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As we age, our needs change. Living an active, independent life is directly correlated to health, vision and the ability to make decisions. If any or each of these aspects of our lives become impaired, accommodations must be considered. It's hard to predict the future but it's important to look to the options ahead as we get older. Assisted Living, the largest growing type of housing, provides a unique combination of residential housing, personalized support services and healthcare designed to the individual needs of those requiring help with activities of daily life, but not in need of skilled medical care. A variety of services are available ina assisted living communnities. Most communities provide assistance with:
Assistance with medications differs according to state regulations and may include storage, assistance, monitoring, and record keeping. Assisted living communities can be free standing, part of a continuing care community that provides independent, assisted and nursing care, affiliated with a nursing home, or specialized services brought into independent retirement communities. A consumer checklist of important services, amenities and accommodations in Assisted Living communities can be found at http://www.senioralternatives.com www.senioralternatives.com . At the site click on back to top Imagine yourself disabled, too ill to take care of yourself or with a condition requiring regular medical attention. You require more care than you or your family can provide. Home care is an excellent and cost-effective alternative to hospital care or other institutional care. The home care industry is dedicated to providing high quality care and support services in the home. Home care services are available on a basis of daily visits, monthly visits, or hourly care, up to 24 hours a day. You can choose to receive health care at home with the assistance of a home health agency. Through these agencies, a family with an ill child or a disabled parent is able to be together. Those who may benefit from home care services include:
Who Provides Home Care? Many people can be part of a home health care team. The composition of your care-giving team depends somewhat on what type of home health agency is providing the care. Private duty services can include medical and non-medical care. For example, a private duty service could assist with shopping, laundry, meals and companionship. Generally, the cost of care through a private duty agency is paid for by the patient or an insurance plan. A private duty service can usually assist the patient in determining possible insurance coverage. A wide range of services provided by nurses and other health care professionals are available through home health agencies. The services offered by most agencies may include:
A certified home health agency is in compliance with the regulations of Medicare and Medicaid. The care available through a certified agency is generally restricted to skilled nursing care. The cost of care through a certified agency is typically paid for by Medicare or Medicaid. Some insurance plans may also pay for the cost of care through a certified agency. State regulations vary. back to top Nursing homes provide room and board, personal care, protection supervision and medical care, licensed and regulated by State Departments of Public Health. The facilities are individually certified by the State for Medicare and Medicaid. Facilities accept a variety of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance carriers, and private funds. There are three levels of care provided by nursing homes: Basic Care - Defined as the level of services required to maintain a resident's activity of daily living. Includes personal care, ambulation, supervision and safety. This care can be provided by a nurse aide, practical nurse or a family member. Advance Directives for Health Care An "advance directive" is a written document in which you specify what type of medical care you want in the future should your lose the ability to make those decisions for yourself. Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care are two types of advance directives. The durable power of attorney focuses on WHO makes the health care decision. The living will is concerned with WHAT the decision is. Also, a living will is limited to care during terminal illness or permanent uncousiousness. A dureable power of attorney for health care care be applicable during temporary disability. For a complete discussion on the various aspects of Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care, visit http://www.senioralternatives.com. back to top © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.
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