Showing posts with label assisted living residences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label assisted living residences. Show all posts

Friday, October 8, 2021

Assisted Living - Pros and Cons of Assisted Retirement Communities

As we age, many of us are discovering that it is harder to continue to live on our own, as much as we might love our current home and neighborhood.  Eventually, it can become a challenge to take care of a house and yard, while also doing all our own cooking and personal care.  However, most of us do not want to move to a skilled nursing home, and probably do not need that level of service.  

Some people eventually move into the home of an adult child, or have one of their children come live with them.  Of course, this is not a good option for most people and, in fact, many retirees do not even have an adult child who would be capable of caring for them. 

Other people may try to postpone assisted living, by adding a variety of medical safety devices (Ad) to their current home, and sometimes that is an adequate solution, especially if they are able to have a caregiver come to their own home for a few hours a day to help them with medications, bathing, and meal preparation.  However, depending on your personal needs, this may not provide all the assistance you need.  In addition, if you develop a progressive disease, such as Parkinson's, which could eventually make it extremely difficult for you to live in your current home, you may want to arrange for a better housing solution long before it becomes medically necessary. 

What should we do?  This month we have a guest post from Jennifer Bell, who explains the pros and cons of moving into an Assisted Living retirement community.  Her information will help you decide if this is the right option for you.  

Advice for Seniors About Living In an Assisted Living Community

Nearly everyone wishes to live in their current home for as long as possible. However, as you age, it may become too challenging to stay in your current home alone, since you eventually may no longer have the ability or energy to care for yourself and your home. 

In many cases, assisted living may become the best option. Let’s discuss what retirees should know about assisted living care:

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Care

Many people often confuse assisted living communities with nursing home care. Although both services focus on keeping seniors healthy and safe, assisted living offers more space and privacy, and a more comprehensive living arrangement, for people who do not need 24-hour skilled nursing care. 

Assisted living is an option for seniors who may have difficulty performing some basic life skills for themselves, such as hygiene or grooming, and who also want to be part of a long-term social setting. In this case, an assisted living facility may be the best housing option. 

On the other hand, nursing home care primarily focuses on seniors who need regular medical assistance, thus they provide around-the-clock care by professional healthcare experts. If a senior requires constant medical attention, nursing home care may be a more practical option for them than a hospital. In addition, nursing home care may either be long-term or short-term, depending on the type of injury or illness. 

Opting For an Assisted Living Community

1.   Have a Family Meeting About the Choices Available

Many decisions are involved in choosing to live in an assisted living community. These choices mainly include assessing your needs vs. the services offered, and then evaluating the costs involved. Therefore, it is essential to involve your loved ones, particularly your adult children or spouse, when making the decision. They can offer their perspective on the types of help and services you need, and you can all make a group decision that is best for everyone.  Many couples move into assisted living together, especially if one of them is in declining health. 

2.   Take a Tour of The Community

Virtually all assisted living facilities are willing to provide a tour for interested residents. You should visit the communities you have identified as possibilities and talk to the current residents.  This will help you deal with any doubts you may have about the community. 

This is also an opportunity to learn the community rules and decide if you can conform to them. Remember, the end goal is to enjoy your stay in the community, while getting the care you need. So, please don’t force yourself into any situation you are not comfortable with.  For example, some assisted living communities include bars and happy hours, while others are alcohol free.  Some communities welcome pets, but others do not. The same is true for other preferences, such as smoking. 

In addition, various communities may offer different types of social activities, classes, exercise options, parties, entertainment and other ways for you to meet other people and stay engaged. It is important to know how you would fit into each community. 

3.   Give Yourself Time

Moving into a new environment is never easy, especially if you have left a home you loved. Even after doing everything necessary to settle into the best assisted living community for you, detaching fully from your prior home may not be easy. Staying in touch with close friends and family may help you overcome any concerns you have about leaving your old friends behind. Gradually you will make new friends in your assisted living community. 

4.   Participate in Community Events Before Moving In

One way to know if a community suits your needs and interests, and help you overcome your fears, is by participating in some of their events in advance. Finding a community which allows prospective residents to participate in their events will give you a better picture of what your life will be like, once you decide to move there. 

