senior housing options - richmont senior living

Here Are Some of the Different Types of Senior Housing Options

There are many senior housing options to think about these days. And it poses a challenge when you are about to decide the future living situation of yourself or an older adult. That is why it is important to think about how much help will be needed every single day.

 

This narrows down the list of senior housing options that will suit their condition. You can then think about what different options can offer. This will then often end up to one or two housings that would work best for them.

 

 

 

Aging in Place

 

When an older adult lives within their own home or family, there are possibilities that you may consider. This may be good though if he or she is still relatively independent or still get the level of help needed.

 

 

 

Village Concept

 

This basically links local businesses and neighbors so that they can help each other stay in their homes when they grow older. This makes them get what they would have gotten in a retirement community, but they need not leave home.

 

 

The villages may not provide direct services but will act as a concierge or liaison. Help comes from other members of the villages or younger neighbors or youth groups doing service to the community. The cost might be low because members are required to pay annual fees in which they receive services such as bookkeeping, transportation, or yard work in return.

 

 

 

Independent Living

 

These senior housing options are designed for seniors, which usually involve retirement communities, retirement homes, senior apartments, and senior housing. Thus, older adults will be able to live without having to worry about daily chores as they live in an active community setting.

 

 

Basically, this type of setting will enable people to live together within their age in a community that offers opportunities for socializing. This will have more compact housing that is easier to navigate, including help with maintenance outside.

 

 

 

Residential Care Homes

 

This offers personalized services to groups of adults, which are also known as adult family, board and care, and personal care homes. Those who need more individual or homecare setting will be able to benefit from this. Residential care homes would provide assistance with activities of daily living, lodging, and meal services.

 

 

 

Continuing Care Retirement Community

 

As part of assisted living, independent living and skilled nursing home, a CCRC is intended for an older adult who wants to live in a single location for good. This will also cater to their needs wherein their future has already been figured out. It may also provide care for spouses who want to stay close to each other even if one needs a higher level of care.

 

 

 

Assisted Living

 

There is a wide range of services in assisted living facilities. This is where older adults can live independently but who may also need some assistance.

 

 

 

Nursing Home

 

This is also called a skilled nursing facility that provides older adults who need 24/7 supervised care with activities, health management and support, and meals. This should be a great option for older adults who have severe or debilitating mental or physical illnesses and are unable to care for themselves.

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Senior Housing Ashland NE

Tips on How to Find the Best Nursing Home

It could be a difficult process to find a nursing home close by for yourself or a family member these days. This might even be a new emotional and financial crisis for all involved, but this could also be an opportunity to make a better decision for those who are well prepared.

 

 

Nursing Homes 

Basically, nursing homes offer 24-hour safety monitoring, advanced onsite medical care, and daily living assistance for their residents. On top of that, they also sponsor social interactions, which include art classes, birthday parties, cooking classes, and even movie nights.

 

 

Standard Nursing Home Benefits 

  • Help with activities of daily living, which include bathing and dressing
  • Laundry and housekeeping
  • Management of medication
  • Private and semi-private rooms
  • 3-cooked meals a day
  • Variety of therapies, such as memory, physical, and speech therapy
  • Social activity calendar

 

 

Although there are some common points, nursing homes have many variations. In fact, some have adopted qualities of centers for an assisted living facility.

 

 

Begin the Search 

Perhaps the most potent way of searching for potential nursing homes nearby is to ask for help.

 

  • Ask your family members, clergy, friends, neighbors, or your doctor regarding their experiences with nursing homes.
  • Try to approach the discharge planner of a hospital or ask a social worker for any recommendations.
  • You can also call a social service agency and converse with the case manager regarding possible choices for nursing homes.
  • You may also contact a local agency for aging regarding recommendations.

 

 

Pick the Right Nursing Home 

After doing the steps earlier, you should take a trip to visit the site that seems promising to you. At the same time, try to formulate questions such that is written on the list below.

 

  • Is the staff friendly and respectful?
  • Is the nursing home tidy?
  • Are they offering social, cultural, recreational, and religious activities that would be of interest to you?
  • Is it possible for you to select your bathing, bed, or waking times?
  • Is it possible for you to get food or drinks anytime?
  • Are you able to have visitors as you please?
  • Is it allowed for you to have a pet?
  • Is there any transportation provided?
  • How is privacy observed there?
  • Is it allowed for you to decorate your room as you please?
  • Is there any good natural lighting?
  • Is the room equipped with telephone or TV?

 

 

Quality of Care 

Basically, nursing homes should meet 150 requirements that range from food storage to security, from physical to mental abuse. Thus, you need to have a copy of the care plan you are going to enjoy. This may be based on your health information in which an assessment will be done on the first 14 days and at least every 90 days thereafter.

