Senior Housing

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.

 

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.

Also known as: Senior Apartments, Retirement Communities, Congregate Living

While there may be wellness programs, there are NO care options available at these communities.

 

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.

Also known as: Residential Care, Personal Care, Adult Congregate.

 

Offer 24-hour a day care for those who can no longer live independently. Nursing homes are equipped with medical professionals and supplies to offer specialized care for those 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.

Also know as: Nursing Facilities

Available services offered through Nursing home care

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.

Hospitalization: Every community must have an arrangement and procedure with a nearby hospital 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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.