Defining Senior Living Options

have a loved one that you fear is not safe living alone?

By Stacy Gunnerson, CSA and Owner of Grannie on the Move

Have you wondered what options are available to seniors once it is determined they should no longer be living in their own home? In this article we hope to give you a better understanding of the senior living options available and who is responsible for paying for this as the their care needs increase.

Independent Living Communities (IL) are for seniors who do not need any assistance with caring for themselves, but are seeking a simpler way of life. IL housing typically involves an apartment-style building or a gated community with freestanding patio homes. In most cases, these facilities offer light housekeeping, a meal plan, social activities, and transportation options.

If seniors living in Independent Living find themselves in need of care, there is an option to bring in a non-medical homecare agency to assist with bathing, dressing, etc. This is a good option if only a few hours a day are necessary to provide the care needed. If more than a few hours per day are needed, then it is much more cost effective to move to assisted living. This option is paid for privately. Cost varies widely depending on the amenities.

Assisted Living Communities (AL or ALF) are for seniors who need assistance with caring for themselves. This is offered either in an apartment-style setting or in a residential homelike setting where you would live with 4 or more people needing care and 24 hour awake staff. Assisted living facilities are licensed and monitored by state governing agencies and offer meals and housekeeping as a standard. This option is designed for people who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as medication management, bathing, dressing, mobility, and transportation. The staff caring for the residents in an ALF are unlicensed except for one licensed nurse who provides oversight for the care staff and medication management program. This nurse is typically available in the building 40 hours per week and is on call all hours outside of that.

This option is paid for privately, with long-term care insurance, or state funded Medicaid programs. Cost in the Treasure Valley generally ranges from $3,500-$6,500 per month depending on room choice and level of care needed.

Memory Care Communities are under the same licensing rules as assisted living, but these facilities specialize in caring for those with various forms of dementia. These buildings are secured, meaning there is a magnetic lock on the doors and outer perimeter with a code so the residents cannot get out without supervision. The staff that work in these buildings all provide the same services as in an ALF, but they are specially trained to deal with the behavioral needs of someone with memory loss.

This option is paid for privately, with long-term care insurance, or state funded Medicaid programs. Cost in the Treasure Valley generally ranges from $4,500-$7,500 per month depending on room choice and level of care needed.

Certified Family Homes (CFH) provide a safe, family-style living environment for adults who need assistance with their cares, but do not require assistance from 24-hour awake staffing or wouldn’t benefit from the social activities . A CFH is certified by the state of Idaho to care for 4 or less patients in their home with their own families. These are not as regulated as the other care options listed here but can be a nice alternative to a more institutional setting for the right individual. This option is paid for privately or state funded Medicaid programs. Cost in the Treasure Valley generally ranges from $3,500-$7,500 depending on room choice and level of care needed.

Skilled

Nursing Facilities (SNF) care for patients

who need 24 hour medical care from skilled and/or licensed professionals. A SNF is licensed and monitored by both state and federal governing authorities. They provide short-term rehabilitation and various medical and nursing procedures. This option is typically used for those who have been hospitalized for three or more days and need 3 weeks or less of skilled nursing care. This can include physical, occupational, speech therapy, etc. so the resident can regain strength and either return home or to an assisted living facility. This option is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, and private Health Insurance.

Long-term

Care (LTC) otherwise

known as a Nursing Home, is care facility that cares for people who are no longer showing signs of improvement from the therapies in the skilled care facility but are still in need of a high level of care. Often, a skilled nursing facility and a long-term care facility are located together in one building with one wing providing skilled care and another providing long- term care.

This option is paid for privately, with long-term care insurance, or state funded Medicaid programs. Cost in the Treasure Valley generally ranges from $9,500-$12,500 depending on room choice and level of care needed.

We hope we have been able to answer some of your questions with this short article. If you would like for us to help you find the right community for you or your loved one please call us today at 208-820-4200 to schedule your FREE consultation. www.grannieonthemove.com