This report appeared on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams on July 9, 2012. Every day new technologies are being introduced to help us remain in our homes longer. Don’t assume there is nothing out there to help with the problem you are trying to resolve.… More
John Hancock Financial (John Hancock) recently announced the results of its 2011 cost of care study, which found that long-term care (LTC) costs have continued to increase. The study surveyed more than 11,000 providers, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care agencies, in key cities across the country.
Findings:
Annual cost of care in the U.S. is $85,775 for a private room in a nursing home
Annual cost of care in the U.S. is $75,555 for a semi-private… More
I have finally found the retirement home for me. I wonder if they will accept my application.
There is much we can learn from the gentleness of this sanctuary for old dogs. All of the following are the things I want when I am very, very old:
Make me comfortable.
Provide healthy, age-appropriate nutrition.
Let me wander as I please within a safe environment.
Touch and pet me often.
Allow opportunities for new friendships.
Give me fresh air.
Treat my old age as yet another stage… More
If you or a family member requires 24/7 nursing care (also known as skilled nursing), moving to a nursing home is one choice, but not the only one. The days of a parent making a child promise, “…to never put me in a nursing home” should be over. A nursing home may be where you find the best care, quality of life, and safety. Keep your mind open as you do your research.
NURSING HOMES
A nursing home provides constant nursing care for seniors with significant… More
MID-LEVEL CARE, COST, INDEPENDENCE
There is no national definition of assisted living. States regulate and license assisted living facilities, but each state uses its own definition. In some states assisted living is a marketing term for both licensed and unlicensed senior living communities.
Assisted living is a choice for people who can no longer manage without some help, but they are not ready for the 24/7 care of a nursing home. If you need help with any of the Activities… More
According to an AARP survey, 89 % of people 50 and older prefer to remain at home as they age. Almost everyone prefers to live as independently as possible. Here are some of the best options for senior housing that allow for high to moderate independence:
AGING IN PLACE
Description: Live in own home, making modifications to house as needed.
Cost: Similar to average cost of living for area plus home modification plus ; in-home help (minimum wage – $20/hr) plus home health… More
WHAT KIND OF HOUSING?
Adults usually need a certain set of skills in order to be able function independently. The senior care professions calls them the Activities of Daily Living and use them to develop a functional assessment. A functional assessment helps identify medical issues and diagnose cognitive abilities in addition to helping evaluate a person’s ability to manage every day tasks.
You can use the ADLs informally to help narrow down the kind of housing… More
WINDING PATHWAYS TO TRUE CALLING
Last fall, while attending an Oberlin College alumni event, I met Catherine Barr and Laura Irvin, the Executive Director and Program Director of Texas Winds Musical Outreach. We knew we had more in common than classical music training and the same alma mater but couldn’t find time to get together until this week.
In 1985 Catherine, a professional oboist, discovered in the residents of a Dallas nursing home an unusual audience for her… More
Throughout history, every generation has effectively annoyed the previous generation of their parents with their musical tastes, fashion and behaviors.
“Hey! Turn down that Gregorian chanting in there! Your mother and I are trying to have a conversation in here about the Renaissance! And get a haircut while you’re at it!”
These younger retirees are now moving into retirement communities and playing the same loud music that drove their parent’s generation… More
