We live in exciting times. Life expectancy is increasing with each generation. A baby boomer’s retirement might last 20 or 23 years more than our parents’ retirement years did.
Today, scientific discoveries are advancing cures and treatments for many conditions and diseases. It’s comforting to know that your options for housing and care are keeping pace with this change.
Are you a senior or do you have someone in your world who has had a sudden change in health and needs a higher level of care? Or is everything just fine and are you beginning to gather some preliminary information for the “what if factor?” There are many choices to make … do you know your options?
Many people – especially seniors, make it clear to family and friends that they want to stay in their comfort zone, right where they currently reside. Did your loved one make you promise that you would not put them in a nursing home? Often a catastrophic event takes place like a fall – the most common or a stroke, heart attack or other issues that surface, and everything in their world, and yours, changes. There are old stereotypes that need updating, because now, there is a wide range of senior living and care options. Here are some different choices to consider.
1. Staying at home. Many folks downsize from the original family home or think they want to stay in their home. Numerous companies have sprouted up that supply the necessary assistance to help folks live in their own homes longer. Handymen and gardeners help with inside/outside maintenance. Specialists in home modifications provide safety and accessibility when people become less mobile. Agencies provide services like chores and other non-medical services. Home health agencies bring medical care and health monitoring into the home. Geriatric care management may be beneficial if an elder or their family members are unable to coordinate services. Placement services help families find options, based on their particular needs and location. Adult day services and senior centers provide supervised activities outside the home and offer services that may include social interaction, nutritional support, health monitoring, and provide safety and security for the senior and their family. Some assisted living and dementia care communities also offer respite programs for day stays to give a caregiver a break to do chores, errands or just a day off.
2. Retirement or independent living. Many communities offer arrangements that allow a senior to live on their own within the framework of a senior community. The actual housing ranges from an apartment, condo, cottage, town home, or mobile home within a larger community and may offer support services. Services may include meals, transportation services, activities and housekeeping, either as part of their rental fee or ala carte or concierge service options. Some retirement communities also offer assisted living care accommodating future care needs.
3. Assisted living. These communities are licensed in Washington state as a boarding home and vary on the particular services they are licensed to provide and the number of residents they have. Each community must provide a disclosure of services statement that details their licensed services. The advantage of an assisted living community is that the staff – which may include caregivers, medical technicians, LPNs and RNs – is trained to provide specialized care services. Most communities are staffed 24/7 with care staff to assist residents with “activities of daily living,” sometimes referred to as ADLs, and might include medication management, reminders, bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and getting to meals and activities as needed. Assisted living communities usually provide restaurant-style dining, and many other amenities. Some even have a beauty salon/barber shop on site. Other services may include transportation to and from medical appointments and a variety of social activities for the senior to enjoy their lifestyle and be successful. When considering a move into an assisted living community, a nurse at the community performs an assessment on the prospective resident to make sure that they can provide the services that are needed.
4. Assisted living with respite care. Some assisted living communities also provide a respite stay option. An apartment is provided with care services as well, so a loved one can stay at the assisted living community short term, billed daily and have the assistance they need to give their caregiver or family member a break. An assessment is required with physicians orders to determine the care plan and care charges.
5. Assisted living with hospice care. Hospice is provided to support someone who is terminally ill and who needs support services at the end of their life. An apartment is provided and the family members can also stay with their loved one during this time. An assessment is required with Physicians Orders to determine the care plan and care charges. The Hospice Nurse will also be involved in developing their care plan and will monitor the resident to support the changes in care needs and help the family during this time.
6. Memory care assisted living. Some communities specialize in memory care for individuals who have Alzheimer’s or other dementia. These communities provide an alternative to nursing home care for those with cognitive impairment. They offer additional programs, building layout, security and social activities to support these resident’s needs.
7. Skilled nursing facilities, transitional care units or rehabilitation facilities (commonly known as a nursing home). Was a hospital visit part of the decision you are now making? Then, the hospital discharge planner will give you some options to choose from, based on your needs and insurance coverage. These communities offer the highest level of services in the care spectrum. Skilled nurses provide health care to physically or cognitively impaired individuals. Care may be on a long-term or short-term basis. Transitional Care Units and Rehabilitation are usually part of the services provided at the SNF, with the goal to return to their former residence, whether their home or other residence. The professional support team may include nurses, doctors, and physical, occupational, or speech therapist. There are many rules involved regarding the payment of services for this type of care. Be sure you know the rules and what insurance coverage you have and when the funding starts and stops. Often the discharge planners at the skilled nursing community will encourage residents to stay at the SNF when the insurance (Medicare or private health insurance) is no longer funding their care and they have reverted to “private pay.” Often an assisted living community could handle their care needs at a more affordable rate. If services are still needed in an assisted living or personal residence, therapy services can be provided to the resident by an outside agency.
8. Adult family home. The owner of an adult family home chooses what level of care they provide. They are licensed by the state and are able to provide care for up to six residents. The resident lives in a home setting, and the care staff often owns and lives in the home as well. Many specialize in certain types of care, such as skilled nursing, mental health, dementia, or developmental disabilities. Some are private pay and some take subsidized funding.
9. Continuing care retirement community (CCRC). This type of community offers all levels of care from independent living to skilled nursing within one building or one campus. As a person’s need change, there is no need to move. In our area, CCRC’s mirror the choices, from large buildings in the heart of a downtown area to suburban campuses.
There are many choices available and understanding the differences help families make good choices. Many make alternative living decisions only when faced with a crisis. Take time to explore your options ahead of time – talk to your children or your parents about preferences. Then visit, tour, ask questions. We love helping seniors become successful in their next living choice. Bring them for a visit so they can experience the lifestyle, enjoy a free restaurant-style meal and see how they can be successful as their care needs increase.
As our population ages, there are many options available to seniors that support the lifestyle that fits their needs. I love to help seniors look at options to find the right choice to fit their current and changing needs.
Linda Morris is the marketing director at Auburn Meadows. Reach her at 253-333-0171.
