In today's world, Grandma has options.

Who will take Grandma? A song written by Walter Brennan, in 1962, 60 years ago.

This was the mindset of many years past but in today's world, Grandma and her family have several wonderful and supportive options to consider. These include the following:

?? 55 and up apartments - An active apartment living setting for seniors 55 and up, and with no care offered. It's for those who are ready to give up their home maintenance responsibilities, to be around other like-minded seniors and for socialization opportunities. Requires a 12-month lease to be signed.

?? IL (Independent Living) - For the senior who can still live independently, but enjoys having access to assistance when needed. IL communities provide their residents with convenient access to dining, medical care, entertainment and more. The independent living lifestyle offers residents a safe living environment, but with minimal assistance. Hospitality services, such as housekeeping, meals, and laundry may or may not be included in the monthly rental, but are typically available. Most offer a MTM (month to month) lease, some after 90 days of residency, but others require a 12-month lease term.

?? Adult Day Care - A wonderful support program, Adult Day Care centers are non-residential facilities that support the needs of aging adults in a professionally staffed, group setting. Programs can offer meals, meaningful activities, general supervision, personal care, transportation and other health services, when needed. Provides a secure environment, especially for individuals with dementia – some programs may be dementia specific. For caregivers, adult day centers may provide respite care, enabling caregivers to work or have a break from their caregiving responsibilities.

?? In-Home Care - Non-Medical Providers: Professional Caregivers (Companions, Homemakers, etc.) provide assistance in the home with ADLs (activities of daily living) that include: medication, bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, grooming. The also offer assistance with laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, grocery shopping, transportation, etc. Home Health - Supportive care, provided in the home. Care may be provided by: Medical Providers: Licensed Health Care Providers (RNs, LPNs, PTs, OTs, CNAs) who will come to your home and provide health services for medical care needs (wound care, therapy, etc.).

?? AL (Assisted Living) - Assisted Living Communities are designed for active seniors who are looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle but may require some level of support or assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living). Along with hospitality-based services and amenities (meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, fitness center, hair salon, etc.), Assisted Living Communities provide healthcare services and personal assistance, often as part of a “care package” or “care plan” which may/may not be included in the monthly rental. MTM lease offered.

?? Residential Care Homes (a/k/a Family Care Homes) - A home for the elderly, licensed through the state to provide assisted living services for up to 6 residents and no more. It looks like any other home on the block, but inside, the house is equipped to cater to your loved one's needs. A residential care home is an excellent option for a resident wanting more personalized care, in an intimate setting. MTM lease offered.

?? MC (Memory Care) - Personalized care can help your loved one with memory loss, continue to live a full life. A MC setting provides specialized memory support, often in an area with increased security, separate or an inclusive neighborhood with wander-protection. A diagnosis of dementia and/or Alzheimer's is typically needed. MTM lease offered.

?? SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility)/Rehab - Years ago, this is the only option that was available and is what is referred to as being a 'nursing home'. If you're recovering from surgery or in need of building your strength after a hospital stay, a SNF/rehab may be a good option for you, to get you back on your feet.

?? CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) - CCRCs offer all levels of senior living that include IL, AL and MC, on the same campus, as well as a SNF/Rehab. This allows the residents of a subject campus to truly 'age in place' and with no need to move from one community to another. In most instances, residents “buy into” the community with a substantial down payment but have access to the entire continuum of care, when needed. Lease terms can vary.

?? Palliative Care - Specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. They treat people suffering from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses such as cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and many more.

?? Hospice Care - A system of care that includes family support and bereavement services, while being tailored to individuals whose life expectancy is generally six months, or less.

As a society, we are living longer and healthier than prior generations. With these changes occurring across the globe, several options for senior living have evolved over the last few decades, creating comfortable settings our elders can truly thrive in.

If you'd like to learn more about what is available in the metro Charlotte area, reach out to CarePatrol of Charlotte. We are happy to be a helpful resource to you and your family, in all things related to aging, caregiving and senior living. Contact us today at 704-771-1777, or via email at [email protected]. ??????

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