Finding housing for an aging parent can be a daunting task. It is easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the different types of housing options available.
Before beginning your search, it is important to determine your parent’s needs and whether services such as meals, housekeeping, personal services and transportation are necessary. Next, you need to determine how much your parent can afford each month and for how long. Your parent’s service needs and financial situation will help you hone down the housing options available.
Below is a brief synopsis of some of the more common types of senior housing options available:
Independent Living Communities: Independent Living Communities, often referred to as Retirement Communities, Congregate Living or Senior Apartments, cater to seniors who are very independent and who wish to participate in recreational, social and wellness activities with other seniors. Residents do not need a lot of help with activities for daily living (such as helping with getting dressed, bathing, transferring in and out of bed, and toileting). Residents often live in separate apartments. These communities are designed for active seniors who desire the security and convenience of community living but want to maintain their independence. Some communities offer organized social and recreational programs as part of everyday activities while others provide housing with only a minimal amount of amenities or services. Typical amenities include planned social activities, housekeeping and transportation. Other activities may include swimming pools, exercise facilities, clubhouse, laundry facilities, and meals or access to meals. Medical care is not provided, and if needed, residents will have to look outside the community.
Some Independent Living Communities have senior age-requirements (usually age 55 and older). Residents typically pay privately for independent living, the cost of which is generally dependent upon the local market. However, some senior apartments are subsidized and accept Section 8 vouchers. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover payment because health care is not provided.
Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted Living Facilities are designed for seniors who cannot live on their own safely but do not require the high level of care that a nursing home provides. These facilities aim to foster as much independence and freedom to the resident as possible in a private setting. Assisted Living Facilities are a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes. Most facilities offer 24-hour supervision and an array of support services. Licensed nursing services are often provided. Assistance with medications, activities of daily living and housekeeping are routinely provided. Meals are provided in a main dining room. Social activities, laundry, transportation and other amenities are also often included.
Although they offer limited nursing care, Assisted Living Facilities are not considered medical facilities. These facilities do not accept Medicare as payment. There is a program to cover the costs of Assisted Living Facilities for very low-income disabled seniors who cannot safely live alone but do not need the level of care offered in a nursing home. However, this program is not available in every facility.
Residential Care Homes: Residential Care Homes are also referred to as personal care homes, adult family homes, adult foster homes, or group homes. These are private residences for three to six adults with fairly minimal needs. Residential Care Homes are designed for seniors who do not want to live in a larger community setting but still require a level of assistance similar to that offered by an assisted living facility. These homes often specialize in particular resident needs such as diabetes care, memory care, residents with special diets, residents who speak a particular language, residents of a particular religion or cultural background, as well as other needs.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): A CCRC combines the services of an independent living retirement community with an assisted-living facility and a nursing home at a single location.
Most CCRCs require a one-time entrance fee, which may or may not be refundable. There are also monthly service fees. These fees vary widely among CCRCs. In exchange for these fees, the resident receives the immediate benefit of independent living services, including social activities, dining services, housekeeping and health care. This contractual agreement guarantees these services for a minimum of one year, but usually for the lifetime of the resident.
CCRCs also offer multiple levels of care, if the need should arise, for the rest of the resident’s life. This continuum of care guarantees residents a life-long place to live. He or she will not need to move to another community if Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing Care is needed at some point in the future. Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities make no such guarantees and may ask the resident to leave when they are unable to provide the care deemed appropriate for his or her medical condition.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care for seniors who required a high level of medical care and assistance. Many nursing homes provide short-term rehabilitative stays for those recovering from an injury, illness or surgery. Lo
ng-term care residents generally have a high care of needs and complex medical conditions that required 24 hour skilled nursing services. Nursing home residents receive in-house medical care, rehabilitation, physical, occupational, speech and other types of therapies. Personal care services are also provided along with social services, religious services and recreational activities. Some facilities cater to those with Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, dementia or other special health situations.
Payment options for nursing home care include private pay, Medicare (limited number of days), Medicaid and long term care insurance policies.
Home Care: Home care allows seniors to remain in their own homes while receiving the assistance they need to help them remain independent. There is a wide range of home care services depending on the needs of the senior. Professionals may visit the home on an agreed upon schedule or live in the home to assure that the senior is safe and his or her needs are met. Home care typically involves providing assistance with activities of daily living, paying bills, making appointments and simply being there to provide companionship and emotional support.
In making the choice for the appropriate housing for your parent, you should gather as much information about his or her needs, preferences and finances as possible. Many states have rating systems and licensure requirements for particular housing. You may also want to consider an assessment by a geriatric care manager. Geriatric care managers can provide an assessment of your parent’s service needs, help guide you through the different types of senior housing, and ensure that an informed and responsible decision has been made.
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