Housing Definitions
CCRC/LifeCare – Continuing Care Retirement Community, also known as Life Care, offers a campus-style environment that may include villas, apartments/condos, assisted living and skilled nursing services. A large endowment fee may be required that entitles residents to use assisted or skilled services when needed throughout their lifetime. In most of the communities, it is possible to enter at the assisted living level as well.
Retirement Communities – Residents in retirement living communities live in their own apartments with little or no support from the housing association. Services provided by the association facility vary. Many of these residences are subsidized. If so, qualified residents generally pay 30% of their adjusted gross income for rent.
Independent Living – Housing designed specifically for the elderly. Typically, studio, 1 BR or 2 BR rental apartments with full kitchens and private baths. Services may include meal plans, transportation, scheduled activities, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. Amenities are usually abundant: libraries, computer stations, and other social gathering places. Rates are monthly and based on size/location of apartment.
Assisted Living – Communities are typically apartment-style with kitchenettes and private baths. Residential assistance living homes with an average of 5-8 residents are also included is this category. Services vary, but may include companion accommodations, meal plans, cable television, local phone, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, and transportation. Personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating and ambulation is also available. Rates vary from all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care.
Alzheimer/Dementia – These communities are either licensed assisted living facilities that specialize in delivering care to victims of dementia or a unit of a skilled nursing facility. Communities are typically bedroom-style rental units with common areas for dining and activities. Many are locked for residents’ safety. Staff is usually specially trained. Amenities vary and may include meal plans, cable television, local phone calls, housekeeping, laundry maintenance and transportation. Personal assistance with ADL’s is available. Rates also vary from all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care. Payor sources usually accepted are private pay and some insurance plans.
Skilled Nursing Care – This level of care is typically found in a nursing home or a transitional care unit in a hospital. Daily rates may include a furnished bedroom, private or shared bath, meals, activities, transportation, phone service, cable television and all personal/nursing care. Payor sources usually accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, VA, some insurance plans and private sources.
Susidized Housing - There are a number of national, state and local programs that provide funding to assist seniors in paying for the cost of housing. Depending on the program it may cover Independent Living (e.g. HUD, Section 8), Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, VA, ALTEC).
Respite Care – Also known as 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 usually quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclusive of all services and amenities.
Day Care/Adult 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 and activities for the day. Licensed ALFs are prohibited by law to promote these services without a license.
Visit www.AARP.org
Some great resource websites for seniors....
Aplaceformom.com
Seniors.ca
American Association of Home & Services for Seniors
| Caregiver Corner |
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As a caregiver of someone with a behavioural or mental problem, you are in an important position. You support the patient in many ways. You can give practical support by motivating him or her to stick to the medication scheme and to consult the physician regularly. Besides this indispensable practical assistance, the personal and emotional support you’re supplying is invaluable.
Please click on the disease name to get more disease-specific information.
ADHD
Autism
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Mood & Anxiety
Schizophrenia
It is advisable for you, as a caregiver, to learn all you can about the condition and its associated difficulties and problems. The more you know, the better you will understand what the person you care for, is going through. Furthermore, you will be able to communicate about the condition with the physician and the patient in a well-informed way. By talking with other people who are in contact with the person you care for, you can help reducing the stigma that is regularly experienced by patients suffering mental problems.
Taking care of someone with a behavioural or mental problem is a heavy job. It is important that you, as a caregiver, try to find some time and care for yourself. If needed, you can talk to your doctor. You can only support someone else, if you feel supported yourself.
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