5.   Identify a Moving Company

Most communities are able to assist with finding moving services for their new residents. However, if you choose a community that does not provide this help for its residents, you can make the arrangements yourself. Countless professional moving companies will help you move seamlessly, and ensure that your things are well taken care of throughout the moving process. They can even help you pack and unpack.

Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Assisted Living

Advantages

1.   Daily Living Support

As mentioned earlier, many seniors who move into assisted living need help to do basic things to make their lives easier. Some seniors move to an assisted living community even when they can still handle their daily activities independently. However, if they eventually reach a point where they need a little help with some of their daily activities, immediate assistance can be arranged for them. More help will be provided as it becomes necessary.

2.   Enhanced Social Support

Most seniors have a lot of free time on their hands after retirement. Therefore, it is easy for boredom and depression to creep in, especially if they spend too much time alone. Living in an assisted living community can help them make new friends and participate in different activities, which will keep their minds active and make them happier. 

3.   Enhanced Safety

In an assisted living community, many safety measures are already taken care of, even with regard to housing design, such as non-slip surfaces, grab bars in bathrooms, and handicapped accessible floorplans. Also, in case of an emergency, it is easy for caregivers to respond swiftly. Residents also benefit from the transportation services provided in the community, so they no longer need to drive their own cars in order to go shopping, or to doctors' appointments.. 

4.   Enhanced Healthy Lifestyle

Every person has unique physical needs. However, living in an assisted living community gives you more opportunities to participate in physical activities and eat the nutritious foods necessary to keep you healthy and strong. Seniors who struggle with cooking and feeding themselves can benefit significantly from this, since the staff will provide their meals.  

5.   Enhanced Medical Attention

As a resident of one of these communities, you will have access to assistance with your medical needs, including attention from specialized medically certified caregivers who can ensure that you follow your doctor's instructions, such as taking your medications on time.  The caregivers are also more likely to notice any changes to your health and address changing medical issues as early as possible. 

Disadvantages

1.   Cost

The cost of living in an assisted living facility may be expensive compared to living in your own home in a traditional community.  All the personal care you receive can be expensive.  However, these communities may also be less expensive than living in a private home with around-the-clock private caregivers.  You and your family will need to decide which is the more affordable option for you.

2.   Difficulty Adapting to The New Environment

Do you remember when your parents moved you to a new neighborhood during your childhood, or when you moved to a new school? Making new friends and adapting to a new environment took time. The same feelings may be experienced when seniors move into an assisted living community.  It will take time to adjust, and you have to be prepared for that.

3.   Breach of Privacy

It can be hard to secure your private space when living in an assisted living retirement community. You have no choice but to welcome caregivers into your home to check on you or handle the daily chores they are expected to perform.  However, you will have more privacy in an assisted living apartment than in a skilled nursing home or a hospital.

4.   Insufficient Medical Care

Many assisted living facilities only offer basic medical care, compared to what someone might receive in a skilled nursing home. Therefore, if you or your loved one needs critical medical attention, an assisted living facility may not be the best place for them. 

For most seniors, the advantages of being in an assisted living facility outweigh the disadvantages. It is a worthy investment to ensure that your loved ones are well cared for, if you or your family can afford it. It will give families peace-of-mind to know that their loved one is well taken care of, especially when they cannot be there to personally check on them all of the time  

Author: Jennifer Bell
About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. 


You can find gifts for retirees and others at my Etsy Store, DeborahDianGifts:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeborahDianGifts


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Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Retirement Housing for Aging Alone - Are You Prepared for the Future?

Millions of Americans are aging alone, often because they are divorced or widowed.  Others may never have married.  Large numbers of them may not have children, or their children may have their own physical, mental or addiction problems which make them unlikely to be of much help.  Although most of us believe we will be able to take care of ourselves for the rest of our lives, this is not always realistic.  What happens if you are diagnosed with a serious illness or dementia?  Everyone needs to understand their options for aging alone, so they are prepared when the time comes and they need extra help.

