An Option for Living
Offering Choice, Independence, Dignity
Individuality, and Privacy

Until recently, when one could no longer provide for all their own needs, the options were extremely limited. If family was willing, the person could move in with relatives, however this solution often had disasterous results. It was difficult for parents to give up their lifestyles when they moved in with children, to say nothing of having to squeeze a lifetime of memories into 1 room. Inviting friends over required first asking permission to say nothing about daily problems such as the choice of television shows, what to eat, and even the time to eat. When everyone else went either to work or school, an aide had to come in to assist in the activities of daily living that the senior could not provide by him/herself.

Of course, one could choose to go into a nursing or retirement home. The problem was that, while the person might need some assistance during the day, there really wasn't a need for 24-hour nursing assistance. Privacy, choice, independence, individuality, and often dignity were found to be in a distant second place behind the daily routine of structured care. Assisted Living Residences and Programs offer a positive solution for providing seniors with an option for living that understands and respects the lifestyle changes that often accompanies growing older. The resident lives in a private apartment, can either eat in the Dining Room or their apartment, and can participate in the wide array of activities and programs that occur daily. Trained aides are present around the clock and while they are there to assist, they are also there to encourage the resident to maintain a degree of activity that matches their abilities.

The key to success is understanding the importance of Aging in Place. Assisted Living provides progressively increasing services in Activities of Daily Living and Nursing supervision up to a predetermined limit. In fact, many facilities view their residents as "family" and are willing to extend these limits to allow individuals to maintain a degree of normalcy in their lives.

For many seniors, the decision to move into Assisted Living Residence has been based on cost rather than the level of care needed. Depending on the level of care and the basic services offered, an individual could expect to pay $3,000 a month or more. Obviously, this appealed to only a small segment of the total senior population and left few, if any, options available to seniors living on a modest fixed income. Many states are sponsoring Medicaid-funded Assisted Living Programs for seniors living in subsidized housing. These programs provide the advantages of an Assisted Living Residence, however the recipient continues to live in their current building. In fact, for less cost than a home health aide, the senior receives in-home care, assistance in activities of daily living, 3 meals every day, and access to social and recreational programs.

If you would like more information on Assisted Living, either as a resident or a provider, please contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.