Senior living options have evolved in recent decades to include vibrant, multi-level communities that cover a spectrum of housing — from active, age-restricted neighborhoods to full-time, skilled nursing facilities. Finding the right one for you or your parents is like choosing a college. Gather information and visit several. Then determine what fits your personal preferences and budget.
“Choosing a community is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make,” says Donna Anderson, Director of Marketing at Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson. “You need to take time and evaluate your choices.”
No Place Like…
The newest in senior living options is the life plan community or continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Northeast Ohio, says Anderson, “has a high concentration of great senior living options ranging from 55+ condo and apartment communities to multi-level CCRCs. And, in fact, our state is second only to Pennsylvania in the total number of CCRCs. Pennsylvania has 190, Ohio has 150.”
Laurel Lake, for example, is one of the region’s largest CCRCs. The options for folks 62+ start with Independent Living apartments and villas. When care needs increase, residents can bring in more services or move to assisted living. For more care, a licensed 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation center is available.
This isn’t just any senior living community. Residents — the average is in their late 70s — enjoy a maintenance-free home and amenities such as an aquatic and fitness center, restaurants, a salon, library, gift shop/convenience store, three-hole practice golf course, six-mile nature trail and more.
Programs include more than 100 activities, classes, interest groups, concerts and excursions. Wellness services to support a healthy lifestyle consist of a wellness clinic, therapy center, podiatry, audiology, dental and vision care and in-home caregiver service. Laurel Lake Hospice, support groups, and a 24-hour emergency call system are also available.
“Staying in your own home sounds good to most people, especially at first. But over time, you may find that (a) maintaining your house becomes a constant source of worry and expense; (b) some expensive modifications may be required to make it safe and accessible as you age in place,” says Anderson. “You may find yourself becoming isolated, and it may become harder to connect with people and enjoy the socialization so essential to a healthy lifestyle.”
CCRCs like Laurel Lake address these issues.
Wesleyan Meadows in Sheffield Village, affiliated with Wesleyan Village in Elyria, is a Life Plan Community that provides many lifestyle choices and care on its 36-acre, natural campus. And, like Laurel Lake, they offer membership options.
“Like a country club, a membership gives you benefits,” says Tracey Murphy, Senior Sales Director. “You receive the Wesleyan promise that if you outlive your resources through no fault of your own, you don’t have to worry that you’ll have to move. You have placement for the different levels of care you need.”
She says that most people use the proceeds of their home sale for this guarantee, so they don’t have to worry about future housing and medical care.
Wesleyan resident Judy McDonald says, “My children all live out of state. I decided the best gift I could give them was not having to worry about me as I grow older. They will not have to make arrangements for me when assisted care is needed. One thing that I appreciate is that I got to decide where I wanted to live.”
“Membership” and amenities — similar to college requirements, costs and services — vary among organizations. That’s why research and onsite visits are so important.
For those just starting to research the spectrum of senior-living options, Murphy offers a glossary of the most common terms used to identify stand-alone or community living environments. Not all senior living communities offer all types of living.
Life Plan Community
Also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Life Plan Communities offer a full spectrum of care and living choices. Seniors choosing this option pay an entrance fee to live within the community, along with a monthly fee. In exchange for the entrance fee, the Life Plan Community agrees to care for the resident throughout their lifetime and to assist residents with moving through the care continuum. Entrance fees, monthly fees, services, benefits and amenities will vary.
Active Adult
An age-restricted community of individual housing units. Residents often enjoy maintenance services as well as the opportunity to build friendships. Many communities feature a clubhouse or community center. Services such as meals and housekeeping are the responsibility of the resident.
Independent Living
A non-licensed residential living setting, usually apartment-style living, for older adults who need little to no assistance. Dining and housekeeping services are available as part of the residency agreement or for an additional fee. Social opportunities are available and additional services such as daily wellness checks or supportive services may be offered.
Assisted Living
A licensed care setting providing supportive services 24/7. Housing is an apartment/studio. Residents receive assistance with activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/transferring) as needed. Medication management/administration and health assessments are provided by a licensed nurse. Physician services may or may not be available onsite.
Memory Care
A licensed, specialized environment for individuals with memory impairment because of Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia or cognitive impairments. These care services are similar to assisted-living with a stronger focus on engagement and socialization.
Nursing Home/Skilled-Nursing Facility
A licensed facility featuring private or shared rooms that provides 24/7 nursing and/or healthcare. Nursing homes provide a high level of care that cannot be provided in Assisted Living. While short-term stays can be accommodated, nursing homes are known for caring for those who need long-term care. Long-term care can be very expensive; therefore, most nursing homes are certified to accept Medicaid.
