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CONTINUUM OF CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES OR CCRC’S

These communities primarily were designed for an “active” senior looking for a solution that allows them to enjoy their retirement. In a retirement community, residents no longer have to worry about the upkeep of a home, but can enjoy a maintenance free town house or condo. Some communities include golf courses and clubhouses and are built on a beautiful campus.

Residents usually start out with an apartment and, if care needs increase, they can bring in care. (See In-Home Care) If, however, their needs increase or the needs of a spouse increase, the campus usually has assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

Understanding the fees, contracts and payment structures of a CCRC can be very confusing. Sometimes an endowment fee is required upfront in addition to a monthly rental fee. These fees can range from a couple of thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Each property has a different refund policy and some do not require them at all. Some will accept Medicaid in their long term care, and some will not. Most of them do have short term rehab that is Medicare certified.

Chicago Independent Living Centers & Facilities

Assisted living is designed for those who need help with one or more daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, taking medication and walking.

The level of care in each assisted living building can vary, which is why you should contact Senior Living Experts® to help you decide which place can provide the care you need now and in the future. For example, some assisted living communities will help with incontinence and some will not.

Costs include a staff of care managers who will help with care needs, so that technically a private-duty caregiver is not required. Activities, housekeeping and three meals a day are standard.

Apartments can be shared or private. Apartments include a private bathroom and at least a “kitchenette” area. Many assisted living homes were built to resemble a house and have large inviting common areas. Activities are also an important part of the day. Some buildings even have pets and allow you to bring your own from home. The state of Illinois regulates licensed assisted living.

Costs can range from $3,000 – $5,000 month depending on the level of care required, the location and the size of the apartment

According to the 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report, an estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease. This figure includes 5.1 million people aged 65 and older. One in eight people aged 65 and older (13 percent) have Alzheimer’s disease. Every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s.

Those with memory impairment require special care, safety and supervision. Sometimes dementia can cause someone to wander, so any place that does have this type of care is secure. In addition, medication administration usually is built right into the cost.

As the disease progresses, care needs can increase and residents need for reminders are provided. Most of these residences are specially designed to help cue the residents. For example, memory boxes filled with old photos are placed near the door to help guide residents to their rooms and to allow the staff to learn more about the residents’ history. The space is designed to help them live as independently as possible.

There are visual tools that help – such as lights that automatically turn on when you enter the bathroom, or a darker wall against a white sink to give better depth perception.

Meals are usually served in a traditional ‘family style’ manner – which is both familiar and comforting and removes too many overwhelming choices that a restaurant style meal might do.

Anxiety and irritability are taken into consideration in the calming colors and familiar furnishings. Those with the disease can become disoriented to time & place or experience decreased judgment. Many things from the past are around that are familiar and comforting and a well trained staff knows how to incorporate these tools when the residents is starting to get anxious or confused.

Staff has been trained to deal specifically with the disease and involve residents in enjoyable daily activities and ones at which they can feel successful. Structure and routine are important and need to be built into daily activities. Adequate staffing is essential.

Costs can range from $4,000 – $7,000 a month. Residents can share suites or have private studios.

The state of Illinois developed the Supportive Living Program for lower income seniors who might otherwise find themselves in a nursing home. They took the assisted living concept of apartment-style housing with personal care and provide it as on alternative for seniors who can no longer live at home. Help with activities of daily living, housekeeping, laundry, medication supervision, social activities and 24-hour staff are provided.

There is a Medicaid waiver that helps pay for supportive living for those who qualify. A resident must also undergo a determination of need regarding care. Each Medicaid-eligible resident must have income equal to or greater than the current Social Security income ($579 single person) and must contribute all but $90 each month to the provider for lodging, meals and services. For additional information see SLF Illinois. The monthly fee for private pay is around $2,550.

For those who require 24-hour skilled care, a nursing home is usually the best option. However, some people who think they may need a nursing home can do quite well in some assisted living homes. Contact us for more information.

Costs for skilled nursing care starts around $6000 a month. If you are on Medicaid and need a skilled nursing home, Senior Living Experts® will provide you with a list of those that accept Medicaid.

Senior Home Care Agencies professionally manage both the caregiver and the care to make sure all the care needs are being met. They also make sure back-up caregivers are available when the assigned Caregiver needs a day off or must take a sick day, insuring the senior has the same benefits they would receive in a nursing home. For more details visit our in-home care page.

According to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PGCMs) are health and human services specialists who help families care for older relatives, while encouraging as much independence as possible.

The PGCM may be trained in any of a number of fields related to long-term care, including, but not limited to, nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

The PGCM acts as a guide and advocate – identifying problems and offering solutions, from assessment of an aging parent’s needs to addressing the life change of a family affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s or other symptoms of dementia.

Senior Living Experts® partners with some of the best geriatric care managers in the Chicago area. Often they will have us help with the search for housing or assisted living if that is what they determine with the family to be the next move. We also refer to geriatric care managers when a family needs more than help with housing and especially if they are trying to manage their care from out of town.