 

 

 

Finally, you need to decide if the nursing home is indeed best for senior care. This is because nursing homes are fast becoming similar to assisted living facilities. As a matter of fact, there are those that look around for nursing homes but end up finding assisted living as a much better choice.

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

assisted living facilities - richmont

The Basics of Long-Term Care Insurance

It’s a fact that long-term care is going to be expensive. Sending a loved one to be cared for in assisted living facilities can cost over $80,000 in a single year. The amount being paid stresses the need for long-term care (LTC) insurance.

 

 

Long-Term Care Insurance: A Brief Explanation

 

To have a healthy retirement, preparing for health care expenses is important. An accident or illness can happen in old age. Plus, the effects of aging also bring with it its own set of problems. All of these can contribute to unwanted medical costs.

 

However, getting long-term care insurance is one way to ensure that expenses during old age won’t result in a financial drain. Older loved ones deserve only the best in retirement, but the body can be tricky to deal with.

 

There are different LTC policies to choose from. A Traditional LTC can pay for any form of care, including those rendered in assisted living facilities.

 

On the other hand, hybrid policies are also available. Usually, these are life insurance policies or annuities that have an LTC benefit.

 

While it is important to have this kind of insurance, it’s equally important to consider the best policy that fits the needs of a loved one. If this kind of coverage is preferred, shopping for the right option should commence around the ages of 45 and 55.

 

 

Long-Term Care Insurance: The Necessity

 

Is LTC insurance absolutely necessary? The short answer is yes. A more detailed answer will require looking into its particular benefits.

 

 

Many of the elderly can’t rely on their children or other family members for support

 

Retirement age is supposed to be a time of fun and doing things one couldn’t have done while holding down a job. However, health issues can put an end to all merriment. An accident or an illness can result in a loved one needing 24/7 care. Since it’s difficult for children with full-time jobs to care for an elderly parent, sending them to a facility for proper care is definitely an option. LTC insurance guarantees that money saved up by a loved one will be used solely for their pleasure, not for their medical expenses.

 

 

The premium from LTC coverage is tax deductible

 

This is largely dependent on the age of the person being insured but premiums are usually tax deductible.

 

 

Long-Term Care Insurance: Making a Choice

 

When choosing an LTC policy, it’s best to consider several factors before making a final decision. It’s not enough to just have LTC insurance; it’s equally important to have one that is the right fit.

 

In choosing an LTC, it’s important to select an insurer that is reputable. It’s not that difficult to find a top-rated insurer – a search on the web can yield many results.

 

 

The elderly deserve to enjoy retirement. This is the time to fully take advantage of what has been labored for many years. However, the body can have plans of its own. Whether it be an accident or illness, it helps to be prepared to avoid spending hard-earned money for medical expenses. For long term care, assisted living facilities to provide an excellent option for elderly family members.

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Memory Assisted Living

4 Factors to Consider When Finding a Senior Housing Community

Getting the best care possible is a priority in finding senior housing communities for a loved one. You want assurances that they will be looked after and knowing that they lessen your worries. What factors should you look for in senior housing communities that will help you make the best possible decision?

 

 

Visit the facility

 

Unless you have friends or family who can recommend an assisted living facility, your most likely starting point would be an internet search. Websites can provide you with basic information about the community, their staff, and services, but nothing compares to seeing the place with your own eyes.

 

Your own experience can tell you whether or not a place is right for your loved one. After all, it’s you who best knows those who are closest to you.

 

During a visit, take all the time you need to make an assessment of the place. Take note of how clean the place is and pay close attention to smells. While detecting odors are normal in senior housing communities, smelling them all throughout the property points to a larger issue. You can always ask the manager what the problem might be.

 

In assessing a property, it’s important to not just explore the insides of the facility; the outdoor areas are equally important as well.

 

 

Observe how the staff treats the residents

 

It’s always best to have questions prepared during a visit. Doing so allows you to get a better view of the place. One of the most important questions to ask is about the number of staff who will be assigned to residents. The answers given can give you confidence in their ability to care for your loved one.

 

Other than that, observing how staff treat the residents can tell you a great deal about the level of care your loved one will receive in the facility.

 

 

Take a close look at the residents

 

Personal care is so important which is why it should be on your list of questions for the facility manager. If they have the right to know the bathing preferences of a possible resident, you also have the right to ask about how they go about the process.

 

Another way to gauge the personal care process of the facility is to look at the state of the residents. Do they look well-groomed? Are they dressed properly? Being satisfied with the responses to these questions allows you to rest easy knowing that a facility will take good care of your loved one.

 

 

Ask the opinion of other families

 

If you know someone who has a loved one residing in the facility, don’t be afraid to ask them questions. This, when weighed will all other other factors to consider, will help you make the right decision.

 

Making sure a loved one feels comfortable in new surroundings is crucial for their well-being. You can make sure of this by paying a visit to the facility and exploring the area to make a proper assessment.

