Diverse Residential and Support Programs Provide Older Adults with More Choices of Lifestyle Options

Pat Costello, R.N., from The Allendale Community for Mature Living, Answers Questions about Residential Living

With 8,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 each day, senior residences and programs are developing new options to address the needs and interests of this burgeoning generation. In the following interview, Pat Costello, R.N., of The Allendale Community for Mature Living, in Allendale, N.J., discusses the options that exist for older adults.

Q: What are some of the options available today for senior living?

A: A wide range of alternatives address the needs and desires of today's older adults. These include:

Short-Term Residential Care: Nursing homes and senior residences often provide respite and short-term stay programs that offer seniors a safe, supervised place to stay during a caregiver's vacation, when a weather emergency affects safety at home, or when there is a temporary need for medical assistance.
Assisted Living Residences: For seniors who have medical needs and are relatively independent, assisted living residences include private or semi-private rooms with some medical oversight and personalized assistance with activities of daily living. Some offer specialized memory care.
Nursing Homes: Skilled nursing facilities offer the highest level of care outside of a hospital, with 24-hour nursing, rehabilitation programs and social activities.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (also called Lifecare Communities): Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide living arrangements, with a guarantee of lifetime, on-site medical care, if needed. CCRCs include on-site active senior residences, assisted living, and 24-hour skilled nursing; residents pay entrance fees ("buy-ins") and recurring charges.

Q: Can you achieve a continuum of care without moving to a CCRC?

A: A continuum of care can be obtained by moving to a community with multiple living options all on one campus.

Q: What are some common signs that a senior needs residential care?

A: Signs of increased needs include a lack of fresh food in the kitchen; the same clothes being worn day after day; the house no longer being maintained as before; failure to take medications; and even bruises caused by a fall.

Q: How can a senior or family member evaluate residential options?

A: First, assess needs and preferences. Then seek recommendations from medical and social services providers. Most importantly, visit each residence, take a tour, have a meal and look around.

Q: What are some of the most important considerations to ask when touring a community?

A: Some important considerations to ask when touring a community are:

How clean, safe and comfortable are the common areas, private rooms and support areas?
Where and when are meals offered? Is the food nutritious, varied and appetizing? Can special needs or diets be accommodated?
What types of activities are offered, both within and outside the residence?

Q: When assessing a community, what factors should be considered?

A: Turnover rates and staffing levels are especially important to establish consistency, stability and quality of care. Questions to ask include:

How much importance is placed on employee training and on continuing education?
How knowledgeable and professional are staff members?
Do personnel have the time to speak with you? Do they seem warm and interested in the residents?
Do the residents seem well cared for and happy?

Q: What are the main reasons people choose The Allendale Community for Mature Living?

A: The Allendale Community has been providing quality services for more than 40 years to older adults, while continuing to evolve and upgrade its programs and campus. The Community places a strong emphasis on continuing education with low staff turnover. A full range of residential options are available for one monthly rental fee, with no "buy-in." Respite care and adult day services allow older adults to experience the lifestyle before making a commitment.