COMMON Q&A
What are Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes are a solution that caters to seniors who typically cannot be cared for in the community
or at home. Residents typically never return to independent living. At the same time, residents can
most often escape the drawbacks of a hospital by staying in a nursing home where a doctor provides the
necessary health supervision under the supervision and regulation of state health boards. It is not
uncommon for nursing home costs to exceed $50,000 on an annualized basis although Medicare,
Medicaid and/or private insurance usually cover most of these expenses.
What is an Assisted Living Facility?
"Assisted Living" is an all-encompassing term used to describe facilities in which residents enjoy
a relative sense of independent freedom yet still require help with certain day-to-day tasks such
as meal or medicine preparation, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, etc. Assisted living
facilities typically offer a menu of services and amenities consisting of social and recreational
activities for seniors, social areas, dining rooms and more. Most facilities also offer "a la carte"
service for an additional fee above and beyond a base monthly rent. Assisted living communities are
usually a good fit for seniors needing limited help with their daily routine. Monthly costs typically
start at $1,500 per month on the low end, and can exceed $7,000 per month on the high side. These
costs are sometimes covered under a long-term care insurance plan.
Home Health Care Services
These services essentially replicate those provided by assisted living facilities, but at the senior's
home. Some of the specialties offered by Home Health Care Providers typically include: preparation of
meals, housekeeping, support with medication, skilled nursing services, physical, occupational and
speech therapy, etc. The idea is to enable seniors to live independently in their own homes.
Alzheimer's Care Facilities
As their name indicates, these facilities cater to people with problems of dementia ranging from
memory loss to Alzheimer's disease. These facilities are designed with the programs and staff to handle
the special needs of those suffering from dementia-related ailments.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
The concept behind CCRC housing communities is to provide multiple levels of care based on a
resident's special needs with the goal of allowing a senior to maintain the maximum amount of freedom
and independence. As they age, or as their situation changes, residents are moved from one setting to
another, but continue to remain part of the same CCRC community.
