Queen Anne Retirement Community Happy Living by COGIR

Senior Living 101

...by Leslie Handler

As a boomer, I feel fortunate that both my parents are still living and, until recently, were completely independent. It was at this new crossroads from independence to dependence that I realized I had no degree in senior living arrangement choices and how they affect the pocket book. Please allow me to introduce you to the world of senior living.

‘Over 55’ communities: These are usually independent houses, townhomes or condos that are independently owned. They usually come with HOAs (Homeowner’s Association) fees which can cover anything from lawn maintenance, to club houses, pools, golf and more. Aside from the fact that they are limited to those people over the age of 55, they are no different from owning any other home or condo. Often their attraction is to downsize into a community where there are built-in activities, ways to meet other folks of common interests and have basic maintenance handled for you. Independent living communities: These are most often buildings of two stories or more, with one- or two-bedroom apartments with small efficiency kitchens. These are made for seniors who don’t want to deal with a whole house anymore. Some meals are included in most independent living facilities, giving you the option to cook or not cook as you desire.

The advantage of an independent living facility is that some meals may be included, often transportation to and from entertainment and shopping centers is provided, and in-house or off-premise activities are planned for socialization. Another advantage is that as you age and may require more and more assistance, some independent living facilities also house assisted living facilities, avoiding having to move elsewhere.

Assisted living communities: Assisted living is for people who do not require constant care but need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as help with eating, bathing, dressing and medication

management. The advantages are not only assistance with personal care but continued socialization. If you are moving into assisted living from the same independent living facility, you may continue to see your same friends and can continue to participate in outings and other activities arranged by the facility. Skilled nursing: Skilled nursing is a medical residential setting. People who live in these types of settings require more than just assistance with their ADLs—they require medical assistance such as feeding tubes or ventilators. The advantage of living in a skilled nursing setting is that it offers residents continued long-term medical care without family and friends needing to care for them at this high level of constant 24-hour care. Memory care: Memory care is a living situation in which doors and windows are locked and closely monitored for the safety of the residents. Residents who require this type of care have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memoryrelated problems.

Aging-in-place: Many seniors prefer to stay in their homes if at all possible. An aging-in-place option assists with this type of living. You may stay in your own home but need assistance with Activities of Daily Living. An aide will come anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours a day to assist with anything from ADLs to cooking, cleaning, running errands and medication management. The advantage is that you can continue to live at home in your own environment.

There are disadvantages to each of the above options as well. When a person becomes even slightly less independent, staying in their own home can increase risks of falling, seclusion, lack of nutrition, hygiene issues and more. Independent living communities force people to leave the home and community they’re familiar with and can be expensive and less private. Assisted living is shared with other residents; you may have to wait your turn for non-emergency assistance. Skilled nursing and memory care units are extremely expensive and much trust in the facility is needed to know that you or your loved ones are being properly cared for.

The Costs of Each Option Rentals: There is usually a month-to-month lease plus an initial security deposit or community fee. Some rental communities offer only independent living situations. Others may also include assisted living, while others may offer a full array of living situations including memory care units and skilled nursing. The advantage of renting is that you are not locked into longterm commitments. If your situation changes, you usually need to offer only 30 days’ notice, and then walk away. The disadvantage is that the rent can – and most likely will – go up by 2-5% per year. Ownership: This requires an actual purchase of the dwelling and usually also includes a monthly maintenance fee. The advantage is that there is equity in an apartment whose value, like any other owned home, may go up. Some owned communities include care at all levels in the purchase price. In other words, if you are independent when you move in, but after a few years require assisted living or even skilled nursing, the purchase price may include this service for no extra fee. But beware – not all ownership communities are like this. A decline in health may force a move out but still require mortgage payments and monthly fees until the unit is sold. Continuing care: This option offers a full continuum of care. There is usually a substantial entrance fee plus a monthly charge. Requirements vary from state to state: financial ability to pay for a specific time frame is required to be accepted into such a facility as well as medical criteria. However, you can move seamlessly from a low level of care to the highest level without ever needing to leave.

Would Medicare or Medicaid Help Pay for Any of These?

Medicare is a health insurance program that serves people over 65 and the disabled. Medicare will pay toward doctor and hospitalization charges, but it will not pay for any type of independent living arrangement. It will cover some healthcare expenses while in an assisted living facility, and it will usually pay for a short-term skilled

“You’re Moving?”

...by Marjorie Kruger Gordon

My Dear Friend, When I learned you will soon relocate to an assisted living residence, I recalled all the times I have transferred to a new state, far away from friends and family. Among the many challenges a move presents, meeting new neighbors is one of the most important. I learned some valuable lessons that have served me well. You may also find them helpful. Take the initiative. Don’t wait for neighbors to welcome you. I once asked a new acquaintance to help me. “I’m anxious to meet some of my new neighbors. If I plan a mid-morning ‘coffee-and-muffins’ at my place, would you invite three or four of your friends to join us?”

That worked out better than I expected. Six ladies came to visit. They welcomed me and included me in future dates when they planned to celebrate birthdays. These new friends added pleasure and comfort to this new season of my life.

Making new friends is not about telling them everything about you; it is mostly about discovering things about them. Where have they lived? What is their family like? Where have they been employed?

Expect your new neighbors to include seniors of all ages and abilities. Some may be experiencing depression or mild memory impairment, making it difficult to talk with them. Eager conversation will follow carefully selected questions:

• Do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?

• Do you have a favorite TV show?

• Do you like animals? What kind of pets have you had?

• Did you serve in the military? What branch?

• What is your favorite holiday? • Do you belong to a faith community?

• Do you remember your first car?

You can think of lots of other interesting subjects: Favorite food? Favorite music? Sports? Keep the nature of your conversations upbeat, not critical.

The art of communicating includes