Alternatives to Assisted Living: How Your Loved One Can Age in Place
Assisted living is a residential option for older adults who want to live independently but still receive the support they need. However, nearly 90% of older adults want to age in place. Aging in place is a great choice, but it’s not the best option for everyone. Does that mean it’s assisted living or nothing? Of course not! Fortunately, there are alternatives to assisted living that may help older adults age in place while still getting the support and care they need. If you’re an older adult looking for that kind of arrangement, you’re in the right place. Here are a few ways you can age in place safely and comfortably.
Home Care
Home care is one of the most popular alternatives to assisted living. With home care, you or your loved one can receive assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication reminders. Home care allows people to stay in their own homes, where they are most comfortable and familiar. Additionally, it can help people maintain their independence and avoid moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Home care workers can help with a wide range of services, from personal care services to light housekeeping and even transportation. Some home care workers can even provide skilled nursing, such as wound care and medication management.
There are a variety of home care services available, so it’s important to find the right ones for your individual needs. You can talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about home care options, or you can contact a home care agency.
How Much Does Home Care Cost in 2024?
In the US, the average monthly cost of homemaker services is $5,720. The average monthly cost of a home healthcare aid is $6,292.
How Can I Pay for Home Care?
Private pay: You can pay for home care out of your pocket.
Long-term care insurance: This type of insurance can help pay for home care services.
Medicaid: This government program can help pay for home care services for low-income individuals.
Medicare: Medicare generally does not pay for long-term care. However, it will pay for medically necessary care received at home.
Veteran benefits: Veterans may be eligible for home care services through the Veterans Administration.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care is a community-based program that provides supervision and care for adults who need assistance during the day but who do not require 24-hour nursing care. Typically, adult day care provides healthcare services, social programs, arts and crafts, and meals. Adult day care can also provide relief for caregivers, who may need a break from caring for their loved ones. It’s an especially good fit for older adults who are socially isolated and would benefit from structured activities.
How Much Does Adult Day Care Cost in 2024?
In the US, the average monthly cost of adult day care is $2,058.
How can I pay for adult day care?
Private pay: Private pay allows seniors or their loved ones to cover the cost of adult day care services out of pocket.
Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that can help pay for the cost of long-term care, including adult day care. This can be a good option for people who are concerned about the cost of long-term care.
Medicaid: Medicaid may pay for many services that Medicare will not, including adult day care.
Veterans Benefits: The Aid & Attendance program can be utilized to pay for adult day care services, as well as other long-term care services.
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments, also known as independent living communities, are specifically designed housing complexes for older adults who want to maintain their independence but desire a supportive and accessible living environment. These apartments offer a range of features and amenities that cater to the needs and preferences of seniors. Additionally, senior apartments are designed with accessibility in mind. They incorporate a wide range of safety features, such as wider doorways, grab bars in bathrooms, lever-style door handles, and step-free entrances. These features help seniors navigate their living spaces safely and independently. Many senior apartments have emergency response systems, such as pull cords or wearable devices, that allow residents to call for help in case of an emergency.
How can I pay for senior apartments?
Personal savings: Most seniors pay for senior apartments with personal savings. This can include a pension, retirement account, or Social Security.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, are senior living communities that offer a continuum of care, ranging from independent living to skilled nursing care. This means that residents can age in place within the community and receive the level of care they need as their needs change.
Types of Care Offered in CCRCs
Independent Living: This is the most basic level of care offered in CCRCs. Residents live in apartments or cottages and can perform most activities of daily living (ADLs) on their own.
Assisted Living: For residents who need some assistance with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, assisted living provides personal care services and supervision.
Skilled Nursing Care: For residents who require more intensive medical care, skilled nursing care provides 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services, and specialized medical treatment.
Living with Your Family
Sometimes called intergenerational housing, this may be the most perfect alternative to aging in place. You can either ask your kids, grandkids, or even college students to move into your home. Or you can move into their home! However you decide to approach this arrangement, it has a lot of benefits, too! From safety to companionship to shared costs, there’s no shortage of positives! Of course, as with anything else, there are some negatives, too. You may have to remodel your home and adjust your lifestyle. This can be a difficult transition if you’re used to living a certain way. However, many might feel that the negatives outweigh the positives. Make sure you do your research and make the decision that’s best for you and your individual needs!
Technology
Technology has come a long way, especially in the last few years. While technology has its drawbacks, it can help you age in place and maintain your independence, safety, and quality of life. Wearable devices and sensors can continuously monitor vital signs, physical activity, and fall detection, providing real-time data to caregivers or healthcare providers. This allows for early intervention and prompt assistance in case of an emergency. Meanwhile, smart home technology can automate various aspects of daily living, such as lighting control, thermostat adjustment, and door lock management. Video conferencing and telemedicine platforms allow individuals to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for frequent trips to the doctor’s office. This is particularly beneficial for those with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.
Bottom Line
The best alternative for you or your loved one will depend on their individual needs and preferences. Remember to consider all of your options before making a decision. Ultimately, assisted living may be the right choice—and that’s perfectly okay! If you’re looking for even more great articles about assisted living, make sure to check out these next:
Popular Articles About Assisted Living
Originally published May 29, 2024
Author(s):
