What is Designated Supportive Living (DSL4D)?
People may need a helping hand with their day-to-day lives and activities as they age. The problem is that as older adults search for support, there could be challenges and barriers to receiving proper access to the required health care. Further, there are many different names for various service levels, making it difficult to know what one is looking for.
Remember to check out Seasons Retirement communities to explore different care options. This helpful service can be a great transitional phase between independent supportive living and around-the-clock service care.
Specifically, this article explores the definition of DSL4D and its advantages and disadvantages.
Learning about designated supportive living (DSL4D)
DSL4D is a unique assisted living option. It’s a specialized type of care that provides individuals with complex medical needs, support, and resources that they require to thrive during this new stage of their lives.
As a service, DSL4D is intended for those living with dementia, with support that involves managing unpredictable behaviours, wandering, etc., to ensure the individual’s safety around the clock.
With DSL4D, families can rest assured that their loved ones receive the personalized care they need to live their lives to the fullest, regardless of any challenges. Individuals with a need for DSL4D services may generally require help and support with the following:
- Chronic disease management
- Help with daily activities
- Meal services
- Medical care according to personalized care plans.
How to transition into DSL4D?
It’s essential to determine what type of care an individual requires before recommending them any particular category of DSL service. Healthcare practitioners conduct thorough assessments to ensure that residents’ unique needs and medical care plans are met, giving them the best possible experience.
A comprehensive assessment will include looking at the physical, mental, and social needs to determine the best option for the individual.
Since older adults have differing levels of independence, the assessment is crucial for finding a community or provider that fits each resident. For example, DSL4D is usually for older adults with complex needs; however, individuals who do not need long-term residential care but still require significant support during day-to-day activities may find DSL a better fit.
Healthcare practitioners want each older adult to feel happy and fulfilled in their new homes, and the different levels of DSL services are intended to do just that.
Who delivers DSL4D services?
Experienced and skilled medical professionals provide DSL4D. They include healthcare aides available all day to ensure that residents get the support they need when needed. To this effect, Health Care Aides are specifically available on-site 24/7 to provide in-depth care for support and personal needs.
Based on their individual needs, older adults can usually coordinate and schedule professional care, including access to nurses, doctors, rehabilitation therapists, etc. These positions are not necessarily on-site but arrive during appointments the case manager schedules.
Additionally, existing caregivers are usually free to remain involved in the care process, which can provide comfort and reassurance for many individuals.
Health care services offered as part of DSL4D
Individuals within DSL4D gain access to specialized services that assist them with their unique needs. Here are some of the more common care options that usually come up for individuals.
Daily living activities
Help with daily living activities is vital so every resident can live their life to the fullest. DSL4D caregivers are dedicated to providing personalized support that caters to each resident’s unique needs and routines.
DSL4D workers address individual needs and create specialized plans with different levels of service and frequency. Staff can generally offer support for daily activities such as assisting with informational inquiries, arranging transportation, bed mobility, mealtime help, and more.
Meals
Proper nutrition is vital for older adults with complex needs, even those who require an enteral or feeding tube. DSL4D services that consider these needs include an individualized dietary plan considering unique preferences and needs so older adults can receive the right nutritional balance in the proper amounts.
Residents and families can feel confident knowing that the staff will plan the nutritional plans with care and nourishment to the mind and body.
What is designated supportive living (DSL4D)?
In conclusion, designated supportive living has different levels of care to best meet the needs of the older adult. DSL4D is specifically for an individual with complex needs. Services are designed to be more hands-on so that the resident can live a fulfilling life.
With so many options available, know that case managers will guide families and older adults through finding the best level of care and service.
And, families, feel free to do your research; this next stage in your loved ones’ life journey can be intimidating. Most people don’t love change, so take the time to chat with staff, ask questions, and visit your loved one’s new potential home. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your loved ones are well-cared for.