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

facilities for Alzheimer's

5 Tips that Ease the Transition to Assisted Living

The decision to move a loved one to an assisted living community is never easy. While you don’t want them to be far away, you know that assisted living is the best place for them because they will have someone to attend to their needs and help them maintain their quality of life during their senior years.

 

 

But if it’s difficult for you, it is more difficult for the person who’s moving into an assisted living facility because it is a big step away from their comfort zone. To help ease the transition to assisted living, here are five tips that you can follow:

 

 

 

Work with a Team

 

You will need all the help that you can get during this time, so get everyone on board. Contact family members loved ones and even friends and delegate tasks to them—from visiting potential assisted care living facilities near you to packing things and doing groceries.

 

 

 

Give your Loved One some Time to Pack

 

Packing can be very emotional for a loved one moving into assisted living because it brings back a lot of memories. So, make sure that you give your loved one some time to go through their things, reminisce and choose which ones to take with them to their new home. Listen to stories, address concerns and be patient as they pack. Be as supportive as you can and stay respectful at all times to not cause any stress to your loved one.

 

 

 

Involve your loved one in the Decision-Making Process

 

Loss of independence is one of the biggest worries of seniors moving into assisted living facilities. So, make sure that you involve your loved one in the decision-making process regarding their care. Look at facilities together, ask for feedback, talk about your patient’s concerns and always inform them of any decisions.

 

 

 

Bring a Piece of Home into the Facility

 

Moving to a new place can be very difficult for elderly people because they tend to be attached to their belongings. To make the transition easier, you can bring items from their old home to the assisted living facility so they can still feel at home.

 

 

You can even recreate their bedroom using accessories that were part of their room for many years. Make sure to include photographs, books, and candles that they love for that extra homey feel.

 

 

 

Be Present

 

During the first few days of staying in the assisted living facility, your loved one may feel that he has been abandoned. To make them feel secure, try to visit as often as possible and while you’re there, find activities that you can do with your loved one.

 

 

It could be as simple as working on a puzzle or starting a workout routine together. Being present makes your loved one feel more secure knowing that he is not forgotten and will always be loved by you.

 

 

 

Are you ready to finally take that step to move your loved one into the best place for them to enjoy their senior years?

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

assisted living with memory care

Senior Living with Memory Care: Everything You Need to Know

The numbers say it all: 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today and by 2050, it is expected to reach nearly 14 million. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States alone and it continues to debilitate many Americans every day. And since it is a progressive disease with no cure, those who are affected by it need special care at all times, especially those who are in their senior years.

 

 

Assisted living with memory care is one of the ways that communities can offer supportive care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Here, caregivers are available at all times to cater to the needs of the patients while providing them with a secure environment to continue their quality of living.

 

 

These are some things you need to know about memory care:

 

Differences between Assisted Living and Memory Care

 

Although closely related, assisted living and memory care facilities have a few differences. For one, memory care units are designed with the needs of Alzheimer’s patients in mind. Unlike assisted living units, memory care units don’t typically have individual kitchens. They also have extra security features to protect dementia patients from wandering off and getting lost. Memory care units are also designed to be as relaxing as possible to keep patients from being confused and stressed.

 

 

Caregivers in memory care are also highly trained to understand Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Aside from assisting them in their activities of daily living, caregivers also know how to respond to disruptive behavior manifested by dementia patients and how to communicate with them effectively.

 

 

 

Benefits of Memory Care

 

Having a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be very stressful for families. So, knowing that there are memory care units that offer specialized care for these patients brings peace of mind and a sense of security. Memory care is more than just having a place where seniors can live peacefully. It covers every aspect of a patient’s way of life where caregivers are available 24/7 to assist in activities of daily living as well as enhance a patient’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing.

 

 

While memory care units are more focused on security, patients will never feel like they’re locked up or secluded because these units have plenty of living spaces that are comfortable and homey. Patients can also enjoy the outdoors through activities that help them stay social in their own community.

 

 

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may not have a cure, but it doesn’t mean that your loved one can’t enjoy the rest of his life. With the help of memory care units and their skilled staff, patients suffering from these debilitating diseases can still perform their daily activities, enjoy a good living environment and socialize with other people within their community.

 

 

 

Of course, you can’t forget about giving them the support they need by making sure that you visit them often and assure them that they have a family who loves them enough to let them enjoy a good life even in their senior years.

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

senior housing cost - preparation

Preparing For Retirement: Finances and Senior Housing

Retirement signals the beginning of your second life, which requires proper planning for the type of lifestyle you need to take. This is because even if you stopped working, the government still wants you to pay your tax dues. Thus, it will depend on where you live, the income you are going to receive, and how much.

