Senior Living Options
So, you or your loved one has been told its time to seek a supervised level of care. Now you begin the task of finding the appropriate setting, but where do you start? Although Physician’s, Nurses, Discharge Planners, and other experts may give you suggestions and recommendations you may be surprised to find that such information is generalized at best. The real question to ask is: What’s best for YOU (or your loved one)? Not everyone fits into a perfect cookie cutter case of senior living. Let’s look at some options available to you. You’ll notice not surprisingly that pricing is reflected in the type of housing you choose.
Residential Care Homes
Residential Care Homes
PROS
- Accommodates specific needs
- Caters to special meal request
- Provides individualized focused care in a family-style environment
- Less expensive than plush Assisted Living facilities
- Better staffing ratios than Assisted Living
- Provides natural, home cooked meals
CONS
- Staff may not be as experienced as Assisted Living staff
- Potential language barrier contributing to communication hinderance
- Less activities
Price Range: $2,000 to $5,000 per month or more depending on care needs
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
PROS
- Exceptional amenities
- Well-organized activities for socialization
- Good tasting food
- Typically reside in good, safe locations
- Usually has specially trained staff
- Awake night staff
- Large, spacious private rooms
CONS
- Expensive
- May intimidate some who aren’t used to socialization
- Organized schedules which may not sit well with some
- 1:12 staffing ratio or more is typical
- May be too large and generally overwhelming for some individuals
Price Range: $4,000 to $8,000 per month or more depending on care needs
Skilled Nursing
Skilled Nursing
PROS
- Provides the necessary care of rehab and clinical services for those who truly need it
- 24/7 nursing and caregiver coverage
- More management oversight and required staff training, leading to more highly trained employees
CONS
- Lacks a home style environment
- Often louder than Assisted Living and board and care homes due to the nature of the care needs and variety of residents served
- Food quality may be average
- Smell may be an issue at times due to higher acuity care
- Less private rooms and more shared rooms
- Very expensive if paying privately
Price Range: private pay typically starts at over $7,500 per month
Independent Living
Independent Living
PROS
- Generally cheaper than other senior living options
- Accentuates an independent feel while still providing a safe level of supervision
CONS
- Most restrictive in terms of care delivery options
- Additional needed care would incur extra charges from outside entities
Price Range: $1500 to $3,000 or more depending on size of unit and amenities available
In the past, if an individual was extremely immobile, wheelchair or bed bound, required incontinence and skin care, and had dementia he or she would be placed in a skilled nursing facility. Sadly, many feel this is still true today, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Today’s board and care homes and Assisted Living facilities are equipped to care for individuals requiring limited assistance to total assistance. Waivers and exceptions may be required from State agencies, yet it’s important to know that such facilities are recognized today as a good and safe alternative to skilled nursing while providing for an exceptional quality of life for their residents. Staff is far better trained today than in the past thanks to regulation requirements, and we find a genuine level of compassion among staff when we visit assisted living and board and care homes.
So, don’t count out the alternative when searching for Senior housing. Our team of senior living consultants is here to help you along in your journey. Contact us anytime regarding your options.