"Best Kept Secret" in Senior Housing

Article submitted by Pathway Senior Living.
For more information, visit their website: www.pathwayseniorliving.com.

A Little-known Solution to the Growing Demand for Affordable Senior Housing

Where do senior citizens of modest means turn to when living at home becomes too much work, lonely and even dangerous? The expense of traditional nursing home, skilled nursing and assisted living care can be a financial drain. Fortunately, a new federally and state funded option called "supportive living" (SL) offers the best of both worlds-the help you need, at a price you can afford.

SLFs - (Supportive Living Facilities) provide a level of care and service that is comparable to other existing senior housing options but is offered at a more affordable rate. Like assisted living, SLFs offer housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, personal grooming assistance and recreational activities on an individual, as-needed basis. The difference is that they do it at a much lower cost-hundreds of dollars less per month-than conventional senior care.

SLFs are vastly improving the outlook for many seniors' golden years. For example, consider a couple that is advanced in age and unable to keep up with the maintenance of their home and personal care on their own. They are in need of a low-maintenance place to live that provides help with some daily chores, such as meal preparation, cleaning and laundry, however they do not have the assets and monthly income to afford traditional assisted living. The husband, 80, suffering a heart condition and arthritis, and the wife, 78, experiencing trouble walking because of arthritis and a bad back, are struggling. They rely on neighbors and out-of-town family to help support them. An Internet search by one of their granddaughters uncovered the often-overlooked option of an SLF. In this example, today the couple receives the services they need to enjoy life in their new SLF apartment, and, as such, experiences great relief and peace of mind in knowing they have access to the help they need and an affordable plan in place for the future.

Before becoming a SLF resident, applicants must undergo a screening process, including an assessment of medical and personal needs. In addition, SLF residents who are applying for financial assistance must meet state guidelines based on their annual income and assets.

There currently are 50 SLFs in Illinois, totaling about 4,000 units. Among them, "Pathway Senior Living saw the state's venture into SLFs as a great opportunity to bring comfort and security to those who need it most at an affordable price," says Brian Cloch, Pathway founding partner and operations principal. "Pathway has taken this pioneering concept and made it a reality for the many residents who reside in our Victory Centre communities today." Pathway Senior Living opened among the first SLFs in Illinois in 2000 and now operates six communities throughout Chicago and its suburbs with five additional communities slated to open within the coming years.

To learn more about how you or a loved one could qualify for this innovative program that provides access to:

• A newly-constructed a well-appointed residence
• Support with cooking, cleaning and home maintenance
• Social outlets and helpful conveniences
• Help with personal care
• State-funded financial assistance programs.