Frequently Asked Questions Surrounding Senior Living Options
At American Senior Communities, we realize that today’s senior living options and the types of services and care available may seem overwhelming and confusing. We want you to feel confident in your decision by choosing the option and level of care that is right for you or your loved ones. Here are some of the commonly asked questions surrounding senior living and healthcare so you can make an informed choice for the future.
How do I know what senior living options are right for myself or my loved one?
Take some time to evaluate your current healthcare needs while thinking about how those needs may change in the future. If you are able-bodied and healthy right now, downsizing your current home and moving into an independent living community allows you the freedom to come and go as you please, while providing services like transportation and home maintenance. If you need more assistance with daily living activities or need help recovering from a surgery or illness, assisted living or skilled nursing care may be better options.
What is assisted living?
When you or your loved one needs help with dressing, bathing, preparing meals and managing medications, the staff at an assisted living community is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Assisted living is for those who need a little help with activities of daily living, but do not require constant nursing care.
Are there different levels of skilled nursing services?
A skilled nursing facility will provide healthcare services like rehabilitative therapies following an illness or injury. For example, for those recovering from a stroke, hip replacement surgery, heart attack or other disabilities. Short term care usually lasts anywhere from a few days to about a month, while long term care can be provided for an extended amount of time, usually upwards of a month. The goal of a skilled nursing facility is to get seniors back to an independent lifestyle as soon as possible.
What is the cost of senior care?
The cost of senior care will vary depending on the senior living community chosen and the type of services provided. There are various financial options available to help cover the cost of senior care, like long term care insurance and Medicare. The monthly fees associated with a senior living community help pay for housing and the services provided by the community.
What are respite services?
Respite services provide caregivers some relief from their caregiving duties to help them avoid burnout. Burnout can cause negative effects on the caregiver’s health, as they are not attending to their own needs properly. Respite care allows the caregiver a chance to maintain their own lives, to take a vacation or simply run some weekly errands.
What services and amenities are provided by a senior living community?
Most senior living communities offer a wide variety of services and amenities to residents, such as transportation to doctor appointments or community events, planned social activities, help with light housekeeping tasks, daily meals, home maintenance, and wellness activities.
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