Senior Housing Options…Here’s What You Missed!
AEC Living/Elders Village hosted another successful talk at the Alameda Free Library on Wednesday, June 15th. The hot topic was on “How to Navigate Senior Housing Options.” Our panel of experts consisted of AEC’s own Cheryl Champ, as well as Tanya Schuler, a representative of the Housing Authority of Alameda, and Jennifer Lundeen and Mari Barnes of Alameda Family Services Senior Connections.
All speakers stressed the benefits and importance of social connection that is known to lessen the development of Alzheimer’s Disease and contribute to healthier lifestyles. Housebound seniors are twice as likely to develop dementia symptoms as their more active peers. People with close social ties live longer than those with better health habits, but poor social ties.
There are various options in senior living. In a nutshell, here are some of which we spoke about:
Independent Living
-Very independent senior with little or no medical concerns.
-Apartments with kitchens.
-Meal plan services may be an option for an additional charge.
-Active social outings.
-Do they want connection with others or isolation?
Assisted Living
-Seniors who want more of a social life or are no longer able to live safely on their own, but do not require the higher level of care provided in nursing home.
-Private apartment with kitchenette area & safe bathroom environment.
-Assistance with medications, activities of daily living, meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation services (available or included).
-Staff assistance 24/7.
-Licensed nurse availability.
-Activities, fitness, wellness, rehab services and socialization.
Residential Care Home
-Private; home-like with a live-in caregiver.
-Assisted living care services, often with a la carte pricing.
-Amenities & availability of nursing services varies.
-Intimate; shared living space.
-Small home environment with limited choices.
Memory Care/Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
-Available in Assisted Living, Personal Care Homes & Nursing Homes depending on severity of disease.
-Usually semi-private accommodations.
-Offer specialized care and secured environments.
-Structured activities.
-Usually the most costly care.
Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
-Around-the-clock skilled nursing care for frail elderly, who require high-level of medical care & assistance.
-Short-term rehabilitative stays for recovery.
-Long-term care for complex medical conditions.
-Usually shared rooms, central or in-room dining.
-Daily rates.
Respite Care
-Temporary break for caregivers, short-term rehab in facility that meets resident’s needs.
-Assisted living or nursing home environment.
-Amenities vary depending on type of facility.
-May require minimum term of stay, usually week to a month.
Supportive Senior Care
-Home Care
-Home Health Care
-Physical Therapy/Fitness
-Meals on Wheels
-Paratransit/Transporation
-Errand Services
-Senior Center services
-Hospice Care
Home Care
-Allows elder to remain in their own home while receiving assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental ADLs (bill-paying, appointments, companionship, etc.)
-In-home Health Care via certified home health caregivers.
-Home is likely to need mobility renovation.
-Often include an hourly fee.
-Once a week to 24/7 coverage.
Senior Co-Housing
-Option for aging-in-place within a community setting.
-Social environment as agreed by residents.
-In-home living, but with economy of scale services/buying power.
-Private residence with daily community living choices.
Elders Village is an Alameda based non-profit that believes in educating seniors, and those who care for them, about services and opportunities available to them in Alameda and the surrounding area.
The Elder Village Talks are something that we here at AEC Living are very proud to sponsor. Almost all year long the Elders Village Talks are a series of free, educational, seminars on topics of importance or interest to seniors and their friends and families.
For more information about Elders Village and our upcoming Speaker Seminars, click here.
This free educational event was presented by Elders Village, an Alameda based 501 (c)(3). Funded by AEC Living.
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