There are many types of senior housing and health care, but most people do not know the differences. The purpose of this blog is to help you understand The Types of Senior Housing by Definitions. This is strictly an informational blog.
Having worked in senior housing for many years, I find that families often do not know the differences in the types of care available for seniors. They do not know who to call for help and understanding. Therefore, I decided to add this blog page in hopes it will help families transition to the maze of senior housing and healthcare options.
Senior Housing by Definitions:
62 + Apartments Independent Housing Community…
Apartments and communities for adults beginning at 55+-62 + with little or no senior support services (e.g.. meals) Amenities are usually abundant; formal libraries, computer stations, and swimming pools. gardens and other social gathering spaces. Rates are monthly and are typically based on the size and location of the apartment.
Age Restrictions…
Some communities have a restriction on the youngest age they are allowed to accept. However, these restrictions vary by community.
Retirement Community or Independent Community…
These are Housing communities designed specifically for mature adults. Typically studio, 1 BR, or 2BR rental apartments. Most have full kitchens, and private baths are available (although some do not include kitchens). Services include meal plans, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance
Amenities are usually abundant; formal libraries, computer stations, and swimming pools. gardens and other social gathering spaces. Rates are monthly and are typically based on the size and location of the apartment.
Assisted Living Community…
Typically apartment style with kitchenettes and private or shared baths. Some offer companion accommodations. Personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, and ambulation.
Type A: The facility cares for residents who do not require routine attendance during sleeping hours and are capable of following directions in an emergency.
Type B: The facility is for residents who require staff assistance to evacuate, are not capable of following directions in an emergency, and require nighttime attendance.
Memory Care…Alzheimer’s /Dementia Assisted Living Community
Licensed assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility that specializes in delivering care to victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Communities are typical bedroom-style rental units with a common area for dining and activities. Locked for residents’ safety. Most have secured yards for walking.
Affordable Housing…
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) government helps for apartments to low-income seniors/tenants.
OTHER TYPES OF CARE BY DEFINITION
Secure Unit…
A secured unit is dedicated to Alzheimer’s/Dementia residents to prevent wandering outside the community without supervision.
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. Also activities for the day.
Licensed communities are prohibited by law from promoting these services without a specific license..
Short Term Care…
Acute care is provided on a short-term basis
Long-Term Care…
Chronic, custodial care is provided on an ongoing basis.
Medicaid Waiver…
Medicaid Waiver is an assisted living waiver that 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
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 Activities of Daily Living and transfers. Residents receive medications from a nurse following a doctor’s orders. They may receive outpatient rehab services. Facilities may use a nurse as a consultant and the residents receive periodic assessments from a licensed practitioner.
MORE HOUSING OPTIONS BY DEFINITION
Residential Care Home…
Assisted living homes are private residential homes that typically have a small number of residents. Residents live together and receive care from live-in 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.
Amenities and nursing services vary greatly between homes.
Ask about their services when you tour. They are also referred to as personal boards and care homes. Most accept private pay and a few will accept Medicaid.
Home Care…
There are different types of home care. Non-medical home care is more like a sitter service. They help with bathing, meals, and housekeeping but they can not dispense medications.
Medical Home Health Most often non-medical home care is private pay as medical home health can sometimes be covered by insurance, VA, etc.
Public Housing…
Affordable apartments for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
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.
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 are quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclusive.
MEDICAL
Rehabilitation and Therapy
Any skilled nursing facilities offering restorative and rehabilitative physical, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services.
Short-term rehabilitation services may be provided to individuals with diagnoses such as joint replacement, 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 is for long-term residents who require skilled services and have medically necessary needs for rehab. Private insurance, Medicaid, or private pay for younger clients.
Skilled Care
24-hour licensed nursing services, with hours of which are RN-covered. Patients may receive rehab services either inpatient or outpatient and may be fully dependent for activities of daily living. Patients receive medications from an RN according to a licensed physician’s orders.
Skilled Nursing Facility…
Facilities provide 24/7 care for residents and offer full assistance with activities of daily living. Daily rates typically include a furnished bedroom and a private or shared bath, meals, activities, transportation phone, cable television, and all personal/nursing care.
Payor sources usually accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and some insurance plans and private sources.
Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Benefits
Are you a Veteran? Check out The Government’s Best Kept Secret..There are benefits you may qualify for to help pay for your care.
Fall Prevention and Safety Measures for the Senior Living in their Home
Fall prevention is key for seniors to keep their independence, but it may feel overwhelming to “senior proof” a home. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take in only one weekend to start yourself (or your loved ones) on a strong path to safety.
Evaluating safety and “high traction” areas to prioritize
The bathroom, the kitchen, and the bedroom are areas that definitely need to be checked for hazards.
Making your home brighter / more visible
Help keep our seniors safe!
Some companies specialize in Senior Proof – a turnkey safety-proofing company for independent seniors or anyone who has suffered an injury. If you need to know more reach out to me and I will find a company near you or someone to talk to about what you need.
In Conclusion:
Senior Housing or Senior Living Options is something that can be confusing to most people. The purpose of this blog is simply to explain some of your options by definitions.
Now that you know there is help check out how science is helping us live longer healthier lives. Go here and read more.
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