There are many options from which to choose to meet the specific needs and preferences of each senior. The Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging urges you to determine which features you or your loved one require and visit the facilities that most closely match your preferences.
Click on any of the following Options or Special Services that are often offered through senior care facilities and organizations for a brief overview:
Independent Housing/Senior Housing: Designed for independent seniors who no longer want to maintain their homes, or wish to live in a setting designed for seniors. This type of housing includes apartments and retirement communities with activities and amenities geared for seniors.
Assisted Living/Adult Care Facility: Housing that enables seniors to remain as independent as possible while receiving help with personal care, meals, housekeeping and activities. Adult care facility, adult home and enriched housing are other terms used to describe types of assisted living.
Some assisted living facilities have been designated an assisted living residence (ALR) through the New York State Department of Health. An ALR may also be licensed for an Enhanced ALR for people who require assistance to get out of a chair, need the assistance of another to walk or use stairs, need assistance with medical equipment, and/or need assistance to manage chronic urinary or bowel incontinence. Some ALRs may be approved as a Special Needs ALR to serve people with special needs, for example Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
In New York state, there is also an Assisted Living Program (ALP) that allows individuals in assisted living to remain in that setting and "age in place" with additional services provided by a home health care agency. The ALP differs from the ALR because it was designed mainly for people who are Medicaid-eligible, although it will accept individuals who can pay for this service privately.
A good resource to learn more about assisted living and other levels of senior care can be obtained here.
Nursing Facility/Nursing Home: Facilities that offer a complete range of medical, housing and social services 24 hours day.
Home Care/Community-Based Services:
: Programs that provide medical, personal care and social services in an individual's home.
New York State licensed home care service agencies provide home health aids, medical supplies, medical supplies, equipment and appliances, personal care aids, homemaker and housekeeper services and other therapeutic services.
Medicare certified home health care agencies provide skilled nursing and therapy services of a curative or restorative nature.
The Long Term Home Health Care Program, a specialized certified home care agency, is sometimes known as a "Nursing Home Without Walls." This program offers care to individuals who require nursing facility level care but are able, and choose, to remain in their homes.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a community-based program that serves individuals who are aged 55 or older with chronic care needs and who require nursing home level care. The program is focused on allowing those individuals to remain as independent as possible in their homes and provides services ranging from nursing care and various medical services to assistance with personal care.
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a newer concept that offers a variety of services for older adults all in one location. It provides the individual with the opportunity to remain in one place as he or she ages and includes access to other levels of senior care such as assisted living, skilled nursing and other health services if needed.
CCRCs usually offer a wide range of services – meals, housekeeping, transportation, emergency assistance and social and educational activities. CCRCs are often referred to as lifecare communities, meaning that they provide housing and services for life. Most communities require a one-time entrance fee and a monthly service fee. In New York state, CCRCs are regulated by the Department of Health and the Department of Insurance.
A Medicaid Managed Care Program: Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) provides health and long term care services to adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities to better address their needs and prevent or delay nursing home placement. The program is available to Medicaid recipients who are 55 years of age or older, certified by assessment to require a nursing home level of care for at least 120 days and are able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment. The MLTC serves the Medicaid population through a benefit package that covers long term care and social services. Primary care and acute care are NOT covered by the MLTC.
Adult Day Care: Programs that offer individuals living at home the opportunity to spend the day in a supervised, supportive setting.
Adult day health care programs provide health care services, personal care services including nursing care, therapies (physical, occupational and speech) and care management.
Social adult day care programs serve individuals who may be socially isolated or who would benefit from supervision. They may also provide nutrition and information about other community services.
Memory Care: Services that meet the needs of those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
Hospice Care: Services designed to meet the needs and perferences of terminally ill individuals and their families.
Nutrition Site: A site where meals are provided to seniors.
Rehabilitation: Also called subacute care, this service is usually provided in a nursing home setting for patients who a making the transition between hospital and home. Commonly used by patients of all ages following hip and knee replacements and cardiac care.
Respite: A program that provides seniors in need of care and supervision with a short-term stay at a senior care facility in order to give caregivers a break from their duties.