Senior Connections - Senior Living Made Simple

Senior Living Made Simple

Today, there are many options to be considered when seeking retirement living.  Trying to navigate the information highway can be very challenging if you are not prepared.  This blog will assist you and your loved one(s) as you contemplate the choices available.

It’s always good to begin your research and planning early so that when the time comes, there is far less stress when trying to make a quick decision.  With our aging population living longer, many seniors choose to remain in their homes longer as well.  Often they reside there until there they experience some form of health crisis such as a stroke, heart attack, experience a broken hip or other injury to the body, fail to maintain a healthy home environment or even begin showing signs of early- to mid-dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

So, let’s begin with the basics.  When considering a retirement community, it
is important to know the different levels available to you. 

Independent Living
(IL):  Residing in a community such as this is not so different from your loved one living in their own home.  So, why then should they move at all?  As we age we tend to become less social and not because it is something we desire. We lose our ability to walk great distances, our sight fails and driving becomes an issue.  Additionally, family members work during the day making it difficult to drive those they love to activities, the doctor and even the local grocery store or pharmacy. 

Your loved one may also need some light assistance with their ADLs, better known as Actively Daily Living Skills.  These would include medication assistance, bathing or dressing assistance, light housekeeping, meals, transportation to
appointments or shopping and most importantly, someone who is residing on-site
24/7 to see to their basic needs or to respond in case of an emergency.

There are several qualified communities around that provide such services.  Independent Living Communities feature apartment or condominium living for senior who do not require specialized care, although Home Care is available.  Most offer weekly housekeeping, three chef-prepared meals a day, local transportation and regularly scheduled social activities. 

This kind of community is usually available for an all-inclusive, monthly rental fee ranging from about $3,000 for a studio to $4,200 for a two bedroom unit.  Most units in this style of living do not come with full stoves or refrigerators but do have a “just the right size” kitchenette.  All come with a/c and laundry facilities. 

Some Independent Living communities offer cottages with all appliances and garages.  This means full kitchens, 1 or 2 bed rooms/2 bath and even a washer/dryer. Depending upon the community, rates could range from $3,500 on up. These communities are usually based on a month-to-month agreement with a 30-day notice being needed to move out.

Assisted Living (AL):  AL communities provide 24-hour care based on
individual needs, including daily activities such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, meals and medication.  These apartment units are generally single unit dwellings although is some cases, they can be shared.  Rates vary depending
upon the amount of care provided.

Continuing Care
Retirement Community (CCRC):  CCRCs offer multiple levels of care in one location, ranging from Independent Living to Assisted Living and Nursing Home services. Admittance into advanced care programs may be restricted to residents
from within the CCRC Independent Living component.  CCRC’s often require a buy-in fee and a long-term contract.

Alzheimer’s/Memory
Care:  These  communities offer specialized care and programs for individuals suffering from dementia or other memory loss.  They provide a safe and physically secured environment and may operate as a stand-alone community or part of an Assisted Living community.

Respite Care:  Respite is a short-term stay within an Assisted Living community or Nursing Home (now referred to as a rehabilitation center) that allows primary care givers (family, friends or hired staff) a break or gives the resident a trail stay to get acquainted with the service provider.  Most Independent and Assisted
Living communities offer 2-3 night “staycations” as well for the same purpose.

Nursing Home:  This kind of facility provides 24-hour skilled care for seniors on a long-term basis. Care may also be provided for seniors who require short-term nursing care or rehabilitation service.

Hospice:  Hospice care is designed for terminally ill individuals in the final phase of their illness.  Care may be provided in a range of settings including private home, hospice facility or nursing home.

Adult Family Home
(AFH):  These kinds of care facilities are in a home licensed to provide 24-hour care and are in a more family environment.  These homes provide service to 4-5 adults (sometimes gender specific) and provide shared or private rooms.  They have skills care givers and have residents ranging in various ages and care needs.  For aging couples who cannot care one for the other, this environment is often one of the best.

Home Care:  This form of care is becoming increasingly more popular as it relates to the length of time seniors choose to remain in their home.  This level of care allows senior to receive in-home assistance based on frequency and level of needs, and may include ADLS.  Home Care is available for private home and Independent Living but may be restricted in facilities providing higher levels of care.

I’m including a list of communities below that should you be considering the local demographic, you may wish to contact and schedule a tour. 

IL /AL Communtiies:

– Sumner                       Merrill Gardens - Puyallup

– Bonney Lake                    Willow Gardens – South Hill Puyallup

Silver Creek – South Hill Puyallup           Emeritus Courtyard – South Hill Puyallup

Rehabs/Skill Care

Franklin House – Sumner                        Life Care Center – Puyallup

Lyden Grove – Puyallup                          Rainier Vista – Puyallup

Recency – Puyallup

Memory Care

Clare Bridge - South Hill Puyallup           Pioneer Place - Puyallup/Tacoma

For Adult Family Homes – you can contact the State of Washington for
locations, cost and availability.

Next week, I will share with you negotiating skills to help you select the best community, obtain the best deal possible, and share with you some programs available to assist with the cost. There are times when seniors and their families feel forced into making those quick decisions.  I’d like to provide you with the tools to ensure the choice you make is not one you are tricked into making.