Senior Care Homes-Care and Housing Options in NJ

Many times, adult children of seniors find themselves playing the role of advocate to obtain care of parent. This may begin when a parent becomes ill or injured and has to be hospitalized or you may see that your parent is declining and can no longer be alone and will require ongoing care. What do you do then? So many people, it's like a "trial by fire", trying to learn the language of senior care homes options in order to make the best decision for their loved one. Understanding the different senior care terms can make this an easier task.  

Rehabilitation/Sub acute Care Center-this type of facility provides short term therapeutic care for patients once discharged from the acute care of a hospital. The therapy provided includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. A typical stay in a rehab center is usually about two to three weeks. The goal is to restore the patient to normal capacity.

Home Care-also known as senior in home care or home health care. This type of service provides a range of services that include assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and ambulation. Home care can also include meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry services. In-home care can be provided for a few hours per day or on a 24 hour per day basis depending on need.

Adult Day Care/Medical Day Care-a protective environment for seniors needing a structured program. Services for adult day care vary from custodial care, offering stimulating activities for independent seniors along with meals, to an adult medical day care which provides activities to seniors with medical needs.  Seniors are usually brought to an adult day care program in the morning and leave in the evening. Transportation to and from the center is often available.

Assisted Living-is a combination of housing and personal health support services for seniors. Services in an assisted living usually include:
-private or semi-private apartment
-emergency call systems
-daily meals served in a common dining room
-social and recreational activities
-transportation
-assistance with personal care
-medication management
-24 hour staff
-laundry and housekeeping services
In addition, many assisted living facilities have a secure unit for memory impaired seniors.

Nursing-Convalescent Home/Skilled Nursing Facility-For those with a need for more acute care, a nursing home provides patients with 24 hour care. This type of facility is generally for patients requiring ongoing skilled care such as bathing, toileting, dressing, as well as assistance with ambulation. Medical supervision and rehabilitation services are also provided.  

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)-a community that offers multiple levels of assistance to seniors. Levels of care range from independent living, assisted living and nursing home care. A CCRC provides a continuum of housing and health care options on one central campus.  Seniors who opt to live at a CCRC usually sign a long term contract (often the length of a resident's life). This offers the senior the peace of mind that they can receive housing and assistance at one site, as their needs increase.