Types of Providers & Services
Assisted Living Residences & Comprehensive Personal Care Homes
These providers offer a supportive residential setting and assistance with activities of daily living and are intended to promote "aging in place" in a homelike setting. In addition, these providers assure that their residents receive supportive health and social services as they are needed to enable them to maintain their independence, individuality, privacy, and dignity in an apartment style living unit. The assisted living and comprehensive personal care environments promote resident self direction and decision making while protecting resident's health and safety. Assisted Living providers are licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Commonly called CCRS, these offer a contract providing a continuum of care from independent living through Long-Term care based on an entrance fee and a monthly charge for services provided. If residents, who usually join the community as self-sufficient individuals in relatively good health, eventually develop health care needs, there is a licensed long-term care unit (assisted living or nursing home) available within the community. CCRC's are certified by the Department of Community Affairs.
Independent/Subsidized Housing providers
With a variety of options to choose from, these feature individual apartment units with kitchens or kitchenettes. Rents vary depending upon the size of the unit, services offered and the income level of the tenant. Many providers are financed through government subsidies that provide for lower rental rates to qualified persons according to their income level. Supportive services may be offered, including meal programs, counseling, housekeeping, transportation and social activities.
Long-Term Care/Nursing providers
These are licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services to provide nursing and health care services with medical supervision on a 24-hour basis to individuals whose physical and/or mental condition requires continuous nursing or health care related services. Long-Term Care may be appropriate for people who have suffered a catastrophic illness or accident that requires major changes in life-style and needs; or have a debilitating or chronic illness that causes deterioration of self-care skills, such as Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders or have major health needs, such as physical rehabilitation, recuperation after hospitalization for serious illness, restorative services, tube feeding, or special equipment or treatment. Providers may be certified to receive Medicare and/or Medicaid funding.
Residential Health Care providers
In many instances, an elderly person is unable to live independently, but can walk with or without an assistive device, is reasonably oriented mentally and does not have significant medical needs. For this individual, a residential health care provider might be best. These providers, which are licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services, provide a home-like atmosphere, food, housekeeping and laundry service, recreational activities, supervision of medication needs, and assistance in getting health services. This atmosphere encourages independence for as long as possible, while assuring safety. Many long-term care providers also have separate residential health care units for individuals who do not require skilled nursing care.
Home & Community-Based Services
Many people want to stay in their own homes as they age, yet need some help and support. A wide array of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) exist to meet the needs of those wishing to live at home as long as possible. These services also provide assistance to caregivers, providing needed support and respite. Some of the types of HCBS include: Adult Day Services; Care Managers; Financial Counseling; Home Health Care; Homemaker or Chore Services; Hospice Care; Home-Delivered Meals; Information & Referral; Personal Care Services; Respite Care; and Transportation Services.
