Choices and consideration | Lifestyle | tulsapeople.com – tulsapeople.com
When it comes to senior living communities, choosing the right one can be a challenge.
The options are vast, and the various types of senior living communities run the gamut, explains Tammy Brown, interim CEO of Montereau Retirement Community.
“Montereau is a continuum of care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community,” Brown says. “We have all levels of living, including independent, traditional assisted living, assisted living memory care and long-term/skilled nursing care. Other options for senior living include aging-in-place in your own home with assistance; senior co-housing communities; senior home sharing; and stand-alone nursing, respite care, assisted living, memory care and hospice care facilities.”
Although diverse options are a good thing, coupled with COVID-19-related concerns it can make an already overwhelming decision downright disheartening. The good news is, you and your loved ones can begin the discussion of senior living options armed with information from the experts.
Plan ahead, respectfully
“Family members involved in caregiving for a loved one should participate and should also be respectful of the needs and desires of the person who will be living in the facility,” says Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma state director. “Deciding when to have these important conversations is as unique as the individual.
“However, it is wise to periodically assess your loved one’s needs and, ideally, agree on a plan before it is needed.”
Brown agrees the timing and individuals involved will vary from person to person. She adds, “(It) will depend on what your expectations are for your day-to-day life, health and financial status. When considering senior living alternatives, you should involve your family, financial advisor and physician.”
Visitation policies
“Individuals should check with the facility in advance to inquire about visitation policies, as they vary,” as the pandemic has changed day-to-day operations for assisted living facilities, whose policies are expected to continue, Voskuhl says. “Facilities may require advance scheduling, require a temperature check, and enforce physical distancing or masking.”
Amenities versus cost
“Amenities and cost will differ based on the form of out-of-home care you select,” Voskuhl explains. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but asking key questions and prioritizing amenities important to your loved one will help narrow the field.”
Amenities might include transportation services, group outings, laundry and housekeeping services, cultural programs and activities, private dining or catering, libraries, game rooms and more.
“Often, families consider continuing care retirement communities — which are part independent living, part assisted living and part skilled nursing home — because the facilities offer a tiered approach to the aging process. They say the ‘step up’ approach eases transitions along the way,” Voskuhl says.
Whatever the offerings, Voskuhl advises family members to get clear information on costs and the details for all financial arrangements.
To further assist with the planning process, AARP has developed “Prepare to Care: A Planning Guide for Families.” You can request a complimentary guide at aarp.org/caregiving or call 877–333-5885.
COVID-19 and loved ones in care facilities
“We know Oklahomans living and working in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” says Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma state director. He suggests if you have an older spouse, sibling, parent or other loved one in a nursing home, you ask the following eight questions:
1. What is the status of COVID-19 vaccinations in the facility?
2. Has anyone at the facility tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks?
3. What is the facility doing to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks?
4. Does the staff have sufficient levels of personal protective equipment — masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, gowns and gloves — to keep both staff and residents safe?
5. What is the nursing home doing to help residents stay connected with their families or other loved ones during this time?
6. How is the facility communicating important information to residents and their loved ones on a regular basis?
7. Is the nursing home currently at full staffing levels for nurses, aides and other workers?
8. How are healthy-living programs being maintained?
