Frequently Asked Questions about Care Options
What are assisted living retirement communities?
There are many types of housing options available to seniors.
One of the more popular forms of housing are assisted living retirement
communities. They offer a combination of housing and personalized
services designed to meet the specific needs of residents while
allowing them to maintain their independence. Residents choose
from a variety of services as needed to help with the activities
of daily living.
Who lives in assisted living retirement communities?
Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated
20,000 assisted living residences across the country. Assisted
living is based on a social, not medical model. Residents are
generally seniors who no longer wish to care for a private home
and are looking for companionship, social activities and security.
What type of amenities do assisted living retirement communities offer to residents?
Assisted living communities are designed
to help senior residents remain independent and active. They offer
private apartments and the chance for residents to participate
in a wide range of social activities. They also provide transportation
to shopping, doctor appointments and social outings. Residents
enjoy meals in the restaurant style dining room. Residents also
have peace of mind knowing that communities offer 24-hour staffing.
Where should I look for an assisted living retirement community?
Location is the one of the most crucial factors to consider
when choosing a retirement community. Many seniors like to stay
in their former neighborhood to be close to friends and remain
in familiar surroundings. Others find it is better to move close
to their adult children. This makes it easier to spend more time
with family members and limits travel.
What types of services are offered in assisted living retirement communities?
Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually include:
- • Up to three meals a day served restaurant style in a common dining area
- • Housekeeping services
- • Transportation
- • Assistance available for those who need help with the tasks of daily living such as bathing and dressing
- • Access to health and medical services
- • 24-hour security and staff availability
- • Emergency call systems for each resident
- • Wellness and exercise programs
- • Medication management
- • Personal laundry services
- • Social and recreational activities
What are the costs associated with assisted living retirement communities?
The cost of living in an assisted living
community will vary with each community and will depend on the
apartment type and size as well as the types of services needed
by each resident. Living in an assisted living community usually
costs less than home health services and nursing home care. For
residents who need services, a basic assisted living fee may cover
all services or there may be additional charges for special services.
Most assisted living residences charge month-to-month rates and
residents and their families generally pay from their own financial
resources.
How are assisted living retirement communities different from other options in senior housing?
There are a number of living options available to seniors including:
Assisted Living Retirement Communities
Assisted living communities generally provide
amenities in a congregate living situation where residents have
individual apartments, cottages or villas. Typical amenities include
meals (one, two or three) served in a main dining room, with restaurant
style service, scheduled housekeeping and linen service, an emergency
call system, transportation to scheduled appointments and to outside
service providers like banks and retail store. An activities program
designed to meet the needs of the specific local culture and values
of its residents.
Alzheimer's Facilities
These facilities operate in a number of ways and the extent of the care they can provide
depends on the state they operate in and the type of license they
possess. Most offer care to persons diagnosed with different types
of dementia in addition to Alzheimer's disease. Most offer a secured
environment, which means that the resident's access to full exits
(usually off of the property) would be limited or restricted.
Many offer the resident access to courtyards and pathways that
have a secured perimeter allowing the individual to go
outdoors and not be totally confined.
Depending on the type of license the community possesses they
may care for early and middle stage Alzheimer's residents or
they may be able to care for those at the late stage of dementia
as well. Generally, these communities offer a specialized program
geared to the specific needs of the memory impaired individual.
This usually includes an activities program designed for the
different stages of dementia in addition to the assistance with
activities of daily living and medications.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities provide care regulated under Federal
and state laws for individuals who have physical, emotional
or psychological problems and cannot take care of personal needs
and/or need medical or nursing services. This care can be provided
short term for individuals needing skilled nursing care and
therapies following a hospitalization (under Medicare for limited
time) or long term for those with custodial and medical needs.
Skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes provide 24-hour
care by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse
assistants.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer several housing options and
a wide range of services. Housing options generally include
apartments, cottages or villas. These communities offer a continuum
of care which includes independent living, assisted living and
skilled nursing. An initial entrance fee is required and a monthly
rate is stipulated depending on the layout and size
of the unit and the types of services contracted for. The resident
of the CCRC agrees to a lifetime plan to meet their changing
care needs.
