Senior Living Guide for Families
Facing the reality that your senior loved one needs to move away from their home and into a more appropriate setting can be emotionally challenging, especially if your family member insists that they can “manage just fine” on their own. Even if your loved one agrees that they need to make a change, they may resist the idea of living in one of “those places.” It’s understandable, but today’s senior living communities focus on holistic contemporary living, where residents can enjoy an active social life with their peers, have access to medical care and first-class amenities, and no longer need to worry about the responsibilities of homeownership.
The first step is to assess which type of senior living situation would benefit your loved one the most. The three common types of senior living arrangements are: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. For an individual who has an illness or physical condition and requires 24/7 care, the best choice would be a skilled nursing facility (i.e., a nursing home). Ideally, a community will be a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) where residents can “step up” or “step down” as their needs change. For example, if an independent living resident experiences declining health, they can transition to assisted living without needing to relocate.
Independent Living
Independent living means exactly that. A resident has their own apartment or villa and can come and go as they please. They can also access the various amenities available on campus, including a fitness center, pool, meals, social events, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, medical care, and more. The menu of services and amenities will vary by facility, and there may be additional charges.
Assisted Living
With assisted living, residents have their own apartments and access to meals, medical care, and amenities. However, they receive a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs, where they can receive some extra support with their ADLs (activities of daily living). Some examples include medication management and assistance with bathing and grooming. Assisted living typically costs more than independent living.
Memory Care
Memory care is designed for residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The residents live in their own quarters, which are secured and monitored for safety. Residents participate in daily enrichment sessions, such as those designed by The Varietas® Program. The goal of memory care is to keep your loved one safe and comfortable in a nurturing, supportive environment that preserves their dignity and encourages them to focus on their strengths and abilities.
Once you and your loved one have chosen the best living environment, it’s time to start researching senior living communities. You can check to see what’s available locally and also ask for word-of-mouth recommendations. Once you have some ideas, check online reviews and a community’s reputation, accreditation, and regulatory compliance.
Visit several establishments, and if your loved one is able, take them with you. You can expect to be given a tour by the membership staff (where you will see select common areas and a show apartment) and then meet for a discussion to go over costs and availability. Don’t be shy about asking hard questions. This decision affects your entire family, and you want to make sure you (and your loved one) are making the best decision.
Staffing
What is the ratio of staff to residents? Is there 24/7 access to care if needed? Who is the community’s physician? What hospitals are the community affiliated with? Do specialists such as podiatrists make regular visits? Is there transportation to medical appointments?
Cleanliness
Are the common areas clean? Do you see any housekeeping staff working during your visit? In some communities, potential residents and their families are invited to a meal service. Participate. How was the food and service? What types of menu options are available to residents (e.g., diabetic, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.)? What are the food service hours? Is the dining room clean?
Levels of Service
These are more detailed questions you will need to ask if your loved one is planning on assisted living or memory care. You can ask about care plans and staff training/interaction with residents. Ask about security for memory care residents. How often are care plans assessed and updated?
Security and Safety
Are the apartments outfitted with emergency call systems and safety enhancements, such as grab bars in the bathroom? For memory care, how is the area secured to keep residents from accidentally wandering away? Is there a security patrol on the campus? How is access to the main buildings controlled?
Costs
How you and your loved one pay for care is a personal matter, but you may be able to get some ideas from the community membership staff. Some options include private pay, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid.
Senior Living Options in One Place
Hopefully, these considerations have prompted you to think of questions of your own. Kingsbury offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services for residents. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality care enhanced by our first-class amenities. Kingsbury is expanding throughout Ohio, and we invite you to make an appointment to tour one of our locations. Schedule a tour of a Kingsbury community – built by Ohioans for Ohioans.