New
Concepts in Elderly and Disabled Housing
With
all of the new concepts in Elderly Care available today, there
is much confusion on the types of services available. This information
is intended to clarify the terms used today to describe the
"level of care" categories for the elderly and disabled.
Independent
Living: This refers to people who are active and are generally
able to come and go as they wish. These people do not require
supervision or assistance. Usually, these people are retired
or elderly people who want companionship and are still active
in their daily activities. Some of these facilities are apartment
complexes for those age 55 and older. In many cases, meals and
extensive activities are provided.
Assisted
Living: This term is used differently throughout the United
States. In Texas, however, it is usually defined as a facility
that provides room and board with no assisted daily living (ADL)
task offering. This means, for example, the person must get
to the dining room on their own. When medical needs are required,
such as helping with medications, bathing or toilet use, then
the elderly or disabled person is not a candidate. In some cases,
the elderly/disabled person may be asked to leave. They may
suggest the use of in-home health agencies to prolong the stay.
This is based on a doctor's authorization.
Home
Health Care Agency: This refers to elderly/disabled people
requiring skilled nursing or physical therapy while in a home
bound status. Medicare and HMOs have limits to the amount of
benefit payout.
Personal
Care or Intermediate Level Care: This is best described
by the Texas Department of Human Services as, "People who
need assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as, helping with
eating, bathing, walking, toilet use, personal grooming, and
monitoring of medications." These people are in need of
help with at least some of the above daily tasks and in most
cases need 24-hour supervision. This person is somewhat ambulatory,
meaning the ability to walk unaided, use a walker, or need assistance
when transferring to a wheelchair. In this type of environment,
the resident is able to "age in place".
Skilled
Care: This term is used to describe people who require skilled
professional care. This requires a Registered Nurse and they
need a physician's direct care. In some cases, they may be bed
ridden and require constant supervision. This type of care is
for people who are very sick and have a life threatening illness.
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