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Americans are living longer. Advances
in medical science and better education
about healthy living are extending our
lives to the point where living into our
80’s isn’t a rare event anymore. The
National Institute on Aging estimates
that people over 65 will account for 20%
of our population by the year 2030.
You can already see it happening in
the growing senior living industry where
the competition is unprecedented and
the options are increasing. Here are some
of the most common senior living
options:
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Independent Living arrangements are
apartments rented on a month to month
basis. Some may offer additional services
such as medical alert pendants and
optional meal plans. Some Independent
Living apartments for seniors are free-
standing, some are part of a Continuing
Care Retirement Community which
require a “buy-in,” and some are associ-
ated but not part of an Assisted Living
Community.
ASSISTED LIVING
Assisted Living Communities provide
personal care in addition to three meals a
day and a full program of social, physical,
intellectual and spiritual stimulation.
Many residents in Assisted Living
Communities are able to complete activ-
ities of daily living independently and
some need assistance with such activities
as getting dressed, toileting and groom-
ing. Every resident has an individual care
plan which is updated on a regular basis.
Resident aides are always around to help
out. Meals are prepared by a chef and
served in a restaurant-style dining room
providing an opportunity for socializa-
tion. There are numerous safety and
security measures as well. Lifestyle pro-
grams that include planned activities, day
trips and entertainment are staples of
Assisted Living. Because all services are
included, monthly rentals are generally
higher than Independent Living.
MEMORY CARE
Specialized living arrangements for
older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or
other forms of dementia can be the
answer for families coping with a loved
one who can no longer be left alone or
whose behavior is causing stress. These
Memory Care programs typically pro-
vide a secure floor or wing that prevents
the residents from wandering and a
specially trained 24 hour staff that pro-
vides a watchful eye at all times.
Separate dining rooms and activities are
part of Memory Care. Memory Care
programs provide more intensive, 24-
hour care and supervision.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT
COMMUNITY (CCRC)
Part independent living, part assisted
living and part skilled nursing, CCRCs
offer a tiered approach to the aging
process, accommodating residents’
changing needs. Upon entering, healthy
adults can reside independently in single-
family homes, apartments or condomini-
ums. When assistance with everyday
activities becomes necessary, they can
move into assisted living or nursing care
facilities. There is typically an entry fee
that can range from 50-thousand dollars
to a million dollars or more, plus a
monthly rental that varies according to
the resident’s needs and external market
factors. Some CCRCs offer “Lifecare” a
form of long term care insurance and
others are “Fee for Service” where the
resident pays market rates for the level of
care needed.
The senior housing industry is largely
based on private pay, though Medicaid is
accepted by some senior housing com-
munities under rules that vary state to
state. Medicare does not cover monthly
rentals at Assisted Living, Memory Care
or CCRCs, though it does cover prescrip-
tion drugs, physical and other therapy
and certain durable medical goods and
appliances.
U.S. combat veterans and their spous-
es are eligible for a special VA benefit,
the Aid and Attendance Pension, that
can help pay for senior living or long
term care.
Chelsea Senior Living can help you
or your loved one decide which option
is best. We have 17 communities in New
Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Find one close to you by visiting
chelseaseniorliving.com or calling 1-877-
CHELSEA.
SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS
Submitted by the Chelsea, Senior Living
Independent Living
Completion in early 2016
For seniors 65 and over
Tours by appointment
Call 908-903-0911
274 K
ING
G
EORGE
R
OAD
W
ARREN
, NJ 07059
WWW
.
CHELSEASENIORLIVING
.
COM
9
One & two bedroom apartments
9
Brand new, modern kitchens
9
Washer & dryer
9
Pre-wired for TV/internet
9
Underground parking
9
Monthly rental, no buy-in required
For your Independent Lifestyle
PAGE 93
Spotlight on
“SeniorS”
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