Month: January 2014

Categories
Making the Decision

What older adults want when choosing senior living

Photo of Atria Senior Living residents enjoying dinner together

Talking to Mom or Dad about moving is the first challenge. Finding a community that offers what it takes to help them be happy and healthy is the next.

Atria Senior Living has been serving older adults and their families for more than 20 years. During that time, we have continually developed and refined key services and amenities the majority of seniors tend to prefer. Keep the following in mind when searching for the best option.

Nourishment comes in many forms

For many older adults, dining is at the top of their list. Making sure a community offers a variety of fresh, flavorful and nutritious options is a priority, and becomes even more important when an individual has special dietary restrictions.

Questions to consider include: Does the community’s meal preparations and table service fit your family member’s expectations? Do residents order from a menu with table service or are meals served buffet style? Is there a set meal each day of the week or a variety to choose from? Is the kitchen staff willing to go “off menu” for special requests? What are the kitchen’s hours? Can Mom or Dad get something to eat whenever they want?

Since dining experiences usually provide social nourishment, residents want the setting to be inviting and organized in a way that encourages connection with neighbors. Atria agrees and places a strong emphasis on bringing residents together.

Discuss these aspects of a community’s dining program with your mom or dad before making a final decision. We’ve found the overall dining experience can make a world of difference in their day-to-day life.

Discretion is advised

At Atria, we believe in treating each individual with the utmost respect and consideration. With this comes the expectation that any form of personal care a resident requires will be performed in a discreet, professional manner.

Gone are the days of waiting at a window for a little paper cup. Medications also should be provided in the privacy of a resident’s apartment.

Social engagement is a friend of good health

People are living longer than ever before, and today’s older adults expect, even demand, an active and engaging lifestyle. At Atria, we provide a monthly calendar tailored to their unique interests and talents of residents.

Social connection promotes intellectual stimulation, which is key to maintaining cognitive health in older adults. In fact, one critical reason many families give for choosing to move an older family member to senior living is the lack of social interaction they experience living at home alone.

Atria encourages families to review the events calendars at communities you’re considering. The activity program should include a variety of events, including regular group activities such as yoga and strength-training classes, book clubs, volunteer opportunities, day trips and arts and crafts workshops, for example. Also, find out if staff members at the community are willing and dedicated to making sure your parent leaves their apartment often enough to get involved, meet new people and make friends.

Location, location, location

People of all ages appreciate when familiar faces are nearby so consider the community’s physical location. One of the main concerns older people have is staying close to family and friends. Knowing people in the area where you live creates an atmosphere of safety and security.

It’s natural to spend time outside

Many seniors also want to live in a community where they can safely spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a recreation area or park, a walking path, courtyard or pool area, older adults enjoy spending time in nature. Like all of us, seniors prefer to see a lovely view of their surroundings through their windows.

Go for a test drive

The best way to choose a community that’s right for your older family member is to visit as many as possible in the locations you prefer. Request a tour and the opportunity to sample lunch or dinner. Chat with residents. Review their events calendar. Make notes about each experience to compare later. Do your homework and the ideal community will reveal itself. Happy hunting!

Categories
Alzheimer’s & Dementia

What is memory care?

Black and white image of an older woman in thought
special black and white toned photo f/x, focus point on the eye

As we grow older, forgetting a few things here and there is to be expected; in fact, absent-mindedness is fairly common. When memory loss becomes more than just a little absent-mindedness, it might be a sign of a degenerative illness such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Although memory processing may slow with age, forgetting details like your home address or the current year are signs of a considerably different issue.

The statistics regarding Alzheimer’s and dementia in the United States are staggering. According to www.alz.org, more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease and nearly 15 percent of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s are long-distance caregivers.

In response to this trend, many senior living communities now offer services that accommodate older adults with memory impairments. In our case, we call this service “Memory Care” or “Life Guidance.”

But, what does this mean?

It is our position that a person with dementia can continue to live an engaging, meaningful and joyful life. Why should their experience with aging be much different? Emotionally, they seek the same thing we all do – security, fulfillment and joy.

For these individuals and their families dealing with the challenges of dementia, we offer a forward-thinking memory care program featuring thoughtfully designed spaces, innovative programming and industry-leading quality standards.

We purposefully structure an intimate setting that allows our specially trained staff to provide more personalized care and attention. We also create welcoming, vibrant neighborhoods that feature comfortable amenities and secure outdoor spaces.

But, most importantly, we employ a whole-person approach to events programming that offers abundant opportunities tailored to personal interests.

For any memory care community, there are a few expectations you should keep in mind when you are considering your options.

First, there should be private or semi-private rooms available for your family member. This allows for as much independence as possible, with appropriate monitoring given the state of the resident’s impairment.

Of course, you should expect regular services such as daily meals, housekeeping and laundry service. There should also be careful and documented medical management services available.

An effective memory care provider should feature a full calendar of engaging events, specifically designed for those with memory impairments. Daily engagements should be planned and the caregivers should be equipped to handle these types of residents with confidence and meaningful attention.

And, of course, 24-hour assistance from a personalized team of caregivers is a necessity.

Categories
Caregiving

ALF and SNF: What’s the difference?

Women Playing Cards and having a glass of wine
Women Playing Cards --- Image by © Radius Images/Corbis

For individuals who may not be able to independently manage all of their post-hospitalization care, understanding next steps and care options is critical for a smooth recovery. A hospital discharge planner or case manager is typically responsible for helping patients and their families navigate the process of planning for a hospital discharge.

The discharge planner or case manager may recommend an assisted living facility (ALF) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for assistance during recovery. Understanding what these hospital discharge plans entail can help families make an informed decision about care.

Assisted living facility (ALF)

An ALF is a residential care option that resembles an apartment complex. Assisted living residents receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs), like getting dressed, bathing, medication management and transferring (moving from one place to another) – all provided by trained staff.

ALFs also offer services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and events designed to foster connection.

Who can live in an ALF?

Eligibility for living in an ALF varies according to each state’s regulations, but it generally involves needing assistance with at least two ADLs.

In addition to assisted living, many senior living communities offer independent living. There aren’t minimum care requirements for independent living, and choosing a community that offers both living options allows residents to age in place as their care needs change. It can also offer couples with different care needs the ability to live together while having access to the right level of support.

How to pay for assisted living

ALFs are private pay. Though you may be planning an assisted living short-term stay due to increased care needs, these communities are not covered by Medicare or health insurance. Depending on the policy, long-term care insurance may cover assisted living.

Skilled nursing facility (SNF)

SNFs, or skilled nursing facilities, are designed for individuals requiring a higher level of medical care, often involving nursing staff and regular medical procedures.

Who can live in a SNF?

Skilled nursing facilities offer a level of care that can only be administered by trained, registered nurses. For those with acute or chronic illness, a SNF may be the best option for providing adequate care. This might include wound care, injections, ostomy care and tube feedings.

How to pay for a SNF

Sometimes referred to as nursing homes, SNFs offer various payment options, though it’s important to note that Medicare does not cover long-term stays. Under specific conditions, Medicare may cover a SNF for a limited time.

Those considering a SNF should be prepared to use personal assets for care costs until potentially qualifying for state assistance programs like Medicaid. The admissions office at the SNF may be able to help you apply for Medicaid.

Finding the right care

When older adults are in the hospital, physicians and case managers may think a SNF is the only answer. However, assisted living can offer a safe and engaging nursing home alternative, providing the necessary care without the costs associated with intensive medical services.
Receiving a thorough care assessment by an ALF can help your family determine if assisted living can meet your needs.

Looking for assisted care facilities near you? Browse nearby communities.