 

 

Social Security Tax

 

In many states in the U.S., Social Security benefits are not subject to tax. However, it is still included as taxable income. Find out how you will owe for the income tax based on your Social Security income from the guidelines below.

 

  • Single retirees with a total income of not more than $25,000 will not be taxed based on the Social Security benefits.
  • Single retirees with a combined income between $25,000 – $34,000 will be taxed 50% of the benefits.
  • Single retirees with income more than $34,000 will be taxed 85% from the benefits.
  • Income of married couples filed jointly which is less than $32,000 will not be taxed. However, income ranging from $34,000 to $44,000 will be taxable by up to 50%. Also, for income more than $44,000, a taxable rate of 85% will be imposed.

 

 

It is also important to think ahead about your finances and senior housing cost. If you are going to adapt to the changing life and financial circumstances, it is best to have advanced planning, which is key in the evolution to the new changes in life.

 

 

Buying your first home, saving for the education of your children, or planning for retirement are all the same since it is essential to respond to the changing circumstances in life. That is why Social Security benefits are crucial components of any well thought out retirement plan.

 

 

If you only observe the numbers, 74% of single seniors and 51% of married couples rely on Social Security benefits in 2016. This is more than 50% of their monthly income. In fact, in the year 1960, 35% of those more than 65 years old lived in horrible poverty, which is opposite to the numbers in 2012 at no higher than 9%.

 

 

 

Living Retirement Life to the Fullest

 

In order to ensure that you gain the baseline of income, you can seek help from a certified public accountant to provide basic accounting for those that want to prepare for senior housing cost. They are able to help seniors as well as their families to have peace of mind. In this case, seniors are able to live their retirement life to its fullest.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

It is important for seniors to consider proper planning when it comes to retirement preparations. Thus, seniors need help to achieve a better life without any problems involving finances and senior housing cost.

 

 

 

Consulting tax professionals or certified public accountants can help a lot in ensuring that they don’t live past their available income. This can guarantee retirees can stay in their own place as long as possible instead of transitioning to senior housing, nursing home, or family member’s home. Moreover, it is important since they need to have financial resources to do so.

 

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

assisted living facilities

Assisted Living Facilities for Seniors Living With Diabetes

The number of people with diabetes in the U.S. alone has already reached a ratio of one out of four. Sadly, this case has been deemed to have no cure. That’s why people living with diabetes, particularly seniors, need to manage the disease as best as possible. Fortunately, managing it has now become easier even with seniors in assisted living facilities. In fact, there are smarter ways in order to live with diabetes. Take a look at how you can live a satisfying life even with diabetes.

 

 

Types of Diabetes

 

The first thing that you should know about diabetes is that there are different types. Moreover, it is attributed to high blood glucose levels as do other diseases, which results from the defect in the production and use of insulin in the body.

 

  • Type 1 Diabetes – insulin produced by the pancreas controls the glucose levels of the body. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin. Therefore, people having this condition require insulin via injection or pump. Type 1 diabetes accounts in 5% of all adults with diabetes. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include extreme hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, unusual thirst, and weight loss.

 

  • Type 2 Diabetes – This occurs when the pancreas is not able to create a substantial amount of insulin or unable to use it effectively. This develops typically in people more than 40 years old. In fact, it accounts for about 95% of all cases of adults with diabetes. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include blurred vision, confusion, depression, numbness, and wounds that heal slowly, as well as any of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

 

 

 

Causes of Diabetes

 

The causes of diabetes baffle even doctors, because they are unable to pinpoint the specific cause. Nevertheless, aging, genetics, and lifestyle can play a major part in the development of diabetes.

 

 

Controlling Diabetes

 

It might not be enough for some people to control diabetes with exercise and diet alone. In such cases, it can be done via oral medications in order to increase insulin levels or to aid in the ability of the body is responding to insulin. The drugs recommended for such cases include:

 

  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
  • Biguanides
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Thiazolidinediones

 

 

Seniors Living with Diabetes

 

Here are some important tips intended for seniors living with diabetes, which has been recommended by the American Association of Diabetes (AAD) to be performed on a daily basis. In short, these tips are recommendations only, but at the end of the day, your health will depend on how you manage your lifestyle.

 

  • Checking the blood glucose
  • Consuming the right kinds of foods at just the right measurements
  • Get active
  • Find out more about diabetes
  • Stop smoking
  • Take medicines only prescribed by your doctor

 

 

It is also important to know which foods to avoid for seniors in assisted living facilities. According to the AAD, here are food tips to consider for those older than 55 years of age.

 

  • Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets
  • Choose a vegetable or fruit instead of fries on the side
  • Get dressings and sauces on the side
  • Split the dessert with your partner or eat only half of what you used to consume
  • Start eating with salad or broth-based soup
  • Utilize the plate method

 

Contact Richmont Senior Living for more information on our assisted living facilities today!

 

 


Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco