Page 30 - BusinessWest August 18, 2021

Living & Care Options
The Next Step
What Kinds of Senior-living Options Are Available? By ERIC AASHEIM
Moving from home to a senior-living communi- ty is one of the most consequential decisions elder loved ones may be faced with in their
lifetimes. The move is usually permanent, is unfortu- nately often made in crisis mode or under duress, and involves a host of emotional and psychological implica- tions around declining physical capabilities, perceived loss of independence, and financial worry.
Knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions will help seniors and their adult children plan ahead and ultimately put themselves in a position
to make thoughtful and informed decisions about the most appropriate living and care options for their needs.
Q: What is the difference between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing?
A: Independent living (IL) is intended for seniors who do not need assistance or supervision with independent activities of daily living (IADLs) like showering, dressing, toileting, eating, or transferring
(mobility, bed to standing, sitting to standing, etc.). Most IL communities provide apartments with full kitchens, and the monthly fee includes one meal per day in the dining room. Independent living in Western Mass. ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per month.
• Assisted-living (AL) communities are appropriate for seniors who require some level of assistance with two or more IADLs and help with medication management. Apartments are typically equipped with a kitchenette only, as the monthly fee includes three restaurant-style meals per day. Assisted living in Western Mass. ranges from $4,000 to $9,000 per month.
“Knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions will help seniors and their adult children plan ahead and ultimately put themselves in a position
to make thoughtful and informed decisions about the most appropriate living and care options for their needs.”
Comparing your senior care options
WHO WOULD BENEFIT?
SERVICES COMMONLY OFFERED
PRICE RANGE IN MASSACHUSETTS
SENIOR APARTMENTS / 55+ APARTMENTS
Active, independent, and healthy seniors who are enjoying their retirement years
None
$500 - $2,000 per month
INDEPENDENT LIVING / RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Active, independent, and healthy seniors who wish to live with other seniors in a community setting
Golf course, swimming pool, social activities, gourmet dining services, light housekeeping
$2,000 - $5,000 per month
ASSISTED LIVING
Seniors who are independent and social, but need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Fitness classes, social activities, healthy dining, transportation, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), housekeeping
$4,000 - $9,000 per month
MEMORY CARE / ALZHEIMER’S CARE
Seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia
Special meal preparation, secured environment, specialized memory support
$3,500 - $11,000 per month
NURSING HOMES /
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES
Seniors who require 24-hour medical care
The highest level of care to patients who need 24/7 medical attention
$250 - $560 per day
HOME CARE
Seniors who live at home and need help with meal preparation, ADLs, and transportation
Meals, assistance with ADLs, and housekeeping
$14 - $32 per hour
ADULT DAY CARE / ADULT DAY SERVICES
Seniors who need assistance, socialization, and meals during work hours
Meals, assistance with ADLs, and social activities
$42 - $132 per day
PROGRAMS OF ALL- INCLUSIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY (PACE)
Seniors certified by the state to need nursing-home care but want to live in the community, and need some help with ADLs to do so safely
Adult day care, meals, primary care, hospital care, social services, nutritional counseling, prescription drugs, transportation, various types of therapy, more
Varies depending on income and insurance
30 AUGUST 2021
SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE
• Memory care (MC) is intended for individuals who have dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other neurogenerative diseases and who require an intensive or specialized program of care and supervision. Memory-care communities are sec ure settings with passcode entrances and enclosed outdoor spaces to keep residents on site and can be standalone facilities or a separate wing or ‘neighborhood’ within a traditional assisted-living community. Memory-care communities most often provide private studio or shared companion suites for their residents. Memory care in Western Mass. ranges from $3,500 (companion suites) to $11,000 per month.
• Skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) are licensed healthcare residences for individuals who require a higher level of medical care than can be provided in
an AL setting. Skilled-nursing staffs, consisting of RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, provide 24-hour medical attention for their long-term and short-term rehabilitation residents. While private rooms are available in many SNFs, shared living arrangements with two or three to a hospital- style room are much more common. Skilled-nursing facilities in Western Mass.range from $250 to more than $500 per day.
Q: Can I receive care at home rather than moving to
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