There comes a time in everyone’s life when we need to take more safety precautions and get a little extra care, particularly after a stroke. As a senior, someone caring for a senior, or a younger stroke recovery survivor (or their caregiver), you have some options to explore. Doing a little research, and thoughtfully weighing needs, costs, and available options can help reveal the best decision for you or your loved one. There is no one template since every person is different and every family situation is different.
Independent Living
The spectrum of living options is vast depending on your needs. On one end of the spectrum is independent living. Seniors can stay in their current home and make modifications as needed to ensure safety, such as adding railings on stairs, grab bars in the bathrooms, and a seat in the shower. If you are a senior who loves your home and wants to age in place, as long as the costs to modify your home are not extensive, this can often be the best option. Just keep in mind that aging-in-place modifications for the bathroom can run anywhere from $700 to $40,000, though this figure depends on the size and magnitude of the project. Also, since unplanned things do happen it is best to figure into your calculations that you may need some live-out professional help who would come to the home, or even live-in help. With this alternative it would be advisable to have a personal monitoring service for the person in question.
Seniors can also move into an age-restricted community, which has homes designed for seniors and various social events. These communities have specified independent living facilities, which are typically houses or apartments but include the amenities of meals, housekeeping, planned activities, transportation, and on-site healthcare if needed. Independent living communities allow for autonomy while simultaneously meeting the needs of residents Also, you may want to find a facility who has some emergency medical staffing or at a minimum an alarm system which is wired to the police.
Shared Housing
Another living option for seniors is shared housing, which is when a person shares a home with one or more strangers (though they don’t stay strangers for long). Perhaps the most significant benefit of home sharing is the companionship you gain. People who remain social on a daily basis typically eat better, exercise more, and engage in other healthy activities more often than those who are isolated. Shared housing also promotes independence. If you are single unquestionably having others around provides a safety net. Moreover, it can also be more cost-effective to live in a shared housing arrangement than to live in a senior living community.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are for seniors who need help with personal care, such as bathing, brushing teeth, preparing meals, and taking medication but who are not in need of skilled nursing. In Naples, FL there are many assisted living options to choose from. When you have multiple choices, you should always tour the facilities. Some facilities have shared rooms, some have studios, and others have apartments; therefore, expect to see varying options and monthly costs ranging from $1,500 to $7,604. Assisted living facilities provide the perfect mix of personal care help, medical care, socialization, meals and transportation, and they can be the perfect fit for someone who survived and is recovering from a stroke.
Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities
Nursing homes provide around-the-clock care, supervision, medication, and food for long-term care residents. Skilled nursing facilities are similar in their care but are geared toward rehabilitation and short-term care. Both options require a medical necessity and are at the other end of the spectrum of living options for seniors. Staying at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility typically comes with a high price tag. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see how much (if any) your long-term care or medical policy will cover.
If you’re looking into additional senior care for yourself or for a loved one, you have options. Do your homework to find out about independent living, shared housing, assisted living, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. Evaluate your needs and lifestyle preferences, make sure you understand the costs, and see which options are available in your area. You may find that one of the options mentioned here helps you to live your best life in your golden years.
If you need assistance working through these options you may want to see if there is a social worker or referral firm in your geography who can assist you, or your family in determining the best solution for your situation. Also, you can contact Stroke Recovery Foundation for referrals.
Beverly Nelson⎹ beverly@standupforcaregivers.org
Older Man Looking Photo Courtesy of Burst.
