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Judy Montague
Judy Montague is the Director of Nursing at Chaucer Estates Retirement and Assisted Living, located at 10550 E. 21st North in Wichita. Judy loves the assisted living industry and its residents and believes in the philosophy, "The resident always comes first." You can reach Judy at Chaucer Estates (316) 630-8111.
Senior Living
2005-11-01 16:19:00
Senior living... decisions
: I am helping my parents decide on senior living options. They are still very active, enjoy travel and social events. Their concern in finding a senior living facility is that they will be separated as their health needs change. Is there a system that will keep them together regardless of their health?      
ANSWER: A major question for those who are considering an independent living community is how to meet their future health care needs. It is important to have a specific plan covering various contingencies. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer seniors long-term contracts that guarantee lifelong shelter and access to specified health care services. CCRC residents enjoy an independent lifestyle with the knowledge that if they become sick or frail, their needs will  be met. Most CCRCs provide a variety of residential services, which may be covered by monthly fees or be available at extra cost, depending on the contract. Services routinely offered include meals, recreation facilities, apartment cleaning and maintenance, grounds maintenance, prescribed diet, transportation, utilities, and special care during illness. The continuum of care offered in a CCRC typically begins with independent living in an apartment or cottage and proceeds through increasing levels of care, including personal care (or assisted living) when it is needed. Independent living communities are residential communities for active older adults who want an enjoyable lifestyle free of the worries and trouble of home maintenance. They are similar to any apartment, condominium, or single-family development, except that they provide special services, including security-an important consideration for many residents. Residents can leave home for extended periods of time knowing that their living quarters will be safe. Many independent living communities provide a full range of activities that promote social contact among residents. Shopping trips, outings to cultural events, and organized gatherings are typical activities. Most offer a variety of meal plans, including the option of preparing meals in your own apartment.In the case of your parent's concerns about remaining together, many of the CCRC communities are strategically designed so that if one person's health concerns determine that they need to move to another level of service, the spouse can remain in their independent living area which is in close proximity, or move to the next level of care as well. When choosing a CCRC with your parents, request an information packet from every CCRC you are considering. Read it carefully. Visit each one. Dine with residents; talk with staff; read the residents' handbook. Assess the management's philosophy and its relationship with residents, keeping in mind your parent's own needs.
 
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