Rick Giese Explains the Different Senior Living Options That Are Available in Southeastern Michigan

CHESTERFIELD TWP, Mich. - Sept. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- Continuing Care Communities

Continuing Care means forever, but at additional expense as you need more care, and not necessarily on the same premises. The terms “pay-as-you-go” and “a la carte” are definitions used for programs at Continuing Care Communities. There is usually an initial entrance fee, and then the additional care you receive is priced as it is provided. A prorated portion of the entrance fee is usually refunded depending on the length of time a person resides in the community.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities are appropriate for individuals who are unable to function in an independent environment, but who don’t require the level of supervision and care provided in a skilled nursing community. Most residents need some assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, housekeeping, and medication monitoring. The staff oversees these things as well as offers social activities and outings for shopping or doctor appointments. Residents are free to come and go as they please and have access to in-house amenities, such as salons and whirlpool tubs.
These types of communities are private pay and vary in price. They are rented on a month-to-month basis, although some may require a lease. Apartments are small and sometimes include a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator. Meals are provided in a common dining area, usually three times daily.

Independent Retirement Communities

Independent retirement communities are not licensed and offer a variety services. They usually have a minimum age requirement and rent from month to month. The key here is that they are “independent” retirement communities, meaning they DO NOT provide medical care. Most will arrange for independent home health services to come in if needed temporarily; however, when a person is required to have ongoing medical care, they will no longer be eligible to live in the community.
Independent Retirement Communities typically offer full kitchens, some meals in a common dining room, housekeeping, paid utilities (except telephone and cable), laundry facilities, 24-hour staffing, and private areas for tenant use. Since these communities are not licensed, they can charge whatever the market will bear and are not subject to uniform regulations like licensed communities. Some are affiliated with churches, schools, and other community programs.

Skilled Nursing Communities

Skilled nursing communities are known historically as “rest homes” or “nursing homes.” Residents at these communities are typically unable to live independently and need more medical assistance than assisted living communities will provide.
Skilled communities offer 24-hour nursing care, assistance with bathing, feeding, grooming, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medically necessary services. A nursing care community can be a temporary arrangement while someone is recovering from surgery or a stroke, or it can be permanent if a person is going to need ongoing medical care and/or supervision. Levels of care in nursing communities can vary from unit to unit within the same community, some offering more or less services than others. There are no age requirements for living in nursing communities; therefore, persons of any age with chronic illnesses or injuries may also reside there.

Memory Care

Many skilled nursing communities have added a section designed specifically for dementia patients and their special needs. Some Lifecare and Continuing Care Communities have also added special Alzheimer’s care. These areas are typically secured and require a code for access in and out for the safety of those residents who have a tendency to wander. All specialized units are different, so it is important to ask questions and tour the entire community to get a feel for the overall care provided and services offered.

Planned Adult Communities

Planned Adult Communities are characterized by clusters of apartments and condominiums or single-family homes built around a core of services and amenities. Residents can own their own property and must abide by the covenants, codes, and restrictions administered by a governing body which deals with the policies of the community facilities, property requirements, charges and assessments, and provisions of the association of homeowners. In some parts of the country, these types of communities are promoted as recreational and are located on golf courses and lakes.

Condos, Townhomes, and Duplexes

If a person would prefer to live in a multi-generational environment and not in an exclusively senior community, but needs maintenance-free living, there is the option of a condominium, townhouse, or duplex. Downsizing from a large home with a large yard to a duplex with a small yard may prove to be a helpful transition for a person who is still able to care for a household, but who may not have the stamina or desire to care for a large home and/or acreage.
With some private housekeeping assistance and lawn care provided, many empty nesters find that this transition is less stressful than an immediate move to a retirement community. It is not considered specifically a “senior” community option, but one that certainly should be considered if a person is in good physical and mental health.

Subsidized and Low Income Housing (City owned and operated)

There are a variety of senior complexes throughout the country which offer subsidized rent. Most of them are multi-level apartments, and while they do not include the lavish décor of the Lifecare and Continuing Care communities, they are typically well-maintained and affordable. Some are subsidized through HUD, while others are operated by non-profit organizations and property management companies. There are often waiting lists to get in, and once you are called with an available opening, you must make a decision quickly. If you do not accept it in a timely manner, your name will go back to the bottom of the list.

Follow us on Face book at:https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsRealEstateOfMacombMichigan

Consistently ranked as one of Southeastern Michigan's associate brokers of Equity Sales and Short Sales. Rick Giese has over 27 years of Real Estate experience and is one of the areas Rick has a strong focus on assisting homeowners in need, Rick Giese offers a straightforward no nonsense consultation designed to give you all the information and facts to enable you to make the best decision for you and your family. As every situation is different, Rick offers his insight and knowledge of the real estate transaction process and all the options available to you to get the most money the market will pay or to help you avoid foreclosure. Call Rick Giese today at toll free 1-800-274-5656 or your free consultation of your situation and sleep better tonight