In today’s world we have information available at our fingertips. About 79 percent of those 45 and over go to the Internet when contemplating options for their aging parents or loved ones. In doing so, they find themselves with an overwhelming sense of “information overload”. Often uncertain of what the different levels of care are as well as how to differentiate between such options. Let’s address some of the viable options:
- Adult day service: Adult daycare offers a safe environment for adults, during daytime hours, to participate in a variety of planned programs including social activities, meals, and daily drop off and pick up. Private pay and Medicaid options available.
- Home care agencies: In-home caregivers provide companionship and socialization, nutritional services, light duty housekeeping, and transportation for errands. Private pay and some elderly waiver (Medicaid) options available. Private pay and some elderly waiver (Medicaid) options available.
- Senior apartments: Designed for those who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle in addition to social and recreational activities. Often in these communities people are still working and are truly looking to simplify life by downsizing and eliminating home maintenance. Rental communities serving 55+ and sometimes 62 +. Private pay and subsidized options.
- Independent living: Ideal for individuals who do not require personal or medical care, but choose not to live alone or at home. Typically equipped with standard safety features to make it easier for residents to get around. It is a wonderful place for seniors to be with others that share similar interests. Many recreational activities are planned by the community, including day field trips, shopping excursions and on-premise projects. Most properties offer optional meal plans for residents and the majority of apartments are equipped with a kitchen so the resident can prepare their own meals. Transportation and weekly housekeeping are typically included. Transportation and weekly housekeeping typically included. 55+ or 62+, month-to-month rental, Private pay.
- Assisted living: 24 hour assistance with activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, transportation, weekly housekeeping and laundry service, enrichment activities, and meals. Some assisted living facilities have health services on site. An activity coordinator arranges both on and off premise activities for residents. Costs typically include three meals per day, all utilities, transportation, weekly housekeeping, and linen service. 55+, Private Pay, Long Term Care Insurance (LTC), Veterans’ Benefits (VA), and some elderly waiver (Medicaid) options.
- Memory care assisted living: Similar to assisted living, these communities offer specialized care to residents who suffer from memory impairing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia in a secure environment with modified building features. 55+, Private Pay, Long Term Care Insurance (LTC), Veterans’ Benefits (VA), and some elderly waiver (Medicaid) options.
- Nursing home: Offer 24-hour care for those who can no longer live independently. Equipped with medical professionals and supplies to offer specialized care for those with severe illnesses or injuries. Trained staff members assist residents with personal and daily activities such as getting out of bed, bathing, eating, using the bathroom and regulating medications. These facilities offer daily meal plans, laundry, housekeeping, medical services, and a wide array of planned recreational activities. Private Pay, Long Term Care Insurance (LTC), Veterans’ Benefits (VA), and some elderly waiver (Medicaid) options.
Families should be able to understand the options presented to them, options that have the senior’s health, safety, and general well being in mind. There is help available through many local agencies that truly understand the resources available for any given situation.
LivWell Seniors serves as a local agency providing community-based resources that are 100 percent FREE to seniors and their families as they are funded by the senior care providers that utilize their service and network of connections. For further information, contact us at 563-265-1577 or visit our website at www.livwellseniors.com.
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