It can be difficult to know whom to trust with your own health and safety or that of a grandparent, parent, or spouse.
Joining an assisted living community and hiring an in-home care provider are common ways families ensure loved ones do not have to face their daily routines alone.
Assisted Living
Quality assisted living facilities provide round-the-clock supervision by trained professionals. These residences specialize in long-term care, providing an alternative home for seniors. All facilities do not come equal, so make an informed choice by reading reviews on service providers in your area and talking with friends and neighbors about their experiences.
In fact, assisted living residences are designed so residents can “age in place” once they have moved in, and they quickly acclimate to their new home. Community values are encouraged, and residents are given opportunities for positive social interaction. Amenities, such as the gym, pool, hair salon, library, and grocery store may be on-site.
Along with the many conveniences, the staff often takes care of laundry, transportation, food preparation, prescription management, and administration of medicine. While assisted living facilities are not suited for people who require skilled nursing professionals, residents can receive medical care for acute or chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s. If needed, assistants supervise daily routine activities such as dressing, eating, and bathing.
Meals, room, and board are included in the cost of living in an assisted residence. According to AARP, four out of five clients pay out of pocket for the cost of assisted living. On average, Pennsylvania seniors spend $3,600 per month, but the price varies depending on location, which can be estimated using the Cost of Care Calculator. Other options for managing the expenses include: long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, life insurance, state assistance programs, or a combination of personal and family assets.
In-Home Care
Elderly adults who live in their homes alone or have a condition that limits their independence but do not wish to leave their familiar surroundings can hire a caretaker to come to their address. Some people fill the position by personally interviewing candidates, and others hire through an agency that supplies trained direct care professionals. The type of provider and the number of hours per day can be tailored to the client’s budget and specific needs.
Dementia and frailty are common reasons people bring a caregiver into the home. Subject to their professional training, caregivers perform a variety of duties for their clients. They can simply serve as companions, or they can groom, prepare meals, remind about medications, bathe, and assist on the toilet.
In Pennsylvania, the average hourly cost for an in-home care provider is $21.50. In addition to the expense management options available for assisted living, seniors may qualify for partial coverage of a part-time in-home care provider through Medicare or Medicaid.
Pennsylvania Residents
Choosing the right form of senior living requires a significant time commitment, but it is worthwhile for the happiness and peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. Whether choosing an in-home care services or an assisted living residence, the greatest importance lies in having a healthy support system for seniors in need. Pennsylvania understands this priority and is taking steps toward the advancement of its senior citizens.
Effective October 1, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s plan is designed to improve the quality of life for the commonwealth’s population 60 years and older. Nearly 2.9 million residents fit into this demographic, and this population is expected to grow rapidly before the plan expires on September 30, 2020. The primary goals of the new PDA state plan include promoting, making more accessible, and enhancing the performance of programs and services supporting older Pennsylvanians, such as options for those in need of assisted living, in-home care, or other senior care providers.