Whether Assisted Living or Independent Living Is Best, Your Rights Stay Intact

As you or your loved ones age, you may find that some of the tasks, responsibilities, and demands of daily life change from mundane to meddlesome. Sometimes such chores become difficult or nearly impossible to accomplish without assistance. If this describes a situation with which you are familiar and you live in New York, you may benefit by moving into assisted living facilities in Long Island.

Maintaining Rights as Residents of Care Facilities

Despite feeling like you might be giving up independence upon moving into a "home," you can rest assured that your freedoms and liberties must be upheld regardless of your circumstance. Staff members at Long Island assisted living facilities and independent living communities are required to ensure your rights are protected.

As long as you have never been adjudged incapacitated, you retain the rights you are accustomed to as a citizen of the United States. For example, if you decide to live in one of the assisted living facilities on Long Island, you do not lose the right to hold and keep property, money, and valuables. The degree to which you receive assistance does not affect the degree to which you are owed dignity and privacy. You can still execute legal documents, communicate with family members and friends, associate with community and religious leaders, and petition the nursing facility, or even the government, for redress of any complaint that may arise.

Every Long Island assisted living facility or independent living community should be staffed by professionals who understand the duty of care owed to residents. In each type of facility, you are entitled to the appropriate level and quality of care you need without fear of discrimination or reprisal.

Understanding the Different Types of Residential Care Facilities

If you are fully independent and just looking for a community of persons of similar age, an independent living community may be appropriate. At this kind of community, you will usually have the option to buy or rent your home. These homes range from ranch-style, one level homes to condominiums and high-rises. Many people find their lives enriched by living in this type of community because of the social interaction, positive environment, and safety they enjoy. If, however, you find some aspects of daily life to be too demanding, you may choose to reside at one of the assisted living facilities in Long Island.

Long Island assisted living usually means you will be living in a facility with shared spaces, including dining rooms, laundry facilities, and living rooms, with shared transportation and housekeeping as well. This type of community is great for short-term care as well as for transitioning from independent living to life as a long-term care resident.

Finding What You Are Looking For

If you want to live somewhere with a support staff dedicated to assisting in daily activities, you will probably feel comfortable at one of the assisted living facilities in Long Island. If you are more active and would simply enjoy living in a close-knit, safe community with other similarly situated individuals, you will probably enjoy living at an independent living community. No matter your choice, you can expect to be treated with dignity and respect.

John Trinh has been writing for 10+ years.Since then, John has enjoyed writing about technology, business, marketing, and anything that he thinks he should write about.