Elder Care Options
There are several care and housing categories for the elderly, and Calm Harbor Placements will guide your family to the most appropriate setting for your loved one.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities are beneficial if the elder moves in while still healthy and mobile.
They provide a structured continuum of care, supporting the elder throughout their life.
Early entry in the aging process is crucial for optimal benefits.
Entry or buy-in fees for these retirement communities can be high, occasionally surpassing $1,000,000.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are suitable for active seniors capable of safely managing independent living.
Ideal residents are engaged in activities, not frequent fallers, and can independently handle daily unscheduled tasks.
If a client isn't interested in the offered activities and amenities, assisted living may not be the right choice.
The cost for amenities might not align with the necessary attention to care.
Moving to assisted living may require another move to more intensive care if the client's health declines, causing stress and highlighting the importance of minimizing relocations.
In-Home Care
In-home care is beneficial if the bathroom is spacious enough for both the client and caregiver, with a safe shower featuring grab bars.
Ideally, all living spaces should be on a main level, avoiding the need for stairs.
However, many homes are not suitable for elders with mobility issues.
For 24-hour in-home care in the King County area, monthly fees can range between $12,000 and $25,000.
Reliability issues may arise unless you are working with a reputable company.
In-home care is often a temporary solution while securing a safer setting.
Long-term viability may be challenging due to financial constraints or unsuitability of the home for successful aging.
Adult Family Homes
Adult family homes are the best choice when a loved one needs 24-hour care.
There are over 4,000 adult family homes in Washington State, and the East King County area has the largest concentration of adult family homes in the state.
Each home is individual and it is important to visit a few homes to get a feel for the right fit.
The adult family home typically resembles an ordinary residence on the street.
It's designed for success with accessible showers, spacious bathrooms equipped with grab bars, and enough room for assistive devices and caregiver support.
Some homes specialize in dementia care and incorporate safety devices like motion and door sensors to alert staff in case a client is heading to an unsafe area.
In adult family homes, you can expect homemade meals, and the owners may live in the home, providing care alongside caregivers.
These homes are licensed per bed, with some accommodating up to 8 beds.
Many utilize a home doctor who visits every 4-6 weeks, fostering a deeper understanding of each client. Quarterly, a podiatrist may provide foot care, and some homes even offer dental hygiene services.
Adult family homes also offer home health care services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, skilled nursing, and hospice care.
The cost of an adult family home varies greatly from area to area. A general range for King County adult family homes is $7,000-$15,000 per month depending upon the area and the level of care needed.
Some adult family homes will agree to transition a client to Medicaid (state pays for care when the client runs out of money) while some do not accept Medicaid.
Some homes have private bedrooms and private baths, while others may have shared rooms and bathrooms.
Each home is unique, so Calm Harbor Placements will ask multiple questions during your initial consultation to discover your housing priorities.