SENIOR
APARTMENT LIVING...
is usually an apartment complex that provides each tenant
a full apartment, kitchen appliances, laundry facilities,
and 24-hour security. Services such as scheduled activities,
transportation, and meal service may or may not be included.
This type of housing is also referred to as Congregate Housing.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities usually include this
level of housing in their option pack.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT
COMMUNITY (CCRC)...
offers housing with a full range of services, including
nursing care, when or if it is needed. Housing can be in
apartments, condominiums, or in cottages. Continuing care
includes everything in one package, and is sometimes called
"life care," because you can live in the retirement
community regardless of your changing health care needs.
Residents may select the type and level of
care that fits their needs now, and then "graduate"
to another level and type of care if their situation calls
for it.
ASSISTED LIVING...
units are designed to offer support services that help you
maintain privacy, freedom, and independence. Facilities
are usually offered in apartment buildings or complexes,
with individual apartments that include kitchens. Most facilities
offer a variety of common areas, such as living rooms, libraries,
and central dining rooms. Most facilities offer easy access
to transportation and health care services. Other services
such as light housekeeping, assistance with bathing, dressing,
or medications, and meal preparation can be arranged, if
needed. Professional staff such as nurses, social workers,
and dieticians may be provided by the facility or coordinated
with outside agencies. The assisted living facility must
be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
(KDHE).
RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES...
are facilities that provide six or more residents with an
individual living unit with a private bathroom, but not
necessarily a kitchen. These facilities provide the same
services as Assisted Living Facilities. They are licensed
by the Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
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 BOARDING
CARE HOMES...
can be alternatives to nursing home placement. These homes
provide a room, meals, laundry, cleaning, 24-hour supervision,
and in some cases (depending upon their license), may provide
supervision of medications and personal assistance with bathing,
dressing, and grooming. This type of home does NOT provide
medical or skilled nursing care. Residents must be able to
walk and be able to take medication on their own or with little
supervision. Most board and care homes are privately operated
and must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, and care for not more than 10 individuals.
HOME PLUS...
are private residences which offer 24-hour supervision and
care for five people or less. These homes provide a room,
meals, 24-hour supervision, personal care, and, depending
on the qualifications of the Home Plus operator, may include
supervised nursing care, simple nursing care, or skilled
nursing care. Costs vary widely but a "standard package"
usually includes a room, meals, utilities, housekeeping,
laundry, and some group activities. Nursing care may be
extra.
What are the costs and how
can I get more information?
The cost of these different housing options will vary depending
on the size of your apartment, amount of services you want
or need, the facility's location, and management. Some housing
may be able to lower the rent cost based on an individual's
income.
Services such as homemaking and attendant
care can be funded in many licensed adult care homes by
the Medicaid program. The home, the potential resident,
and their case manager would negotiate the room and board
cost and the service plan. The resident would pay the negotiated
room and board cost and Medicaid would pay the service cost.
Some facilities will have waiting lists,
so it is wise to plan ahead if you are considering moving
into one of these housing alternatives. Contact the Area
Agency on Aging, SRS office, or the local housing authority
in your area for more information and assistance.
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Important
Questions to Ask Before you Sign a Contract
1. How much will it cost, including add-ons
to the rent?
2. What is the cost and policy on telephones/TV's/Cable
TV hook up?
3. Are pets allowed? If so, is there an extra deposit?
4. Are there any restrictions on visitors or overnight guests?
5. How are cleaning standards maintained? Does someone inspect
apartments? Are the inspections announced or unannounced?
6. Will the home or facility accept Medicaid payment for
service?
7. Can the rent be based on my income?
8. What is the policy on retaining my apartment if I have
a change of health or would need to be hospitalized? Is
that policy part of the contract?
9. What are the costs for services like transportation,
laundry, meals, etc?
10. If you will need parking, is it included or is there
an extra fee for parking?
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