Where to live? Independent living, assisted living, nursing home, or continuing care community?
What services does each offer, and how do you know which is most appropriate for your older loved one. Making the right choice along the continuum of housing options can be confusing, but plenty of helpful information is available. Here’s a start.
Residents in independent living situations live in their own apartments, with all the amenities needed to enjoy an independent lifestyle but with little support from the housing facility (though services vary). Apartments may be privately-owned, public housing, or subsidized housing.
Assisted living residents (aka personal care homes or personal care boarding homes) are designed for the frail or disabled senior who can no longer live independently but is not yet in need of skilled nursing care. They offer 24-hour oversight, meals, snacks, house-keeping, medication supervision, and assistance with personal care. A functional assessment is required prior to acceptance for admission.
Nursing homes (or skilled nursing facilities) are health care facilities that offer short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. They provide personal and medical care, as well as meals, housekeeping, and 24-hour supervision. Some have separate Alzheimer’s units. A physician’s referral is required. Continuing care communities offer all three levels of care within one building or on a campus of buildings. There often is an entrance fee to guarantee care for life.
To learn more, go to www.BoulderCountyHelp.org and click on Seniors & People with Disabilities, Publications (under Important Information), and Boulder County Housing Guide. Or call the Aging & Disability Resources for Colorado Helpline (staffed by Boulder County Area Agency on Aging), at 303-441-1617.
~ Emily Cooper is Information and Referral Specialist for Caregiver Programs with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org/.