By Mary West
As people age and require more care, they start contemplating a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Places that offer assisted living are often pleasant abodes, but they are pricey, with most costing around $3,000 per month. The nursing home option can be undesirable, as low staffing sometimes results in neglect and abuse of residents.
Are any other alternatives available? The answer is a resounding yes. Below are some wonderful choices to consider that provide a higher quality of life than what is found in most facilities.
Village Network
The village concept permits seniors to live at home longer than would otherwise be feasible. It started in 1999 with the founding of Beacon Hill Village, a network of elderly residents in a Boston neighborhood. Since that time, more than 150 villages have been formed around the world, and more than 100 are in development, reports The Atlantic.
Villages have several benefits. Members vet service providers such as home care workers, drivers, and plumbers, so everyone has access to a list of trustworthy people they can call should any need arise. Seniors belonging to the village also go to museums together and socialize. Staff or volunteers serve in many ways, such as taking members to the doctor or grocery store.
The cost of belonging to the networks varies. While the Beacon Hill Village members have a yearly fee of $675, which pays for full-time staff, other villages are operated by volunteers and have much lower fees or no fees at all.
Do villages have drawbacks? One concern is the safety issue associated with being alone 24/7. A senior could fall, and some time could elapse before the person is found. However, this problem should be weighed against the alternative of spending years in a dreary but safe existence.
Staying at Home (Non-Village)
Because the village network concept is relatively new, many seniors may not live in an area where they have access to one. Nonetheless, making modifications in the home and arranging for an array of services may enable the elderly to stay out of a long-term care facility longer, according to U.S. News & World Report. Although this choice doesn’t come with the social benefits of villages, it gives seniors the profound comfort and pleasure of more years in their own home.
Home modifications can significantly promote independent living. These changes would include building an outdoor ramp and widening doorways to permit easy maneuverability of a walker or wheelchair. The bathroom is a critical area, but installing a floor-level shower and grab bars as well as using a raised toilet seat and shower bench can make a big difference. Removing area rugs and other potential obstacles can reduce the risk of falling.
When seniors are no longer able to cook, various organizations can help. Meals on Wheels delivers frozen meals that accommodate special dietary restrictions. This need may also be met by churches or senior homes that offer meals in a community dining setting.
A geriatric care manager can assist seniors in finding local resources for other services. When housekeeping becomes difficult, a cleaning crew can be hired to come every other week. If vision and health problems make driving unsafe, groceries can be ordered online and delivered; Mobile Markets is a grocery delivery service for seniors. Some communities have volunteers that provide rides to doctors’ appointments and other places.
Hiring a Caregiver
Some seniors need more than modifications and services to be able to stay in their home. If they have the income to cover the expense, they can have a caregiver 24/7. If this isn’t necessary, they can hire a caregiver for four to six hours per day for an average cost of $21 per hour. A home health agency nurse could also visit daily to check on vital signs and medications.
Moving in with Children
One in six American households is multigenerational, reports Safewise. Moving in with children presents the advantage of maximal personal involvement, but it can pose challenges when everyone is accustomed to having their own space. Some homes have an attic, basement, or area over the garage that can be transformed into separate living quarters for a senior. Another option is to purchase a MEDCottage or “Granny pod,” which is a freestanding unit with all the amenities of home that can be installed on the property.
If a senior is alone at home all day, an adult daycare center could be of value. The staff monitors medications and provides crafts, games, and other amusements. On average, these centers cost $76 per day.
Joining a Retirement Community
Moving to a home or apartment in an age-restricted community can come with several perks such as meals, transportation, cleaning, and on-call medical care. This is a choice to consider for seniors who are relatively independent and only need the availability of services.
Adult Foster Care
Regulated by states and counties, adult foster care is less expensive than assisted living and nursing home facilities, with nationwide costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per month, reports Paying for Senior Care. In this scenario, one to three seniors are cared for in a home. They receive personal care, meals, and supervision, along with assistance with toileting, bathing, and medications.
Group Living
Group living was discussed in more detail previously in the Silver Standard News. It involves several friends moving in together, which is similar to the village network but on a smaller scale. This concept offers an economic advantage because the friends can share expenses. It also means the seniors always have someone with whom to share activities and engage in conversation. In addition, group living affords safety because the friends can get help if a senior falls or needs medical attention.
A one-size-fits-all choice doesn’t exist, as preferences and needs will vary. Notwithstanding, the elderly can take heart that a move to a facility isn’t necessarily an inevitability. In many cases, they may select among alternatives that permit them either to stay in their own home or to move to a family member’s or friend’s home. All of the options have multiple positives.
Full Article & Source:
From The Silver Standard’s Elder Abuse Reform Now Project: An Alternative to Nursing Home Care
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