Reach Out to Others for Help

The first thing you need to realize is that few people really need to be totally alone, unless they are unwilling to reach out for help.  Organizations such as your church or place of worship, the local senior center, and Meals on Wheels have resources to help you, whether you need permanent or temporary assistance, such as after a surgery. 

If you wish to remain in your own home as long as possible, contact the organizations mentioned above, as well as your nearest state Social Services department, and follow their suggestions.  You may qualify for financial assistance, discounts on your utilities, special telephones for the hearing impaired, free or discounted transportation, Meals on Wheels delivered to your home, and handicapped accessible equipment to make it easier for you to live alone.  For many people, these services make it possible for them to remain in their own home much longer than would otherwise have been possible.

It is likely that there are also businesses in your community which will make it easier to stay in your own home as you age.  Find out if you can get your groceries delivered, your cleaning picked-up, and a maid service to clean for you.  Does your local transportation authority have buses or ride share services which will take you to shopping centers or doctors' appointments?  Are you taking advantage of online banking?  All of these conveniences make it easier to live alone, even when you have trouble getting around on your own.

In addition, set up your own circle of friends and relatives who may be in the same situation.  Create a phone circle so you regularly make phone calls and receive calls from others.  In this way, you can help check on them and they can check on you.  This can bring peace of mind in the event you fall or are injured, knowing someone will check on you and, if you do not respond, they will call a neighbor, relative or the police to do a wellness check.

A friend of mine has a 90 year-old neighbor whom she worries about.  Together they came up with a plan that the 90 year-old would open the blinds in her kitchen window by 10:00 every morning.  When my friend sees the blinds have been opened, she knows her neighbor is OK.  A simple plan such as this one can make it easier to live alone, while knowing that your neighbors are looking out for you.

You can also use technology, such as a Great Call device or similar wearable alarm system, so you can easily reach someone in an emergency.  You simply need to push a call button and the agent who answers can call a neighbor, friend, police or ambulance service for you, depending on the situation. You can even do something as simple as taking the time to make sure you always carry your cell phone around in your pocket.

Finally, pull together a few social circles.  These can be people who get together on a regular basis such as book clubs, quilting clubs, lunch pals, or dinner groups.  Join a bridge group or take a class at a senior center or community college.  Send cards or emails to friends and relatives so you stay in touch.  All these social contacts can enrich your life and help you feel less alone, which is important for both your mental and physical health.

Housing for Those Needing More Care

Once you have exhausted all the programs which have enabled you to live on your own, what should you do when you eventually need more care than is possible for you to get in your own home?  This is when you or a person you trust should plan ahead for the best type of housing for you.  You need to consider the types of care you may need, the activities which interest you, the amount of socialization you think you would enjoy, and how close you want to be to your current community support such as your church, old friends and relatives.

You can start by using a reputable agency to hire a personal caregiver.  This may help you stay in your own home even longer.  However, it is important that a friend or relative checks on the caregiver regularly, to make sure they are giving you appropriate care and not taking advantage of you.

You may also consider moving into an over-55 community where you can live in a separate home of your own and participate in community activities, but have an added layer of security as well as the company of neighbors who are also aging in their own homes. 

Several of my friends have moved into a wide variety of special senior living facilities and wondered why they waited so long.  Modern assisted living communities have parties, cocktail hours, special events, classes, trips, pools, art studios, gyms and more, while providing meals, housekeeping and other types of care.  Once they have gotten settled, most of my friends have loved their new homes!

Personally, I am currently living in an over-55 independent living active adult community.  I have plans to move in the next couple of years into senior apartments which include dinner, lunch and housekeeping, but no nursing care.  In the event this is not enough care, I also have long-term care insurance so I can move into assisted living or a memory care facility when I get really old!  However, I'm not in a hurry for that to happen and, perhaps, it never will. 

There are a number of senior housing choices available:

Independent Living Apartments:  These are ideal for people who want the security and simplicity of living in a senior community, but do not need any assistance with daily living needs.  In some of these communities, you prepare your own meals and do your own grocery shopping.  In others, your meals are provided.  Some locations have a hybrid system in which dinner and, perhaps, lunch are provided, but you are on your own for breakfast.  You should check out a variety of communities until you find one which seems right for you.  If you are financially limited, many cities provide senior apartments which can be rented on a sliding scale, depending on your income.  You may need to go on a waiting list, so sign up as soon as you begin to think this is something you would like to do. 

