8 minute read
Affordable/Subsidized Communities
Why Not Hospice?
People who’ve experienced hospice care most often have positive things to say, such as: “We couldn’t have done it without you.” Why then are people who could benefit from hospice often hesitant to access it?
In brief: It’s complicated. Surely it has to do with admitting that life is short, not in the metaphorical enjoy-every-moment sense, but in the short-term permanent way. That is a hard pill to swallow. And medical advances may leave the door open for the “what ifs.”
When considering hospice, it’s important to note three things:
1Treatment to cure a condition(s) typically stops, but quality medical care doesn’t.
2Patients and family receive ongoing practical, emotional and spiritual support.
3Some people graduate from hospice services.
There are countless individuals whose final weeks or months have been made better because of the total support of hospice. Others receiving hospice care have been known to see improvement in their overall condition, even outliving their prognosis.
Famed columnist Art Buchwald said of his own hospice graduation, “[Friends] can’t believe, after I said goodbye, I’m going to Martha’s Vineyard instead of Paradise.” He lived eleven months beyond his admission to hospice and accomplished a great many things, including promoting hospice care.
Why hospice?
Accessing hospice care means admitting that a person’s life span is relatively short. (Hospice criteria is a presumed six months or fewer.) Regardless of time, the specialized, compassionate care and support of the hospice team can make a tremendous difference for individuals at the end of life—and those who love them. So, the question becomes: Why not?
Those interested in learning more can talk with a medical provider or a hospice provider in their area. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. ~
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Agape Healthcare, Hospice & Palliative Care, which may be reached at 720-482-1988. See ad on Inside Front Cover.
ADDITIONAL HOSPICE CARE PROVIDERS
Abode Hospice of Colorado AccentCare Hospice AVIANT Hospice Berkley Home Health Care Brighton Hospice Bristol Hospice Brookdale Hospice Canyon Home Care & Hospice Compassionate Hospice Care, LLC Compassus Hospice Dignity Hospice of Colorado Encompass Health – Hospice Lumicare 720-353-4078 720-504-1309 303-953-7270 303-758-2000 720-536-5060 720-941-5580 303-771-3304 303-940-2495 303-465-3700 720-200-1036 720-222-3315 303-940-9999 720-750-8497
Mission Health Care Services 303-708-1122
Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice Namaste Home Health & Hospice New Century Hospice (Denver – Castle Rock) Optimal Home Care – Hospice Porter Hospice Porter Hospice Residence Sacred Passage Hospice SCL Lutheran Hospice Silver Linings Hospice St, Anthony Hospice Sun Tree Hospice Tru Community Care 303-674-6400 303-730-3578 303-660-6107 303-488-9999 303-561-5100 303-694-3545 303-357-2540 303-425-8000 720-502-4170 303-561-5100 720-336-8770 303-449-7740
Senior Housing Definitions
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES are traditionally geared towards the physically active senior, these communities can be apartment style, cottage/ patio home, or Condo/Townhome style living. There are often community gatherings and many offer enhanced amenities like concierge, golf courses and recreation centers. They usually do not offer meal or meal option community dining (but may have a restaurant on site). May be a buy-in or a rental property.
Senior Housing Definitions continued
AGE RESTRICTIONS – Some communities have a restriction on the youngest age they are allowed to accept. These restrictions vary by community.
ALZHEIMER’S / DEMENTIA
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY – Licensed assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility that specialize in delivering care to victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Communities are typically bedroom-style rental units with common areas for dining and activities. Many are locked for residents’ safety.
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY – Typically apartment-style with kitchenettes and private baths. Some offer companion accommodations. Personal assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating and ambulation.
DAY CARE – Any provider can elect to provide day/night services on a short or long term basis. Rates typically include a place to rest, one or two meals and snacks and activities for the day. Licensed communities are prohibited by law to promote these services without a specific license. INDEPENDENT HOUSING – Apartments and communities for adults 55+ with little or no senior support services (e.g. no meals, etc...)
INDEPENDENT LIVING is usually apartment style communities for adults 55+ with little or no senior support services. Many but not all are wheelchair accessible.
INTERMEDIATE CARE – 24 hour inpatient care residents who need licensed nursing supervision and supportive care, but do not require continuous nursing care. Residents may receive full assistance with ADL’s and transfers. Residents receive meds from a nurse following a doctor’s orders and may receive outpatient rehab services. Facilities may use a nurse as a their consultant and the residents receive periodic assessments from a licensed practitioner.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING &
URBAN DEVELOPMENT - (HUD) helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. LONG-TERM CARE – Chronic, custodial care provided on an on-going basis
MEDICAID WAIVER – An assisted living waiver may be used to transition individuals out of nursing facilities or to provide persons at risk of institutionalization with options for remaining in their communities. Assisted living waivers are designed to provide an alternative to more costly nursing home care.
