BackWhat are the differences between Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Home Health Care?
Article submitted by Becky Elswick, CSA - Certified Senior Advisor. She can be reached at 303-886-7872 or through email at Becky.Elswick@Gmail.com. Also contact FirstChoice HealthCare at 303-722-0857 or visit their website at www.FirstChoiceCare.com.
Does the word "nursing home" invoke a feeling of dread as you picture an austere and clinical facility that closely resembles a hospital? If you answered yes, then you are certainly not alone. One of the scariest prospects we face as we age is the possibility of leaving our own homes to go live in what the industry terms "a skilled nursing facility."
To the benefit of many the "old nursing home" mentality is changing, and fortunately for the better. With the increase of the average life expectancy, currently 83 years and 7 months, and advances in medical treatments the senior population has become a more demanding consumer of senior housing. Within the past 15 to 20 years a number of alternatives to skilled nursing care have also emerged.
Independent Living. Senior communities, such as the ones advertised in the Senior Blue Book are perfect examples that retirement can be active and enriching for independent older adults. This setting is appropriate for relatively healthy individuals who do not want the burden of keeping up a home, but desire a community and social setting with seniors of like interests. An independent living community is ideal for seniors who appreciate their independence, but require a more convenient life-style.
Assisted Living. Assisted living allows residents the dignity and respect of their independence, while also providing the right combination of a residential environment with private apartments along with minor medical support and social interaction. A typical assisted living community offers 24-hour assistance with all activities of daily living. Caregivers can coordinate your medical needs with your healthcare providers, if given your advanced permission. Meals and housekeeping are often provided, and many communities offer scheduled transportation services as needed.
Skilled Nursing Facilities. Nursing homes provide care for a higher acuity level. When daily medical assistance is required a nursing home may be the most appropriate housing option. Nursing homes can offer both short-term recovery after a surgery, and long-term care. A nursing home provides 24-hour nursing care and in many case rehabilitation services. Today's nursing facilities are becoming increasingly more resident-friendly as they shift their focus to one of "culture change" and are providing more customized services for their long-term residents.
In-Home Health Care. In-home health care agencies, such as FirstChoice HealthCare Services can provide supplemental skilled medical care in the privacy of independent and assisted living residences. Home healthcare can also provide much needed support to patients in their homes after they return from a stay in a skilled nursing facility. Companies like FirstChoice are pleased to provide such services as: nursing care, certified wound care, catheter changes, all forms of rehabilitative therapies and certified nursing assistance. The majority of these services are covered by medical insurance and Medicare, while others are paid privately. In some cases it may be more appropriate for patients to receive certain kinds of care in a nursing home environment.
Among the many skilled services provided by home care, physical therapy gives patients increased mobility, range of motion (ROM), strengthening and conditioning, thereby promoting independence and a better quality of life. FirstChoice works closely with Denver's assisted living senior communities to provide services tailored to the needs of their residents. One of the many services they offer is a fall prevention screening on all new and at-risk residents. The purpose of this screening is to assess someone for deficits in balance, gait, or difficulty with range-of-motion. Testing is conducted by a licensed FirstChoice physical therapist and is based upon a Tinetti Assessment Tool, adopted as a valid measurement by the American Geriatric Society. It has been proven in numerous studies that falls are one of the highest risk factors for the elderly. FirstChoice's testing can help identify possible fall risk factors, and allows the company to recommend the appropriate action, usually therapy to prevent a possible fall in the future. Should a need for physical therapy, or another form of treatment be determined by the therapist, a physician's order can be obtained.
Outpatient Physical Therapy (OPT) and Medicare Part B. FirstChoice is also unique as respects to the activity-level of seniors that they serve. While traditional home health care companies are limited to seeing patients in their homes who are strictly bound by Medicare's "homebound" guideline, FirstChoice possesses a Medicare Part B Provider number that allows their skilled clinicians to work with active, driving seniors who still require specialized therapy and fitness conditioning. Homebound seniors are not allowed the freedom to drive, go out-to-eat with family or go shopping for necessities. This means that many older adults who could benefit from physical therapy are not getting it. They may feel reluctant and intimidated by large sports and physical conditioning centers or gyms that specialize in working with younger adults. It was this gap in coverage that inspired FirstChoice founder and CEO, Lon Sears to develop a program to solve this problem. Since offering Part B services in the home, as well as within their two Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics located at 1057 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite 20 in Lakewood and 1270 North Ford Street in Golden, respectively, FirstChoice has lead the industry as the forerunner in innovative and complimentary senior services.
To adequately determine your housing options or in-home health care needs consult with your physician. If you discover that your current housing option is not fulfilling all of your current needs you can speak with a free consulting service such as the Colorado Seniors Resource Connection at www.Navigation4Seniors.com or toll free at 866.956.7675. Professional senior consultants can empower you with their knowledge as they have screened area services for their reliability. They can help match your needs with the services within the geographical area you require. If you already know what you are seeking, The Senior Blue Book Publication available in many physicians' offices and hospital lobbies is a good reference tool for researching services in your area and getting basic pricing. You can also go on-line to the local Denver website www.SeniorsResourceGuide.com to find resources in Denver.
FirstChoice HealthCare Services' professionals would be pleased to talk to you and answer your questions about senior services available in your area, outpatient physical therapy and in-home health care services that we can provide in the privacy of your home. You may contact us at 303-722-0857.
Wishing you good health, Becky Elswick, CSA - Certified Senior Advisor