housing options for proactive seniors on the move!
Options abound for senior housing in Pennsylvania! by educating yourself on what's available and being proactive with a decision, you'll have control of your housing situation and more options to choose from.
It's a hard reality that as we age, our current living condition may no longer suit our needs or be a safe environment to be in. The sadest situation is when a decision to make a change is put off and an episode happens, such as a fall, which could potentially take the housing decision out of our hands. The first step, is to educate yourself on what types of housing is available for senior living in Pennsylvania and if one of these is something you want to take a look at as an option.
Aging in Place
In this case, you're not moving out of your current home, however, in order to age in place successfully, there are things that need to be done. If you are a self-sufficient senior, in relatively good health, this option may be for you. Most homes were not set up for the ease of use, convenience and functionality that a senior homeowner would need. You may need to consider some home modifications in order for you to safely remain in your home. Modifications could include: ramps with handrails, grab bars, installing a low threshold shower, changing handles on doors and faucets, additional lighting installation and anything that has to do with safety and accessibility. It may include adding a lift chair if you need second floor access. Clear the floors of throw rugs, pet toys and tripping hazards. Start the aging in place process today because one bad fall that sends you to the hospital could be the episode that takes options away. This article discusses some active things you can do, "3 Strategies For Aging In Place", and this one is about smart home technology and how you can use it to age in place, "Moving Into A New Community? Benefit From Smart Home Technology."
Multi-Generational Living
Multi-Generational living is when more than one generation lives together under one roof. It can often be grandparents, parents and grandchildren. Sometimes the home may have in-law quarters for separate living or it may be the elder moving into a spare bedroom, redesigned first floor space or into an addition. Some newer homes have first floor living or in-law quarters as part of their design. Generally, homes are merged and one is sold. There are things to think about such as are mentioned in this article, "Multi-Generational Living Considerations". If this is an option for you and your family, it can come with many advantages, see "Case For Merging Households". Planning is key, "3 Ways To Prepare For Multi-Generational Living".
Downsizing
When your current home no longer suits your purposes, downsizing to a smaller house may be the answer. Common reasons to downsize could include lower cost of home maintenance and expenses, current home is too large for needs or doesn’t address physical limitations (too many steps), want to move closer to family or to a warmer climate, wish to be in a neighborhood with specific services (55+ community, closer to health care, near activities like walking trails, etc.), or simply want a different home that better allows for aging in place. To get started, see this article, "Senior Downsizing: Less Stress = More Success."
55+ Retirement Community
These are age-restricted communities offering independent living often in the form of apartments, townhomes, homes, condos or mobile homes. They could be rented, such as apartments, or owned, such as a townhome or home. These neighborhoods are restriced to seniors, generally 55+, and can be ideal for those who are healthy, independent and may be looking for their own home-like environment. These types of communities do not offer medical services but often have social or recreational facilities and activities.
Independent Living Community
This option is also for seniors who don't require medical assistance or help with daily tasks. This type of community is generally more structured with more on-site facilities and services. There may be a dining hall, recreation facilities such as a gym, paddleball/tennis quarts, pool and could possibly have security or a secured entrance. For instance, housing could look like a luxury apartment complex with an in-house dining facility, entertainment theater with stage and seating, church, ice cream parlor and coffee cafe. Or it could be cottages or one-floor townhomes with access to all the amentities available on the campus. These facilities could be described as like living at a resort with most organized activities and events included in the cost. You should consider what amentities you are looking for and the type of retirement living you envision. Many newer facilities try to outdo each other with added amentities and features. Here's a helpful article about the positive aspects of independent living - "Major Transitions: Moving To A Senior Living Community".
Assisted Living Community
Assisted living is exactly what it says - a senior has reached a point where they need help with some daily activities of life but they don't have major medical needs that require serious care. This is more obviously more hands-on than independent living with services available to help with basic activities such as cooking, bathing, cleaning, laundry and transportation. These types of communities often offer exercise options, recreational and entertainment opportunities and transportation to medical appointments. They usually have amenties such as a dining room and hair salon but also could include a movie theater, game room and walking paths, etc. Some may offer skilled nursing services but generally it is not for major medical care. For more information, see "5 Signs Your Parents May Be Ready For Assisted Living", Moving To Assisted Living? Top 10 Questions To Ask" and "Tips For Moving Mom To Assisted Living."
Skilled Nursing Facility
These facilities offer 24/7 skilled nursing care and are under tight state regulation. Most people don't realize that, at least in Pennsylvania, a person must qualify to go into a skilled nursing facility which is why many residents come in through hospitals or assisted living facilities. If coming directly from home, a senior will need to be evaluated. In PA, the Office of Aging will work with the health care professional to assess the situation and provide documentation to support the need for the level of care only a skilled nursing facility can provide.
While offering 24/7 care, many of these facilities also have services and amenties such as a dining room, hair salon, gym/therapy room and entertainment options. This can also be an option for a senior who needs rehabilitation services to help them gain strength and health in order to return to their previous living situation.
For those with health issues, mental or physical, who need 24/7 skilled care, and who do not have the funds to pay for their own care, this type of facility is an option if they need Medicaid assistance. In some cases, they may go into the facility as "Medicaid Pending" and they have 90 days to provide the documents required by Medicaid to get approval for Medicaid to pay for their stay at the facility. With most skilled nursing facilities priced at $14,000+/month, Medicaid is a huge government program that provides for 24/7 care and housing. For an idea of what types of documentation Medicaid needs, see "Medicaid Long-Term Assistance Application Tips."
Nursing homes are inspected at least annually and those reports are published monthly by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. To see the results, visit their website, and navigate to their searchable database to see inspections results. That said, Covid changed the nursing home landscape and some that were poor performers in the past were sold to new owners. Do your due diligence in researching the best home for your loved one and be wary of on-line reviews as some could be from a time before the home was purchased and under new ownership. For a nursing home triumph, see "A Nursing Home Victory" at https://margieyohn.com/blog/.
Memory Care
Most memory care is a separate part of an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Memory care encompasses those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most are locked units due to residents wandering and safety issues. While these are designed to care for those with mental impairment, they usually don't handle major medical care. They offer the services of assisted living along with specialized exercise and activities geared to stimulating the mind and keeping the body as healthy as possible. Staff usually receives specialized training and education in serving and caring for those with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs offer several levels of care in one facility or one campus. This resort-style living comes with all the amentities of independent living and progresses to the services of a skilled nursing facility. Generally, CCRCs want individuals or couples to come into independent living first. Then as health dictates, move into assisted living and eventually, as needed, onto the skilled nursing part of the campus. The advantage for a couple is, they can move independently depending on need, but remain in the same campus together. CCRCs can be costly with some pricing the same no matter what level of care is required or some with increasing costs per level of care. Be sure to know what the contract dictates and if it is clear on services and costs.
One huge advantage of a CCRC is there is a general guarantee that the resident will have housing available based on their health care needs. This stability can lead to a sense of peace and familiarity as they journey through the various stages of aging.
Senior Housing Decisions
As with all major decisions, several things need to be taken into consideration:
- Finances
- Location
- Amentities
- Health Care Needs
- Crisis Move vs Planned Move
Whether you are looking for senior housing for yourself or for a loved one, it is a personal preference which should be carefully considered and planned. Crisis moves offer fewer options. Start now to think about how you want to spend your senior years and plan for that to be successful!
You can count on Margie Yohn, Realtor® & Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, to guide you through seniors issues --either yours or on behalf of an elderly loved one -- with the goal to inform, educate and advocate for transitions that are less stressful and more successful. For Seniors On The Move!