SENIOR HEALTH CARE HOMES

Independent senior living communities, also known as retirement communities, senior living communities or independent retirement communities, are housing designed for seniors 55 and older. Independent senior living communities commonly provide apartments, but some also offer cottages, condominiums, and single-family homes. Residents are seniors who do not require assistance with daily activities or 24/7 skilled nursing but may benefit from convenient services, senior-friendly surroundings, and increased social opportunities that independent senior living communities offer. Independent senior living communities are also popular among snowbird seniors who wish to downsize or travel without any hassle or the burden of managing a home. Many retirement communities offer dining services, basic housekeeping and laundry services, transportation to appointments and errands, activities, social programs, and access to exercise equipment. Some also offer emergency alert systems, live-in managers, and amenities like pools, spas, clubhouses, and on-site beauty and barber salons. Independent senior living properties do not provide health care or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as treatments, bathing, eating, dressing, toileting and more. Independent senior living differs from continuing care communities, which offer independent living along with multiple other levels of care, such as assisted living and skilled nursing, in one single residence. Independent senior living residents are permitted to use third-party home health care services to meet additional needs.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living communities are designed for seniors who are no longer able to live on their own safely but do not require the high level of care provided in a nursing home. Assistance with treatments, activities of daily living, meals and housekeeping are routinely provided. Three meals per day are provided in a central dining room. Residents live in private apartments which frequently have a limited kitchen area. Staff is available 24 hours per day for additional safety. Most assisted living communities provide licensed nursing services. The hours vary greatly, so be sure to ask when you visit. Social activities and scheduled transportation are also available in most communities. A special unit for Alzheimer’s residents is available in some, but not all communities.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care for the frail elderly who require a high level of clinical care and assistance. Twenty-four hour skilled nursing services are available from licensed nurses. Many nursing homes now provide short-term rehabilitative stays for those recovering from an injury, illness or an operation. Long-term care residents generally have high care needs and complex conditions that require routine skilled nursing services. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a central dining area unless they are too ill to participate. Activities are also available. Some facilities have a separate unit for Alzheimer’s residents.

Alzheimer’s Care

Numerous senior housing options for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s are available. With memory impaired, it is important to have 24-hour support and structured activities to ensure their safety and quality of life. Many families try to care for their loved ones at home, which can be extremely difficult given the skill that is required to care for a person with memory problems. If you need to consider a community, understand that Alzheimer’s care is delivered in the assisted living setting, as well as in nursing homes and occasionally in personal care homes. Generally, the residents live in semi-private apartments and have structured activities delivered by trained staff members. Most of these living environments have secured or locked areas to ensure no one wanders off. Many times, within the secured areas, residents have access to outdoor walking paths or gardens.

Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes are private homes that typically serve residents who live together and receive care from live-in caretakers. These homes offer assisted care services for seniors who want a more private, home-like community. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing are typically provided. Amenities and nursing services vary greatly between homes. Ask about their services when you tour.

How to Choose a Facility?

The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living facility:

• Think ahead. What will the resident’s future needs be and how will the facility meet those needs?

• Is the facility close to family and friends? Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?

• Do admission and retention policies exclude people with severe cognitive impairments or severe physical disabilities?

• Does the facility provide a written statement of the philosophy of care?

• Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced.

• Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality of mealtime and the service.

• Observe interactions among residents and staff.

• Check to see if the facility offers social, recreational, and spiritual activities.

• Talk to residents.

• Learn what types of training staff receive and how frequently they receive training.

• Review state licensing reports.

The following steps should also be considered:

• Contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman to see if any complaints have recently been filed against the assisted living facility you are interested in. In many states, the ombudsman checks on conditions at assisted living units as well as nursing homes.

• Contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if that agency has received any complaints about the assisted living facility.

• If the assisted living facility is connected to a nursing home, ask for information about it, too.

What is the Cost for Assisted Living?

Although assisted living costs less than nursing home care, it is still fairly expensive. Depending on the kind of assisted living facility and type of services an older person chooses, the price costs can range from less than $25,000 a year to more than $50,000 a year. Because there can be extra fees for additional services, it is very important for older persons to find out what is included in the basic rate and how much other services will cost. Primarily, older persons or their families pay the cost of assisted living. Some health and long-term care insurance policies may cover some of the costs associated with assisted living. In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs. The federal program does not cover the costs of assisted living facilities or the care they provide. In some states, healthcare may pay for the service component of assisted living. Additional information on financing can be obtained from the resources listed below.