AFS Chicago - Spring/Summer 2024

continued from previous page Independent Living These communities, often referred to as Retirement or Congregate Living, are designed specifically for independent senior adults in an apartment like setting with 24- hour on-site supervision. Services usually include, but in some cases are optional: meals, laundry and housekeeping. Social Activities are usually entertaining and educational and help to foster a great sense of community among the residents. Only private pay is accepted in the rental communities. Assisted Living Residential Care Assisted Living, the largest growing type of housing, provides a special combination of residential housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed for the individual needs of those requiring help with activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, grooming, etc.), and do not require skilled medical care provided in a nursing home. There are a variety of names and license designations in different parts of the country: Board and Care, Residential Care, Community Based Retirement Facilities, Personal Care, Adult Living, Adult Foster Care. However, the growing generic term throughout the country is “Assisted Living”. Services and level of care will vary, however most Communities provide assistance with daily activities, meals, laundry, housekeeping, and are NOT government subsidized. Assisted Living Communities offer a wide range of choices from the cozy familiarity of a single family home to the more extensive apartment style environment. These communities can be free standing or part of a Continuing Care Community that provides independent, assisted and nursing care, or specialized services may be brought into independent retirement communities. Memory Care Many Assisted Living communities cater to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related memory disorders. There is a growing trend towards specialized communities that provide care and housing tailored to the special needs of individuals with this disease. What sets these facilities apart is the care provided that fosters residents individual skills and interests in an environment that helps to diminish confusion and agitation. Specialty services are provided in a secure environment by specially trained professional staff skilled in handling the behavior associated with memory impairments. Nursing / Rehab Centers Provides room and board, personal care, protection supervision and medical care, licensed and regulated by the State Department of Public Health. Individually certified by the State for Medicare and Medicaid. Facilities accept a variety of payment options: Medicare/Medi-Cal, Medicaid, private insurance, and private funds. Three levels of care are provided: • Basic Care – Required to maintain a resident's activity of daily living. Personal care, ambulation, supervision and safety. • Skilled Care - Requires the services of a registered nurse, on a regular basis, for treatments and procedures. • Sub-Acute - Comprehensive inpatient care designed for someone who has had an acute illness, injury, or exacerbation of a disease process. S EARCH O NLINE 24/7: AlternativeforSeniors.com description of alternatives Please say “We Found You in Alternatives for Seniors ” , Spring/Summer 2024 7 Looking for Senior Housing?