Types of Senior Care

Growing old in our society is not an easy thing to talk about, let alone think about. Fortunately, there are many choices today about lifestyle and care that can add quality to life like never before. With basic awareness and planning it is very possible for seniors to live the kind of lives they want to live. The time is now to think about and plan for those years to come. When help is needed, most family members and seniors don't know where to begin. Learning about your options before a crisis occurs will enable you to make better decisions.

Independent Living

Independent Living communities are for seniors who want to enjoy the benefits of an active, independent lifestyle. Sometimes called retirement communities, these places provide the best of both worlds: private living along with community services and activities. Independent living attracts people who are looking to trade the responsibility of home maintenance, in exchange for a range of social, educational and leisure activities. Communities are often designed as private campuses. Many feature pools, spas, exercise centers and social halls. Meal plans and organized activities are also common. Some communities offer varying forms of health care; but often, residents are accountable for their own well being.

Independent Living communities usually offer living spaces in a range of sizes and configurations: separate cottages, townhouses or apartments are very common. Typically, a residence has one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, one or two bathrooms and some storage. In general, these communities are designed around activities. Pools, bike and walking paths and exercise facilities are popular. Other services, like a spa, beauty shop, library, chapel and activity rooms are also very common. Residents place a lot of emphasis on food selection and service. Community dining areas or restaurants are available. Residents also cook and dine in their own homes as they choose. To meet life's changing needs, some communities offer a variety of care options on site ranging from assisted living to nursing care.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is probably the most broadly defined form of senior living available today. With changes in medical and health technology and evolving attitudes about aging, assisted living solutions become more popular every year. The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) defines an assisted living residence as a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of those seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, eating and monitoring medications.

Assisted living is generally for those seniors who can no longer manage on their own but whom do not need the intensive, 24-hour complex medical services of traditional long-term care. The average assisted living resident requires assistance with at least two ADLs. Assisted living provides a balance of residential living, health and recreational services, and assistance in day-to-day living activities. In reality, it offers residents many of the same benefits as independent living, while providing basic help in areas that may have become personally challenging.

Short-Term Respite Care

Temporary assistance to allow caregivers a much-needed family vacation, or out-of-town business trip that may not have been feasible. Respite care is typically designed for stays of a week to several months. Respite care programs are often available at senior living communities. "Visiting" seniors are welcomed into the community and included in all activities.

Home Health Care

Service providers come to your home to allow your family to maintain the comfort and securities of the home while providing the loved one the care they need. Caregiver services are flexible and include: medication compliance and documentation; hospital discharge assistance; comprehensive personal care such as bathing, dressing and grooming; quality of life care services that range from homemaking and companionship to meal preparation and medication reminders; transportation services to ensure convenient and safe transportation to and from doctor appointments, hospitals and for everyday errands.

Hospice Care

Hospice care involves symptom management, emotional and spiritual support. Care is tailored to the resident's needs and wishes, while providing support for family members and loved ones in the process. Outside hospice care services provide resident and family member education and counseling; on-site professional care teams; medical supplies, equipment, medication and therapies; bereavement counseling; and support groups.

HUD Senior Housing

HUD-Housing and Urban Development. A Federal program that provides afforadable independent housing for the elderly and disabled. Most individuals that qualify for HUD must pay approximately 30% of their monthly income to rent. HUD takes care of the remaining 70%. Eligibility requirements may include income, assets, and age.

Lifecare Community

Retirement communities offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Nursing Care on a single or adjacent campus. In addition to monthly fees, these communities often require a significant entrance fee. Lifecare typically involves insurance contracts and is therefore regulated by the State Insurance Deparment.

Skilled Nursing Care

Nursing care residences are designed for people who need medical/rehabilitative and restorative care. Residents live in single or shared rooms, but they share community rooms for planned daily activities, socials and dining. Meals are prepared based on individual dietary needs. The type and amount of care a person receives is dependent on what is needed to maintain his or her 'normal' lifestyle. Basic Care for activities of daily living (eating, bathing and grooming, toilet help, dressing, transport, etc.) in which a resident may require help or supervision. Nursing care and related services for those who need medical or nursing care or rehabilitative services for the rehabilitation of injured, disabled or sick persons. Sub-acute care is intensive, on-going care for an illness, physical condition or impairment. It is administered by a professional and requires frequent assessments.