Resources for Family Members
The challenges of growing older can be significant. Bethany Village has been providing quality senior living in the Dayton area for 60 years. Through the many years of serving the community, we have learned how to help families who are making decisions regarding aging parents. The information below might be helpful as you navigate your way through senior living options.Helpful definitions regarding senior living options provided by
The Seniors Guide Online:
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Many senior communities offer more than one level of care. There are some, however, that offer a comprehensive continuum of care. You may enter at any care level but often seniors move to one of these communities to enjoy an independent, active lifestyle. Should the need arise for assistance with living, memory supportive care, rehabilitation or even skilled nursing on a temporary or long-term basis, those needs can be met within the same community. Choosing a community that offers a continuum of care can be a good idea also for couples whose needs may vary.
Independent Living
Independent residential communities are for seniors desiring a leisurely, hassle-free lifestyle. Choices include apartments, condos, or garden homes offering some extra services and features that many retired people would especially enjoy or find helpful. Beyond home maintenance, some services available might include social programs, transportation services, organized outings, shopping trips and sometimes limited medial services. Features might include emergency pull cords within the home, first floor access or elevators that are handicap friendly. Community features may also include meals, housekeeping and laundry.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living communities are for persons who need help with daily living activities but do not require nursing home care. Typically they provide help with meals, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and other needs. Services are either included in the rent or provided at an extra charge.
Nursing Care
Nursing homes are facilities for seniors in need of 24-hour nursing care. They provide many of the same care options offered in other senior communities such as room and board, personal care, protection, supervision and other types of therapy. Typically nursing care falls into three levels of care:
- Basic Care – Required to maintain a person's activity of daily living.
- Skilled Care – Requires the services of a registered nurse for treatment and procedures.
- Sub-Acute Care – Requires comprehensive in-patient care for someone who has experienced an acute illness or injury.
Facilities which offer specialized programs for residents suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia or other forms of memory loss. These programs can also be offered by assisted living and nursing home facilities.
Rehabilitation Care
Facilities that offer rehabilitative care services on a short-term or long-term basis.
At-Home Care Resources
At Home Care is a cost-effective alternative to hospital care. You can receive health care or personal care services within your own home with the assistance of a Home Care Company. Services are available on a basis of daily visits, or hourly care, up to 24-hours a day. Increasingly, older people are choosing to live independent lives and take advantage of home care services. Services can include medical and non-medical care such as assistance with shopping, laundry, meals and companionship.
Respite Care
Respite Care communities offer temporary or short term care solutions. This service is intended to give care givers, or adult children a well-deserved break from their daily responsibilities of caring for an older adult. The length of a respite care stay can vary from two days up to more than a full month.
How Do I Pay for Senior Living?
Individuals who live in independent living residences pay privately, that is, there is no financial assistance from Medicare, Medicaid or other private insurances. At Bethany Village, individuals who live in independent living pay a one-time entry fee that gives priority access to the full continuum of services at Bethany, if needs change. In addition, an all-inclusive monthly service fee covers utilities, yard and interior maintenance, and other services, depending upon your choice of residence. Individuals who live in Bethany's villas, cottages and apartments must complete a financial qualification process.
The cost of assisted living is also funded privately with no financial assistance from Medicare, Medicaid or other private insurances. However, some long-term care insurance policies can cover part of the cost. Individuals who live in Bethany's assisted living communities pay a monthly fee. Individuals must complete a financial qualification process.
Licensed nursing care such as long-term nursing care, short-term rehabilitation care and memory-supported care is funded either by paying privately or by utilizing Medicaid reimbursement, if applicable. Medicare coverage is possible when the individual meets certain criteria. Bethany also has contracts with many major insurance companies and managed care organizations should individuals qualify for coverage.
Helpful links to resources for seniors:
Alzheimer's Assocation
Area Agency on Aging
The Senior Resource Connection
Long-Term Care Consumer Guide
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
Medicare
Medicaid
Association of Ohio Philanthropic Homes and Services for the Aging
American Association of Retired People
Continuing Care Accreditation Commission - Commission on the Accreditation of Rehab Facilities
Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
NEW link: NBC Nighly News special series entitled: Trading Places: Caring for your Parents