 | Chet West
is the Administrator and Partner of LakePoint Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at 13th and West Street, formally Terrace Gardens. Chet had been the Administrator and Partner of Terrace Gardens for over 26 years until it sold in 1996. During that time he was active in the Kansas Health Care Association for a number of years and served as President of that association. You may contact Chet by e-mail at chet @lakepointnc.com, or by phone at (316) 943-1294. |
Senior Living
2003-01-01 11:22:00
Senior housing options
: What are the different housing options for seniors and how do they differ?
ANSWER: There are several in most every area throughout the country. Here are the most common:Independent Living or Senior Apartments: Designed for residents who can live independently and walk without assistance. Most senior apartments offer laundry and housekeeping services and provide meals and transportation.Assisted Living: Designed for residents who need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - bathing, dressing, eating, mobility or toileting. Assisted living can also offer medication supervision/administration. Assisted living homes have 24-hour staff who offer personalized assistance, supportive services, and health care in a professionally managed group environment. For seniors who cannot live alone, the assisted living combination of residential housing, health care services, and assistance with activities of daily living expands their ability to live dignified, meaningful lives.Alzheimer's Care: Designed for residents who have a tendency to wander, exhibit chronic confusion or have difficulty recognizing others.Nursing Care Facilities: Designed for individuals who need medical care on a regular basis. They are staffed with professional health care attendants. These homes are designed for residents who cannot perform ADLs on their own, are unable to walk without the assistance of a wheelchair, walker or another person or need nursing or therapy services.Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): Designed for residents who can presently live independently. CCRCs allow residents to "age in place." These facilities provide the security of being cared for, when needed, throughout the aging process.Home Health Care: Home Health Care provides many services similar to those provided at assisted living or nursing homes such as nursing care, assistance with activities of daily living, therapeutic care and may even assist in the administration of medicine. While Home Health Care permits the individual to stay in his or her home, an out-of-home facility such as an assisted living residence offers the benefits of socialization, activities, and 24-hour staffing that are generally not part of the in-home services.Hospice Care: Provides medical, counseling, and social services to individuals with a terminal illness. Hospice services also provide emotional support to the family of the patient during this taxing time. The focus of hospice care is relief from pain and control of the symptoms, rather than cure of the condition or disease.Respite Care: Provides temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. Services may include personal care such as help with eating, dressing, toileting, or transferring. Meal preparation, general supervision, and companionship may also be provided by the respite care agency.Adult Day Care: Offers daily structured programs in a community setting with activities and health-related and rehabilitation services to elderly who are physically or emotionally disabled and need a protective environment. As the name implies, care is provided during daytime hours, with the individual returning to the home for the night. An adult day care program provides a stimulating and caring environment that meets the needs of the senior, while providing some relief for family members and caregivers.