SENIOR HOUSING DEFINITIONS
Senior Housing Definitions continued
PRICE DEPENDENT ON LEVELS
OF CARE – Flexible levels of service geared to accommodate different needs over time. Rates may vary depending on the changing levels of care while one maintains the same physical residence. PUBLIC HOUSING (PH) – Affordable apartments for low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
REHABILITATION AND THERAPY
Short-term rehabilitation services may be provided to individuals with diagnoses such as joint replacements, stroke, etc. Long-term rehab may also be provided for permanent residents of the facility who have chronic or progressive illnesses. Occupational therapy services in this setting are generally reimbursed by Medicare Part A for short-term, acute care clients; Medicare Part B for long-term residents who require skilled services and have medically necessary need for rehab; and often by private insurance, Medicaid, or private pay for younger clients.
RESIDENTIAL HOME – Assisted living homes are private residential homes that typically have a small number of residents who live together and receive care from livein caretakers. Adult family homes offer room and board for seniors who want a more private, home-like community. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing are provided. They are also referred to as personal board and care homes.
RESPITE CARE / SHORT-TERM
STAY – Otherwise known as a short-term stay. Any provider of IL, AL, ALZ or SNF care can elect to provide fully furnished accommodations to a person for a short period of time. Rates usually quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclusive of all services and amenities.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY – Housing designed specifically for mature adults. Typically Studio, 1 BR or 2 BR rental apartments with full kitchens, and private baths are available. Services include meal plans, transportation, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. Amenities are usually abundant; formal libraries, computer stations, swimming pools, gardens, and other social gathering spaces.
SECURED UNIT – Dedicated to Alzheimer’s/Dementia residents to prevent wandering outside the community without supervision.
SHORT-TERM CARE – Acute care provided on a short term basis.
SKILLED CARE – 24 hour licensed nursing services, eight hours of which are RN covered. Patient may receive rehab services either
HOUSING AUTHORITIES – SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
Residents in an independent living situation live in their own apartments with little or no support from the housing facility. Services provided by the housing facility vary. Costs are determined by the owner. Subsidized Housing provides low-cost housing to qualified residents who pay 30% of their adjusted gross income for rent. Each facility maintains their own waiting list. For updated information on availability of rentals and locations of facilities call any of the following numbers:
Arapahoe Cnty Housing Authority
Arvada Housing Authority
8001 Ralston Rd, Arvada 80002 720-898-7494
Aurora Housing Authority
2280 Xanadu Way, Aurora 80014 720-251-2100
Brighton Housing Authority
22 S 4th Ave #202, Brighton 80601 303-655-2160
Broomfield Housing Authority
1 Descombes Dr, 80020 303-438-6396
Catholic Archdiocese Housing
6240 Smith Rd, Denver 80211 303-830-0215
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority (CHFA)
1981 Blake St, Denver 80202 303-297-2432
Commerce City Housing Authority
7887 E 60th Ave, Commerce City 80022 303-289-3698
Denver Housing Authority
1035 Osago St, Denver 80203 720-932-3000
Englewood Housing Authority
3460 S Sherman #101, Englewood 80113 303-761-6200
Jefferson Cnty Housing Authority
7490 W 45th Ave, Wheat Ridge 80033 303-422-8600
Metro West Housing Solutions – Lakewood
575 Union Blvd #100, Lakewood 80228 303-987-7580
South Metro Housing Options
5745 S Bannock St, Littleton 80120 303-794-9608
Unison Housing Partners
Senior Housing Definitions continued
inpatient or outpatient and may be fully dependent for ADL’s. Patients receive medications by an RN according to a licensed physicians orders. SKILLED NURSING FACILITY – Facilities provide 24/7 care for residents and offer full assistance with ADL’s. Daily rates typically
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PETS FITNESS CENTER COVERED PARKING SCHEDULED TRANSPORTATION ACTIVITIES HOUSEKEEPING CONTROLLED ACCESS MEALS / MEAL OPTIONS 2-BEDROOM 1-BEDROOM STUDIO
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AFFORDABLE / SUBSIDIZED HOUSING COMMUNITIES
PARTNERS OF THE SENIORS BLUE BOOK – AFFORDABLE / SUBSIDIZED HOUSING COMMUNITIES AURORA
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$25 HUD IB Sub
303-344-3277 59 149 COMMERCE CITY
Aspen Place – VOA
15351 E 12th Ave, Aurora 80011
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303-289-2626 50 HUD,Sec 8
5 DENVER
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$589 IR TC 303-534-0249 55 149
Madonna Plaza
6275 Kearney St, Commerce City 80022 Casa de Rosal – VOA
735 Vrain St, Denver 80204
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303-837-1424 154 Sec 8
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