Assisted Living Residences:  These are ideal for people who do not need medical care but who might need assistance with the normal activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, dressing, using the bathroom, walking or transitioning back and forth from a bed to wheelchair.  They usually provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, medication management, and fun, interesting activities.  The cost can range from about $4,000 to $10,000 a month, depending on the amount of help you need, the size of your room or apartment, and the area where you live.  Long-term care insurance may help with the expense.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities or a CCRC:  These are sometimes called life care communities and it is something you may want to investigate years before you expect to need one.  In this way, you will have a say in where you may end up living.  A CCRC is composed of senior apartments and cottages which have a tiered approach.  You start out living in an independent living unit.  Then, as the need arises, you may be moved to a skilled nursing or memory care facility in the same community, so you can get the assistance you need while still maintaining your connections.  Most of these communities require that you are able to function on your own in an independent living unit when you first move in, so it is important you plan ahead.

A few CCRCs are rentals and some allow you to use your long-term care policy to cover the cost, which can vary depending on the amount of care you will need.

However, most CCRCs require you to buy into the community and they will not accept a long-term care policy.  The "buy-in" can range from $100,000 to $1 million, with the money often coming from the sale of your home.  In addition, the monthly fees can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person.  There are different types of contracts available including unlimited life care, modified life care with limits, and fee for service, with the responsibility for expensive long-term care lying with the resident, not the facility.  Before you choose a CCRC, you will want to visit all the ones in the area where you plan to live and compare whether they are rentals or the type where you pay an entrance fee, the monthly cost, potential extra fees, as well as what type of contract you will have.  It can be complicated to compare them, so you want to investigate your choices thoroughly while you are still in good health and of sound mind.  The benefit of a CCRC is that you can settle comfortably into one and, if you have planned well, you will never have to move again.  They will take care of you for the remainder of your life.  This brings a great deal of peace-of-mind to many people.

Board and Care Homes:  If you are looking for a comfortable, homey setting which is less expensive than most assisted living residences and CCRCs, then you may want to investigate your choices in board and care homes.  They are private homes which have been converted to small senior living facilities with professional staff.  They do not feel as institutional as other facilities and they can feel safer and more supportive than trying to remain alone in your own home.  You will be living with a small group of other people and have a staff to make your life more comfortable. 

Nursing Homes:  Also known as skilled nursing facilities, they will care for you and provide around-the-clock medical care.  Some of them are also rehabilitation facilities and you may stay in one temporarily while you recuperate from surgery, such as a hip replacement.  They have a higher level of care than an assisted living facility or a Board and Care home.  If you pay for a nursing home out-of-pocket, it can average $82,000 a year or more to stay in a semi-private room, according to a 2016 National Nursing Home Survey.  However, your costs may be covered by a long-term care policy or, in some cases, Medicaid.  You should investigate your financial options as soon as you move into one, before any Medicare or health insurance benefits expire.

Plan Ahead for Late In Life Care

If you expect to age alone, it is smart to start early to investigate your various options for receiving appropriate medical care should you have surgery or become seriously ill.  If you are fortunate, you may discover you never need to use the most expensive, comprehensive care, such as a nursing home.  However, if you do have a need for this advanced care, even temporarily, it is smart to know your options and consider how you will pay for it.  Put your choices in writing and give the information to one or two trusted family members or friends, so you are sure your wishes will be honored, should you not be able to speak for yourself.

Whether you age in your own home or move into some type of senior housing, you should make sure you have a will and trust, your finances are in order, and everything is as organized as possible.  Make certain you have a trustee who can handle everything for you, should you become unable to handle things yourself.

While you are at it, you may also want to consider discussing your healthcare wishes with your doctor and putting them in writing, too.  A Living Will or Healthcare Directive is another way to make sure your wishes will be honored during the last few years of your life.

In you are interested in learning more about aging, common medical problems, where to retire, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

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