|
|
Stevan Shipp, CSA 866-860-5971
A Place for Mom, Eldercare Advisor
Housing Choices By State
Types of Senior Housing Facilities
and Services
ADULT DAY CARE -A wonderful and cost effective alternative
to live-in care. Adult daycare offers a safe
environment for adults during daytime hours
to participate in a variety of planned programs
including social activities, nutritional,
nursing and rehabilitation services.
INDEPENDENT LIVING- Ideal for individuals who do not require
personal or medical care, but choose not
to live alone or at home. Most facilities
are equipped with standard safety features
to make it easier for residents to get around.
It is a wonderful place for seniors to be
with others that share similar interests.
Many recreational activities are planned
by the community, including day field trips,
shopping excursions and on-premise projects.
Most facilities offer optional meal plans
for residents and the majority of apartments
are equipped with a kitchen so the resident
can prepare their own meals.
Referred to as Senior Apartments, Retirement
Communities, Congregate Living
While there may be wellness programs,
there
are NO care options available
at these communities.
ASSISTED LIVING-An excellent choice for people who choose
not to live on their own, but do not necessarily
require 24-hour care. Assisted living facilities
offer a homelike atmosphere with trained
professionals who are available to help residents
with their daily routines. An activity coordinator
arranges both on and off premise activities
for residents.
Referred to as: Residential Care, Personal
Care, Adult Congregate.
NURSING HOMES-Offer 24-hour a day care for thouse who can
no longer live independently. Nursing homes
are equipped with medical professionals and
supplies to offer specialized care for thouse
with severe illnesses or injuries. Trained
staff members assist residents with personal
and daily activities such as getting out
of bed, bathing, eating, using the bathroom
and regulating medications. Nursing home
facilities offer daily meal plans, laundry,
housekeeping, medical services and a wide
array of planned recreational activities.
Referred to as: Nursing Facilities
Available services offered through
Nursing
home care (obtained from BBB)
Medical: Many nursing facilities require residents
to be treated by their own private physicians.
However, every community should have a doctor
available on a 24-hour emergency basis. If
a community does have a staff doctor, ask
how often he or she visits and/or monitors
residents. Verify this information with other
residents. With access to a resident's medical
records, a community doctor may devise a
treatment plan for the resident. The community
should uphold a legally competent resident's
right to have the final say in any matter
affecting his or her health.
houspitalization: Every community
must have
an arrangement and procedure
with a nearby
houspital to handle patients who
become seriously
ill. Find out how the community
handles such
emergencies, including transportation,
paramedic
first aid, etc.
Nursing Services: There should be a registered nurse (RN) directing
nursing services. RNs are assisted by licensed
practical or vocational nurses (LP/VN) who
have at least one year of specialized training.
Nurse aids and assistants, who work most
closely with residents' bathing, eating,
dressing, etc., are supervised by licensed
nurses.
Physical Therapy: If a resident needs assistance in regaining
lost abilities such as walking, talking,
or dressing, make certain that the community
is adequately staffed with qualified physical
therapists.
Grooming: Ask how often residents have access to barbers,
beauticians, and other grooming services,
including hair washing, manicures, etc.
Activities: Discover what types
of activities
are available for residents,
including games,
movies, crafts, classes, field
trips, etc.
Social Services: A social worker on community staff or as
a consultant can help with the adjustment
process and provide community and financial
resource information.
Religious Services: Residents
should have
the opportunity to attend religious
services
and visit with clergy of their
respective
faiths.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES -Retirement communities comprise an entire
campus of living choices from private homes
and independent living to assisted living
and even skilled nursing facilities. The
residents can age in a place without having
to relocate. They provide a type of housing
no matter what your medical needs.
Financial Commitment
To live at a CCRC, you may or
may not have
to pay an entrance fee or "buy
in".
Be sure to ask whether the fee
is refundable
or if it can be put in escrow
for future
health care. Additionally, there
will be
monthly payments that cover rent,
meals,
services, amenities and/or medical
care.
Requirements
Many times the community will
have requirements
to live there. They may be based
on age,
income, health status and/or
financial assets.
The types of residences that
you may find
at a CCRC are:
Patio Homes
Apartments
Studios
Suites
Nursing Facility
ALZHEIMER'S CARE
Facilities offering specialized
care to residents
who suffer from memory impairing
diseases
such as Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Most nursing
homes and assisted living facilities
offer
these designated programs.
Active Adult Communities
The terms "Active Adult"
or "Senior"
refer to rental communities where
you must
be 55 years or older and sometimes
62 years
or older to live. These options
are designed
specifically for "age qualified"
adults who desire the maintenance-free
lifestyle.
They offer an independent lifestyle
in addition
to social and recreational activities
with
older adults.
|
---
Disclaimers-Legal-Fair Housing-Other