Are you ready to learn more? There are many types of care options available for your aging journey.
Understanding Senior Living options can be quite daunting. Below, you will find a list of the types of communities and homes in Washington State explained. If you are ready to learn more and set up a consultation please contact us.
Steps we take to guide you in your journey
DISCOVERY
The Discovery process can take place over the phone, online video or in person. The first thing we do in the discovery process is a consultation. At no time will we charge you for a consultation or to use a Sage Advisory services to explore senior living options. Our job is to understand your needs and preferences.
We will go over available funding options and what that will look like for you.
PLAN OF ACTION
After the discovery process is complete, your Sage Advisor will develop a personalized action plan just for you. Your Sage Advisor will narrow down options and go over each one with you so you feel informed before touring the homes. This plan may also include bringing in some additional resources from our Network such as an elder attorney, Medicaid planner, move manager or a real estate agent.
DECISION MAKING
Once you have toured communities, your Sage Advisor will guide you all the way to negotiating, setting up nursing assessments and helping you make an informed decision for senior living.
Senior Living Options
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Assisted Living Communities
Assisted Living communities provide a supportive living environment for seniors who require assistance with daily activities. These communities offer a balance between independence and care, creating a home-like atmosphere.
Care Services:
Assisted Living communities provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as:
Dressing
Bathing
Grooming
Medication management
Meal preparation
Housekeeping
Laundry
Living Arrangements:
Living arrangements in Assisted Living communities can vary from smaller homes with 15-20 residents to larger complexes with 80-150 apartments (studio to 2 bedrooms) .
Amenities:
Amenities in Assisted Living communities can differ widely, but often include:
Common areas for socializing
Recreational activities (e.g., games, outings)
On-site dining
Housekeeping and laundry services
Medication management
Transportation services
Licensing and Care Levels:
Assisted Living communities are regulated by state licensing agencies, which determine the level of care they can provide. This ensures that residents receive the appropriate level of support.
Medicaid Eligibility:
Medicaid eligibility for Assisted Living varies by community. Some Assisted Living communities may accept Medicaid as a form of payment, while others may not.
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Adult Family Homes: A Warm and Homelike Environment
Adult family homes (AFHs) are small, home-based living environments that provide personalized care and support for adults who require assistance with daily living activities. They offer a more intimate and homelike setting compared to larger communities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Key Features of Adult Family Homes:
Small, Intimate Setting:
AFHs typically accommodate 6-8 residents creating a warm and family-like atmosphere.
Personalized Care:
Caregivers provide individualized attention and support tailored to each resident's unique needs.
Homelike Environment:
AFHs are designed to feel like a home, with comfortable furnishings and amenities.
Community Living:
Residents have the opportunity to interact with other residents and participate in social activities.
Affordable Care:
AFHs often offer more affordable care options compared to traditional nursing homes.
Services Offered:
Assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
Medication management
Meal preparation and serving
Social and recreational activities
Adult family homes are an excellent choice for individuals who desire a more homelike and personalized living environment. They provide a supportive and caring community where residents can thrive and maintain a high quality of life.
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Memory Care Communities
Memory Care communities provide a specialized living environment for seniors with memory impairments, such as dementia. These communities offer a supportive atmosphere, promoting independence while providing assistance with daily activities.
Care Services:
Memory Care communities offer comprehensive care, including:
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Medication management
Memory care-specific programming
Secure settings to prevent wandering
Living Arrangements:
Memory Care communities typically feature private or shared rooms, with communal living areas for socializing and dining.
Amenities:
Amenities in Memory Care communities may include:
On-site dining
Housekeeping and laundry services
Recreational activities
Medication management
Licensing and Care Levels:
Memory Care communities are licensed by state agencies, which determine the level of care they can provide. This ensures that residents receive the appropriate level of support.
Medicaid Eligibility:
Medicaid eligibility for Memory Care varies by state and community. Some Memory Care communities may accept Medicaid as a form of payment, while others may not.
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Independent Living Communities
Independent Living communities offer seniors a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, providing a sense of community and independence. These communities typically feature apartment-style buildings or campuses, where residents can enjoy their own private living space.
Meal Options:
Meal options can vary from ala carte style, 2 meals a day or even 3 meals a day.
Household Services:
Most Independent Living communities include maintenance services to ensure the upkeep of the property. Additionally, most communities offer light housekeeping services.
Amenities:
Amenities in Independent Living communities vary significantly, but often include features such as:
Recreational facilities (e.g., swimming pools,
fitness centers)
Social activities and events
Transportation services
Dining options (e.g.,
on-site restaurants,
cafes)
Community gardens or walking trails
Care Services:
Independent Living communities are not licensed to provide care. However, many communities have partnerships with third-party home care agencies that can offer additional services to residents who require assistance with activities of daily living.
