Communities
The below are types of Senior Living Communities are able to accommodate seniors needing or wanting some type of support. They are defined by the availability of medical and non-medical services offered to their residents.
Independent Retirement Communities
Provide seniors a supportive environment filled with activities and opportunities to relax with peers. They offer both on-site and off-site activities and often times have shuttle service to local points of interest and medical appointments. The availability of meals varies.
Residential Assisted Living
Provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) such as bathing, grooming and dressing within a personal residence. In addition to the ADLs, the monthly rent includes meals, medication reminders and some toiletries. It is a supportive environment where seniors can be with their peers and receive 24-hour supervision.
Residences typically do not have medical staff and therefore are unable to care for residents who require a high level of medical care. It is also difficult for them to accommodate residents with mobility issues. While they do accept private funds, they also accept Choices For Independence (NH Medicaid Program).
Assisted Living Community
Designed to promote independence while offering 24-hour assistance with ADLs and medical care. They are typically able to accommodate those with early stage dementia who do not need to be in a secured environment. They provide a supportive environment that encourages participation in activities that take place within the community as well as off-site. Chef prepared meals allow for nutrious meals that contribute to successfully managing many health issues and contribute to overall good health.
Personal living quarters can vary from bedrooms to suites to apartment living. It is becoming increasingly common that residents are able to be cared for until end of life due to the level of medical care they are able to provide along with the use of hospice services. While there are exceptions, typically they are private pay.
Alzheimer’s Care Community
Care is available within traditional Assisted Living Communities that have a designated and secured area within the building. There are also Assisted Living Communities dedicated only to caring for Alzheimer’s residents. Both have staff trained to care for specific behaviors caused by Alzheimer’s. Care is also available in LTC facilities. Each focuses on providing a safe environment with routine, specific to the behaviors caused by the disease process of Alzheimer’s. While LTC facilities accept medicaid, assisted living communities are primarily private pay in order to cover the high staffing ratio required.
Continuing Care Retirement Community
Also referred to as a CCRC, they offer several levels of care within one location. Levels of care include independent, assisted living and LTC. Often times they may include a memory care and/or a rehab Unit. These communities provide peace of mind to seniors and their families because they are able to stay in one setting without having to worry about moving to another community as level of care increases.
Respite Care
Respite care refers to a short-term stay within an assisted living community. Lengths of stay can vary from a few days to a few weeks. In addition to giving families/caregivers relief, it provides a low pressure way to introduce seniors to concept of assisted living. While there, they have access to all the same care and amenities as other residents.
Long Term Care
Care within a Skilled Nursing Care Facility ( SNIF ), also referred to as Long Term Care ( LTC ) and formerly known as a Nursing Home. These facilities specialize in the 24-hour care and observation of individuals whose needs are usually critical enough where they need constant watching, but not serious enough where hospitalization is required.