Know the Different Residential Care Facilities
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Residential facilities offer care and services that an older adult may need. To choose the right residential care for your loved one, you must first know what type of care they need. Do they want to maintain their independence? Do they require special care in day-to-day life? These are some of the questions that you should ask yourself to give what’s best for your loved one.
The following are the residential care facilities available for an aging individual.
1. Independent Living
Independent living, also known as Senior Living Complex or Retirement Community, is a non-medical living situation where the residents live in their own apartments. It may include an optional meal plan, social activities, housekeeping, and transportation to medical appointments.
This kind of facility requires an individual to be active and independent, and may be incompatible if your loved one requires more care. If you would still prefer this kind of care, you may opt to hire an in-home care to stay in the apartment.
2. Board and Care
These are small private facilities that usually cater to 20 or fewer residents. It is known by different names depending on the state, such as Personal Care Homes, Residential Care Facilities, Residential Care Homes, Assisted Living Homes, Adult Foster Care, and Adult Home. Rooms may be private or shared, staff are always available, and residents receive personal care and meals.
An individual may need to be able to walk independently and transfer from bed or chair independently, depending on the facility. Some facilities also accept individuals using wheelchairs or walkers.
It is often lower in cost in comparison to other facilities. However, in most cases, you must pay for it. Medicare does not cover the costs in board and care homes, but Medicaid may provide partial coverage.
3. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
In this facility, residents own the home or condominium. All levels of care are provided and there is usually a lifetime contract for care. Most CCRCs offer assisted living, independent housing, and skilled nursing care all in one location.
Most services are provided and it often has recreational facilities. Its cost is equivalent to buying a house in the community. Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance may cover some services.
4. Multi-Level Retirement Communities (MLRCs)
It is similar to the services provided in a CCRC, but the resident only rents the apartment/room and does not buy it. The cost is comparable to an Assisted Living Facility.
5. Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) or Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE)
It is a non-medical facility, larger than a Board and Care, and can range from 25 residents to 100 or more. It typically offers levels of care, such as assisted living, memory care unit, and independent living. Residents can pay more if they want to avail special care and extra services.
Residents live in their rooms or apartments and share common areas. RCFEs provide three meals a day, help with medication, assistance with personal care, laundry, housekeeping, social and recreational activities, 24-hour supervision, security, and on-site staff.
Medicare does not pay for assisted living, but Medicaid may provide coverage for some aspects of it, depending on the eligibility of the person and on the state.
7. Memory Care/Dementia Facility
Memory Care provides specialized care for individuals with cognitive impairment like Alzheimer’s disease. This kind of care may be part of an Assisted Living Facility/CCRC/MLRD or a free-standing residence.
Residents may have a private or shared room. They must not have access to anything hazardous, such as medications and stoves. Facilities must have an alert system, an auditory device to monitor exits, and locked or delayed exit style doors. They have access to outdoor facilities, which are secured by a gate, fence, or delayed exit system.
Memory Care costs more than Assisted Living Facilities.
8. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
Skilled Nursing Facilities are also known as Rest Homes, Nursing Homes, or Convalescent Hospitals. SNF is a medical facility with 24-hour nursing supervision that can provide care for individuals who need help with complex medical treatment or those who are bed-bound.
There are one to three beds per room, similar to a hospital. In this kind of facility, meals, social activities, nursing care, personal care, complex medical care, and medications are provided.
Medicare generally doesn’t cover long-term stays in this facility, but it may pay for some related costs. On the other hand, Medicaid may cover some of the costs depending on the eligibility of the individual.
Once you have identified the type of residential care facility best suited for your loved one, your next step is choosing the right residential care facility.
To know how to choose the right residential care facility, check out part two of our article here.