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Retirement Living Communities
Retirement Living communities offer seniors a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, providing a sense of community and independence. These communities typically feature apartment-style buildings or campuses, where residents can enjoy their own private living space.
Meal Options:
These types of communities may have restaurants or cafes that are not included in rent, but are paid as if you were dining in a restaurant establishment. Some communities will not have any dining options.
Household Services:
Most Retirement Living communities include maintenance services to ensure the upkeep of the property but no other housekeeping services are included.
Amenities:
Amenities in Retirement Living communities vary significantly, but often include features such as:
Recreational facilities (e.g., swimming pools,
fitness centers)
Social activities and events
Transportation services
Community gardens or walking trails
Care Services:
Retirement Living communities are not licensed to provide care. Any care needs would need to come from third-party home care agencies that can offer additional services to residents who require assistance with activities of daily living.
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In-Home Nursing Care: Personalized Support in the Comfort of Your Home
In-home nursing care provides personalized medical attention and support within the familiar setting of your own home. This service is designed to help individuals who require ongoing medical assistance but prefer to remain independent.
Benefits of In-Home Nursing:
Convenience and Comfort:
Enjoy the comfort and familiarity of your own home while receiving expert care.
Personalized Care:
Tailored care plans address your specific needs and preferences.
Independence:
Maintain your independence and quality of life with the support of skilled nurses.
Peace of Mind:
Have peace of mind knowing that you or your loved one is receiving reliable and compassionate care.
Common Services Offered:
Medication Administration:
Accurate and timely administration of prescribed medications.
Wound Care:
Proper management and treatment of wounds,
ulcers,
and incisions.
Vital Sign Monitoring:
Regular monitoring of blood pressure,
heart rate,
temperature,
and oxygen levels.
Post-Surgery Care:
Assistance with recovery and rehabilitation after surgical procedures.
Chronic Disease Management:
Ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes,
heart disease,
and respiratory disorders.
Personal Care Assistance:
Help with activities of daily living,
including bathing,
dressing,
and grooming.
In-home nursing care offers a valuable solution for individuals who require medical assistance but prefer to remain in their homes. By providing personalized care and support, in-home nursing services can help you or your loved one maintain a high quality of life and independence.
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs offer a comprehensive range of senior living options within a single campus, allowing residents to receive care as their needs evolve. This continuum of care typically includes:
Independent Living
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Services:
Residents in CCRC's receive the appropriate level of care based on their needs, including:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) assistance
Medication management
Clinical care (in licensed buildings)
Living Arrangements:
Living arrangements in CCRCs vary depending on the level of care required, ranging from homes and apartments to private rooms.
Amenities:
CCRCs offer a variety of amenities, including:
Dining options
Recreational activities
Social programs
Transportation services
Licensing:
Specific buildings within a CCRC are licensed to provide different levels of care. This ensures that residents receive the appropriate level of support.
Medicaid Eligibility:
Medicaid eligibility for CCRC services, particularly Skilled Nursing, can vary. While some CCRCs may accept Medicaid, it's not always the case.
Financial Considerations:
CCRCs often require an upfront fee, known as a "buy-in." This fee can be refundable or non-refundable, depending on the community's policies. Additionally, there may be minimum stay requirements for Independent Living.
Choosing a CCRC:
When considering a CCRC, factors to consider include:
The range of care options offered
The community's size,
amenities,
and location
Financial considerations,
including the buy-in and monthly fees
The CCRC's reputation and the experiences of other residents
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a CCRC that provides a suitable and supportive living environment for your long-term needs.
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Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
Skilled Nursing Facilities, often referred to as nursing homes, provide the highest level of clinical care for seniors. These facilities offer a hospital-like setting with comprehensive medical services.
Care Services:
SNFs provide a wide range of services, including:
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Medication management
Skilled nursing care
Rehabilitation therapies (e.g., physical, occupational, speech)
Living Arrangements:
Residents in SNFs typically live in private or shared rooms.
Amenities:
Amenities in SNFs can vary, but often include:
On-site dining
Housekeeping and laundry services
Recreational activities
Social programs
Licensing and Care Levels:
SNFs are licensed by state agencies to provide skilled nursing care. This ensures that residents receive the appropriate level of medical attention.
Medicaid Eligibility:
Medicaid eligibility for SNFs can vary by state and community. Some SNFs may accept Medicaid as a form of payment, while others may not.