2 minute read
Senior Living 101
by Expert Contributor Lindsey Poeth, CSA ®, Owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Mainline
Navigating the waters of senior living can be overwhelming and confusing. Because of the wide variety of senior housing options, it’s helpful to learn about the differences before you start looking. Here’s a primer to get you started.
Independent Living Community (IL)
A multi-unit community usually available as a rental. Most ILs offer social and recreational opportunities including 1–2 meals a day, housekeeping, transportation and home health care services, some or all of which may be at an additional cost.
Personal Care or Assisted Living Community (PC/AL)
They provide a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care to meet the needs of those who do not require full-time skilled nursing but do need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). PCs and ALs offer apartments that vary in size, and also social and recreational opportunities, three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.
Memory Care (MC)
MC offers specialized programs for residents who suffer from cognitive decline. Programs and activities are planned with dementia care in mind. Overall room sizes are smaller because these residents don’t spend much time in their individual rooms. For residents’ safety, all MC facilities are secured with fences and alarms.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) for Residential Long-Term Care/Nursing Home
Medicare generally does not cover long-term stays in a nursing home. Most people who enter nursing homes begin by paying for their care out-of-pocket. As you use your resources (like bank accounts and stocks) over a period of time, you may eventually become eligible for Medicaid.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
A community that offers residences with several levels of assistance, including IL, PC/AL, skilled nursing, and home care all within one campus. CCRCs typically require a large buy-in or entrance fee as part of the long-term contract between the resident and the community.
Personal Care Home
A licensed residence that provides a watchful environment and personal services to seniors who require varying degrees of supervision and protective care. These homes are smaller, with 2-8 residents, and usually offer a shared or private bedroom and shared bathrooms. Residents typically gather at a dining-room table, to eat home-cooked meals in a homey atmosphere. Personal Care Homes are especially good for individuals who need a lot of care and who have difficulty socializing in large groups.
Remember...
No family has to go through a senior living transition alone. Senior Living industry experts can help guide you in the direction that’s best for you or your loved one; take you on tours of communities; answer your questions; and be your advocate. Senior Living Advisors provide a free service, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Expert Contributor Lindsey Poeth, CSA ®, Owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Mainline
We Offer a Free, Personalized Senior Housing Placement Service for:
• Retirement Communities • Independent Living • Assisted Living / Personal Care • Memory Care • Respite Services • Residential Care Homes • Hospice Care • Skilled Nursing Homes
484-947-4266
www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline
LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com
