Each year, the number of citizens over the age of 65 continues to grow. In just 4 more decades, there will be more seniors in the U.S. than people younger than 18. Therefore, families will increasingly wrestle with decisions about how to take care of aging parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. For those who care for a disabled child, sibling or parent, choosing a long term care facility is a gut wrenching decision.
Choosing the right type facility is a complex decision, since there are many different types of care facilities. Below is a discussion of the types of care facilities. Making a decision to place a loved one in a care facility should not be based on a single visit.
It is vital to research the facility, check with the state’s Department of Health and local aging, elder care organizations. Long term care facility (nursing home) abuse and neglect is a very real problem in this country. Therefore, choosing the right facility is such an important decision.
Independent Living/Retirement Communities
Retirement communities are much like assisted living facilities, except that seniors in retirement communities retain the ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc. Retirement communities generally offer condo or apartment type housing with some monitoring. For instance, many retirement communities offer alarm monitoring and weekly checks with residents.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities tend to suit seniors who need help with ADLs, but can otherwise function without daily medical care. Such facilities may also be ideal for individuals with disabilities.
Assisted living facilities differ in terms of the level of monitoring, services provided and housing structure. Some facilities offer medical monitoring while others do not. Newer facilities offer apartment-like housing structures, with on-site grocery stores, libraries, etc.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes offer extensive care for those who need help not only with ADLs, but also with medical monitoring and medical treatment. Nursing home residents usually require round the clock care and monitoring.
Dementia/Alzheimer Care Communities
Because dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have increased over the last few decades, more specialized care facilities are popping up. Dementia/Alzheimer care facilities offer medical care and housing specifically designed for residents, such as specialized routines for residents to lesson stress and increase familiarity and socialization. Other care facilities such as assisted living facilities or nursing homes often have special dementia/Alzheimer treatment programs.
Help Picking the Right Long Term Care Facility for Your Loved One
There are private organizations which can help families wade through the many types of facilities. Some organizations offer free services; however, the costs of the services are instead paid by providers in the network. In other words, companies which provide free services to families making these kinds of decisions get paid by the care facilities within the company’s network. Therefore, families should not choose a care facility based solely on the recommendation from such companies.
About Our Pennsylvania, New Jersey Nursing Home Accident & Abuse Lawyers
Our lawyers are passionate about the rights of residents of long term care facilities such as nursing homes and represent victims of abuse or negligence. Please call the firm for more information or schedule a free initial consultation. (215) 985-0777
Our lawyers are skilled at handling nursing home negligence, abuse and assault cases in the Pennsylvania area, including Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Our lawyers also handle nursing home accident cases in the New Jersey area.
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