Independent Living
Independent living is for seniors who can live on their own in an apartment or house but want the conveniences of living within a community that provides services and amenities such as dining, transportation, housekeeping, social activities, security, or the option of assistance with daily tasks or medical care if they need it later. In addition to the above, independent living communities tend to focus on health and wellness strategies to help residents stay active and independent longer.
It’s important to know that there are typically no medical care options. These communities simplify your life, as many day-to-day chores are handled for you. You do not have to be able to live independently to live in an independent living community. However, any assistance you may need beyond what is provided for all residents will be your responsibility; it will not be provided by the community or included in your rent.
Accommodations in independent living can be a studio, a single bedroom, or a two-or-three-bedroom apartment. It also can be a cottage-style residence, smaller than a house, usually on a single level and often with an attached garage.
How much does independent living cost?
Cost ranges from $1,400 to $6,600 a month. Costs vary widely by community based on location, size of the apartment or cottage, and the amenities offered. Independent Living facilities accept private pay only.
What does the monthly fee cover?
Each retirement community will vary, but the monthly rent typically includes the following:
- Housekeeping services. Laundry services and towels and linens.
- Transportation for shopping and community-planned outings, and medical appointments.
- Monthly rent, classified as an all-inclusive fee that includes utilities but often excludes phone and expanded cable TV.
- 1-3 meals a day in a community dining environment.
- Maintenance-free living, an emergency call system and safety features.
- Social, educational and recreational activities.
Is there anything not included?
- Medical or nursing care, personal assistance with daily living activities.
- Home services can be arranged and brought in by you if you pay the provider directly.
- Concierge services or guest services.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a great option for individuals who have difficulty with daily activities at home. Residents at assisted living communities are free to live an independent lifestyle, but also receive regular support for a range of daily activities ranging from cleaning to meal preparation.
Housekeeping and maintenance services are often included in the monthly rental of an apartment, along with laundry services, utilities, transportation and meals. In addition to enjoying the peace of mind that comes from this maintenance-free lifestyle, residents can take advantage of a full calendar of events, activities, out-trips, and countless opportunities for social engagement. Additional care services, such as medication management or assistance taking a shower, are also readily available.
Living spaces can be individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters. The facilities generally provide a home-like setting and are physically designed to promote the resident’s independence. Services are offered to assist residents with activities of daily living. The services offered by assisted living communities vary from facility to facility.
What services are offered through Assisted Living?
Services often include:
- One to three meals a day
- Medication management including Monitoring and administration
- Personal care, including dressing and bathing
- Housekeeping and laundry
- 24-hour emergency care
- Some medical services
- Social and recreational activities
- Transportation to shopping: groceries, the mall, etc.
- Transportation to doctor appointments
Are there different types of Assisted Living Communities?
Yes!
ALL AL’s are called Assisted Living but they are very different from each other. It all depends on the type of licensing they have, which allows or DOES NOT allow them to provide certain services. Example: stand-by assist, one person helping with transfers, two people helping with transfers or using mechanical devices for transfers (Hoyer Lift), regular or sliding scale insulin administration for diabetics, etc. If your loved one is a resident in an assisted living facility and requires a higher level of care, including the things mentioned above if the facility is not licensed accordingly, the resident and their family will receive a 30-day notice to move out. Our role in helping the families during the initial search process is to ask ALL the right questions and think ahead of possible care needs. We always want to make sure we help the families choose the best and most appropriate care facility.
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care “Memory Care”
Memory care is a type of long-term care geared toward those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive-degenerative dementia. People who require a higher level of support than what is offered in assisted living, or who have advanced dementia that makes it unsafe to remain at home, may find that memory care is their best long-term care option.
Memory care facilities offer a safe, structured environment that’s specially designed to protect residents against wandering and self-harm. Memory care residents are generally free of any major health concerns aside from Alzheimer’s or dementia, but they can no longer safely live in their own homes.
Although many can care for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia at home, it may come to a point in the disease process that makes home care unmanageable. With the variety of home health services that are available, this may be delayed, but in some instances, placement is warranted. Memory care environments are designed for those that need help with ADLs but who still want a level of independence. They provide a safe and secure place with professional staff that is trained to care for those with memory loss.
What is the difference between Memory Care and other communities?
The primary difference is a Memory Care community is specifically designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. They feature safe and secure environments where staff can closely monitor the health of the residents.
You'll also find programs, activities, and events that are designed to help memory care residents work on their cognitive abilities, while also getting to enjoy passions and hobbies. Staff typically are specially trained to provide the quality care needed for seniors with memory loss.
What services are offered through Memory Care?
Services often include:
- Exterior doors are secured 24 hours a day with keypad entry. Many also include secured courtyards
- Three (3) meals a day
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Medication management including Monitoring and administration
- Personal care, including dressing and bathing
- Housekeeping and laundry
- 24-hour emergency care
- Some medical services
- Specialized activity programs
Adult Family Home
These are residential homes licensed to care for up to six residents. This makes it a great option for someone who requires more one-on-one attention because of the lower resident-to-caregiver ratio. The level of care each home provides will vary.
Some adult family homes are operated by nurses, or hire nurses or other appropriately licensed staff to support a resident’s need. Others may specialize in the care of residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
All adult family homes are required to have a current assessment of the client and a plan of care reflecting not only the needs of the resident, but their preferences in how they would like to receive those services. All AFH owners and their staff undergo significant training before being able to work directly with clients. Further, they must keep up with training and best practices in an adult family home care by continuing education each year.
In a home-like setting with a state minimum of one caregiver for five or six residents, many homes go above and beyond. This makes Adult Family Homes ideal for people who have less predictable care needs. They are able to extend care to residents whose needs vary during both the day and evening or those whose needs vary daily.
What services are offered at an Adult Family Home?
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Activity programs
- Personal care and hygiene
- Companionship and conversation
- Housekeeping and gardening
- Beautician/barber and nail care
Do any Adult Family Homes offer specialty care?
Yes! Specialty Care can include:
- 24-hour specialized care
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Stroke and Diabetes care
- Rehabilitation services
- Home doctor visits
- Palliative care and hospice
- Assistance with/or administering medication
- Respite Care
Are there many Adult Family Homes to choose from?
In Thurston County alone there are more than 200 adult family homes. Generally, there are two kinds of AFH’s:
- Houses that were remodeled to meet the licensing criteria to become AFH’s.
- Houses that were built specifically to be AFH’s. Those tend to be bigger, larger hallways – dining area – rooms – shower rooms, most rooms have a private bathroom and social/activities rooms.
Respite / Short-Term Stay
Respite care typically refers to a short-term stay at a senior community, usually an assisted living or memory care community. Respite care is a great living option for an elderly or disabled person who needs some day-to-day supportive services, but still desires social stimulation, engagement, and activities.
Whether you’re going away on business, planning a vacation, or simply need a break, short-term respite care is the perfect solution for providing your loved one with the individualized care they need. Respite care is not all the same. Respite can vary in time from several weeks to months. The room is typically fully furnished so no moving is required.
Seeking support and maintaining your own health is key to managing your role as a caregiver. Using respite care before you become exhausted, isolated, or overwhelmed is ideal, but just anticipating regular relief can become a lifesaver.
Respite care can take many forms but boils down to two basic ideas: sharing the responsibility for caregiving and getting support for yourself. Finding the right balance requires persistence, patience, and preparation.
What is a Respite/short-term stay?
Respite care is an option for you or your loved one to stay in a community for a short stay so they are safe and cared for by professionals. The room is typically fully furnished making the move quick and easy.
The benefit of a respite stay is to give the primary caregiver a much-needed break and it also allows the senior the opportunity to experience community life without a big move or long-term commitment.
- Allows an opportunity for a “trial stay” to see if it’s a good fit.
- Can be a quick solution for urgent placement.
- Allows extra time during rehabilitation it’s safe to return home.
- Increases Social Engagement.
- Provides Assistance and Support.
- Allows Family Caregivers to Maintain a Sense of Identity.