it is
always a good idea to have an attorney review it.
Conclusion
Concern about risks not only limits independence in an assisted living situation but also privacy. In general, the more services the person requires, the less privacy is available to them. It is a matter of a person’s health, capability, and preferences.
