Many people when faced with possible residential changes are unaware of the options. The following is a list of residential levels with a short description. Functionality and level of assistance for daily activities (ADL) is the best indicator of the appropriate option.
Independent Living Apartments. Independent living apartments are ideal for seniors who do not need personal or medical care but who would like to live with other seniors who share similar interests. In most independent living facilities seniors can take advantage of planned community events, field trips, shopping excursions and on-premise projects. These apartments are not licensed or regulated.
Adult Homes. Adult homes are licensed and regulated for temporary or long-term residence by adults unable to live independently. Adult homes are licensed as assisted living, but typically have 10 or fewer residents. They usually include supervision, personal care, housekeeping, and three meals a day. Many of these residences accept Medicaid in addition to private funds.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF). An alternative to nursing homes for seniors who need help with their daily routines, but who need 24-hour care, but not on an intensive basis. Room, board, case management, and skilled nursing services come from an outside agency. These can be larger capacity facilities, many times operated by corporations. Most of the larger ALF only accept private funds as means of payment. Some may accept Medicaid funds.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). Continuing care communities offer a continuum of living options, from independent living, enriched living, assisted living, and skilled nursing home, all on one campus. Residents can move from one level of care to the next as needs change. Transitions to different levels of care are easier because people are able to remain in familiar surroundings. In addition, spouses who age at different paces may also remain near each other. Most only accept private funds.
Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Facility SNF). Skilled Nursing Facilities offer 24-hour a day care for those who can no longer live independently. In SNF, trained medical professionals provide specialized care to seniors with severe illnesses or injuries. Specially trained staff assist residents with daily activities such as bathing, eating, laundry and housekeeping. They may specialize in short-term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long-term skilled nursing care. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy are a focus for residents while recovering in a SNF. Many facilities are focusing their efforts on treating short-term injuries and illnesses due to the fact that Medicare pays for these services. Advances in medicine are allowing seniors to remain active longer, therefore SNFs are helping seniors return to a higher level of independence after a hospital stay.
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