3 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

substantially more for skilled nursing services. There are a couple of financial aid programs through your State's Council on Aging and Medicaid that may be able to help with the expense of in-home care for low-income individuals. The discharge planner at your local hospital can be a good source of referral for information on home health care providers in your area. Check to see if there is a social services agency on aging or elder care. They can assist you and your parent in finding services and applying for financial assistance.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

If your parent, for whatever reason, can no longer remain in their own home or live with another family member, Assisted Living facilities are certainly the next best thing, providing an intermediate level of long-term care in a home-like environment. Residents of these facilities have a private housekeeping apartment or assisted living house that they can furnish with their own possessions and in their own way to maintain a sense of being at home. Residents receive help with meals, bathing and personal care, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, taking their medications, and managing health conditions. Staff is available 24/7 to provide services, respond to emergencies, and monitor resident safety. The facilities conduct exercise programs, recreational activities, outings and social gatherings. The emphasis is on building a sense of community, promoting socialization, and keeping residents active and engaged in daily living.

The entire focus is on helping the residents live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. These facilities are not an alternative to nursing home care, however. Most are not equipped or licensed to provide any skilled nursing care, but they can and do accommodate residents with substantial mental and physical disabilities quite successfully.

The cost of care in an assisted living facility is often equal to, or not much more than. the cost of securing health care services in your own home. There may be financial assistance available for low income residents through the same social service agencies that help supplement the cost of home health care services. The social worker or admissions coordinator at the assisted living facility can advise you.

Contact your local Senior Center, hospital discharge coordinator, Senior Information and Assistance social service agency, and the Internet for more information on home health care providers and assisted living facilities in your area.

Learn more about this author, Jean M. La Rue.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Assisted living: Resources and options?
We want to hear your view. Write now!