Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or a Nursing Home?
Welcome to Part II of my Senior Series: Planning for the future!
I hope this Senior Series helps you learn something new and plan for the future! If you have questions about how to start planning for your future living arrangements and how to transition into that new phase, please reach out to me. I’d love to help! In Part II of this series, we will be talking about the different types of living: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Nursing Homes. There are many differences between assisted living care and nursing homes. Overall, the main difference is that nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting, while assisted living primarily provides personal care in a home-like, social setting.
Assisted Daily Living
To kick things off, let’s start with explaining assisted living. Assisted Daily Living, also known as ADL, is a type of residential care for older adults who need help with normal daily activities. Assisted living homes offer housing, meal services, and help with daily living such as bathing, toileting, and walking. These typically average around $4,000 or more per month. Each community includes different things inside their monthly costs, so be sure to ask questions about what each specific facility includes in their rate.
Assisted living residents are generally active seniors who remain relatively independent apart from certain specific daily tasks. While they may have some health problems, seniors in assisted living don’t require 24-hour medical care and supervision. They may be interested in a maintenance-free lifestyle in a community that offers a variety of social activities and opportunities to stay engaged with friends and peers. One of the biggest differences is that seniors in assisted living don’t require skilled nursing services like those in nursing homes.
Memory Care
Next up, memory care. Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Today, many assisted living communities offer memory care in addition to assisted living, typically in a separate wing or building of the same facility. The key difference between these two options is that memory care is specialized for those with dementia, while assisted living is not. Dedicated memory care communities only accept residents with memory impairment. Every aspect of a memory care community, from activities to the facility layout, is intentionally designed to benefit those with cognitive conditions.
These communities offer a similar level of personal care assistance as found in assisted living, but with enhanced safety measures to meet the needs of those with memory impairment. Additionally, memory care staff are specially trained to work with people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and sometimes hold higher credentials like nursing certifications. This specialized training is intended to keep residents both safe and happy and provides them with the highest possible quality of life. In some areas, neighborhood businesses near the facilities are dementia/memory friendly. They display a certain sticker in their window that shows they understand how to serve a person with dementia and memory loss. This is wonderful for when someone with a memory impairment might need a little extra time to look at a menu, repeat things, or have someone talk to them with more patience and understanding.
Nursing Homes
Now, let’s talk more about nursing homes and their level of care. Nursing home services focus on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available. Finding the right nursing home takes time. It is important to begin the search for a suitable nursing home well in advance of seeking admission to the facility. There are often long waiting periods for available accommodations. Planning ahead also can make the transition of moving into a nursing home much easier.
Independent Living
What is Independent Living? Independent living is a type of community for seniors that might be new to the area, widowed, or who want to live closer to family, but also desire a community. Most of these facilities have housekeepers, servers at mealtime, and maintenance crews to help you as needed around your home. These communities also provide activities, three meals a day, and lots of fun interaction if you choose to participate. Many seniors at the independent living centers are still driving and going out into the community but have support and a home to come to every night. These Independent homes do not provide any healthcare, but you are able to receive services from a home healthcare provider to help you continue enjoying an independent community.
As you explore these different ways of living, keep in mind that there is financial assistance for many of these options including: Medicaid, VA Benefits, Life Insurance. Medicare does not usually cover long term stays in a facility, but you should look into it and see if it is an option for you or your family members. I highly encourage you to look into all your financial options as you continue down this path.
The bottom line is, you should have a plan in place for yourself and for your loved ones. You want to make sure you are covered and prepared. Be proactive instead of reactive.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this blog. Watch the video version of this blog on my YouTube Channel and don’t forget to like and subscribe to follow along in this series. I hope you have a beautiful week and as always, remember, you belong here!
Kim Reding, Magnolia Realty – North DFW
940.300.5847
kimreding.com
kimreding@magnoliarealty.com