Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in Articles | 0 comments

Guide for Senior Living Options

As you are beginning to research Senior Living Options for yourself or a loved one you are probably beginning to notice that there are many choices available. This can make your search very time consuming and unless you are familiar with the various Senior Living Options it could take you weeks or months to make an educated decision that you will be happy with in the long run. In order to assist you in narrowing down the options, please refer to the categories below to gain an understanding of what options might be a good fit. If you prefer to speak with someone rather than read, it might benefit you to call a Senior Living Advisor at Senior One Source to learn more about the options and which communities within various categories are more preferable for your situation. There is also a reference chartat the bottom of this article detailing types of care & costs.

Independent Senior Living Communities:

Independent Senior Living Communities provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, emergency response systems and social activities. They have community areas for dining, activities and exercise. Living options can range between Apartment Homes to Cottage or Villa Homes with full kitchens. Sizes range from Studios to 3 Bedrooms.

Some Independent Senior Living Communities now offer on-site home care services for residents needing minimal assistance with medication set-up or reminders, bathing assistance and dressing assistance. Utilizing Home Care for services beyond these minimal assistance needs can be more costly than moving to Assisted Living.

Cost:

$900-$4000 per month

Assisted Living:

Assisted Living Communities provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, emergency response systems, social activities and on-site 24/7 care staff to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Activities of Daily Living are Bathing, Toileting, Dressing, Medication Management and Transferring. Apartments range from Studio to 2 Bedroom sizes and typically have a kitchenette (Microwave, Refrigerator, sink & cabinets.

Cost:

$2500-$6000 per month

Memory Care:

Memory Care or Alzheimer’s Care Communities specialize in caring for those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. They provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, emergency response systems, social activities and on-site 24/7 care staff to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Activities of Daily Living are Bathing, Toileting, Dressing, Medication Management and Transferring. A large portion of residents in these communities receive reminders and cueing in the early to mid-stages of the disease process and need more assistance with ADL’s as their Alzheimer’s or Dementia progresses. Activities are focused more on stimulating cognition. For those with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia an Assisted Living Community may be able to provide most care needs of the resident as long as there is no wandering, exit seeking, behaviors or too much confusion.

Cost:

$3000-$7000 per month

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation:

Skilled Nursing Facilities provide 24/7 skilled nursing care for those with higher care needs or in need of short term stay rehabilitation stays. Higher care needs that may not be appropriate for lower level care options might include transferring using Hoyer Lift, assistance with eating, wound care, IV Treatment/Therapy and 2 Person Transfer. Rehabilitation stays might include therapy following knee or hip surgery, stroke and heart attack.

Cost:

$4000-$8000 per month

Adult Family Homes:

Adult Family Homes provide assisted living care in a smaller home-like setting. There are typically 5-11 residents in these homes with 1-2 caregivers on-staff assisting residents with Activities of Daily Living as well as providing meals & housekeeping. Some homes also provide transportation and minimal social activities. Services can vary from home to home. This type of care setting can work well for those that are not interested in socialization or the amenities and services offered in Assisted Living Communities.

Cost:

$2000-$3500 per month

Respite Care:

Respite Care provides short term stays for those needing a transition from hospital or rehabilitation to back home, give caregivers a break and offer a trial stay for those uncertain about making the move to an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community.

Cost:

$90-$175 per day

Home Care:

Home Care provides assistance for those wanting to remain in their home. Such assistance can range from meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, companionship and Activities of Daily Living. One can sign up for a few hours per week to 24 hours per day. There are numerous Home Care companies to choose from. While many of them provide background & criminal checks on their staff this doesn’t mean one shouldn’t be careful to keep financial information and other important belongings in a secure place that cannot be accessed by unfamiliar people in your home.

Cost:

$15 per hour to $10,000+ per month (24/7 Home Care)

 

Type of Care & Cost Independent Living Adult Family Home Home Care Assisted Living Memory Care Skilled Care
Cost $900-$4000 $2000-$3500 $15/hr-$10,000+/month $2500-$6000 $3000-$7000 $4000-$8000
Meals Per Day 1-3 3 0-3 3 3 3
Transportation Varies Varies Available Yes Yes Yes
Housekeeping Varies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Activities Yes Some No Yes Yes Yes
Emergency Call System Varies No No Yes Yes Yes
Type of Living Private Apartments – Cottages Private to Shared Bedroom Home Apartments Private-Shared Private- Shared
Private Bathroom Yes Shared Yes Yes Private-Shared Private-Shared
Personal Care Varies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Incontinence Care No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Medication Management Varies Yes Varies Yes Yes Yes
Personal Laundry Varies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
On Site Nurses No No No Yes Yes Yes
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