Finding the Right Type of Senior Housing for a Loved One

Content from http://www.theseniorlist.com/senior-housing/

Finding the right type of senior housing for a loved one can be overwhelming and frustrating.  Depending on your loved one’s location, the options can be numerous or very limited.  The first step is understanding what types of options may be available and understanding what those options can provide.  Click on the link for each care type to get a more in-depth explanation of what each option provides.

Senior Housing

In Home Care– In Home Care or Private Caregiving is a widely used option to help keep people in their own homes or with family when care needs arise.

Home-Health Care– Home Health Care refers to the skilled side of home services provided by Medicare.  Home Health includes services like Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-language pathology (therapy) Services, Medical Social Work, wound care, IV or nutrition therapy, and Injections that can all be provided in the home with orders from a physician.

Adult Day Centers– Adult Day Centers (also known as; Adult Day Services, Adult Day Care, and Adult Day Care Centers) can be a welcome respite for families and spouses caring for a loved one.  These facilities may provide meals, activities, transportation, and hands-on care for those needing assistance with activities of daily living.

Retirement Living– Independent or Retirement Living Communities are most appropriate for those who can manage their health care needs on their own or with assistance from family or private caregivers in an apartment type setting. Independent Living does not offer health care services or assistance, but may offer a monthly meal plan, housekeeping, social activities, and transportation.

Assisted Living– Assisted Living Communities (ALF) provide a structured setting for people with a variety of care needs in an apartment type setting.  The needs of people who live in an Assisted Living Community range from independent to needing assistance with all Activities of Daily Living(ADL’s).

Adult Care Homes– Adult Care Homes (ACH) (also known as Adult Foster Care, or Adult Family Homes) are located in residential areas throughout many metro cities in the United States.  You may not even recognize an Adult Care Home in your neighborhood, unless there is signage for advertising.

Dementia Care– Dementia Care, Memory Care, and Alzheimer’s Care communities  are licensed and designed specifically for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. These secure, specialized units offer services and structure specially designed to accommodate those with various dementia diagnosis.

Nursing Homes– Traditional Nursing Homes are much different today than the dreaded institution of long ago.  Even the term “nursing home” is being phased out as these facilities are being defined by one of two categories; Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF).  Many of these facilities offer both levels of care under the same roof.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities– Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also known as CCRC’s, offer a continuum of care within one community or campus.  CCRC’s offer the security of an “until end of life” guarantee of housing, activities, and increase in levels of care as needs change for members.  CCRC’s contain Independent Living options (apartments, or single level homes), Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facility services.  Some also offer Memory or Dementia Care units.  CCRC’s also come with a price.