At The Fountains, we know making the right choice about assisted living is important to you. That's why we've prepared this informative brochure to help answer your questions. You can also click here to learn about your level of care options at The Fountains of Grand Junction. Or simply contact us direct to ask any questions you may still have about your care or the care of a loved one.

Today, there are many living options available to seniors. The terminology can be confusing and so it is always best to ask questions. Here is some information to help you work your way through the maze.

Independent Living is for people who want to and are able to live independently but do not want to maintain a home. Many people prefer to live in a community with individuals who are the same stage in life and have similar interests. An independent retirement community allows for a great deal of social activities and outings. Many independent living communities also offer prepared meals and provide a wide range of amenities.

Terms are most often month-to-month rental agreements. Independent residences are not regulated or licensed by any state or federal authority. Some units may have emergency call systems. Independent residences may state they have “home health” or “assisted living” or “personal care services” available; however, these facilities are not regulated or licensed by the state and there is no oversight of services provided.

Assisted Living is regulated and licensed by the state. Assisted living is usually private pay and some residences may be certified to accept payment from Medicaid if financial and functional eligibility requirements are met. There are also assisted living residences designed to be a secure environment for persons with dementia who wander.

Terms are most often month-to-month rental agreements. Assisted living residences offer a wide range of services and no two are alike. It is best to specifically ask for a list of services that are included in the monthly fee and if there are additional charges for any services. Assisted living residences are not allowed to provide what are called “skilled services.” This may include nursing, physical or occupational therapy. Assisted living residences are not allowed to have someone move-in who needs services and care beyond what is provided in that facility. Therefore, an assessment is completed on every potential resident of an assisted living residence.

Services are generally:

• On-site 24 hour, 7 days/week personal care staff
• 3 meals per day
• Personal care services (medication administration, assistance with activities of daily living, assistance with mobility, reminders and cuing, escort to and from meals, assistance with bathing)
• Scheduled transportation
• Weekly light housekeeping, laundry services, activities, social events, exercises, and protective oversight, all utilities plus basic cable, maintenance, and landscaping
• Services such as home health nursing and therapy, or outpatient services, are available with a physician referral just as they are to anyone living in their home. Hospice also works closely with assisted living residences

Skilled Nursing Facilities, also known as nursing homes or long-term care facilities, are licensed and regulated by the state and federal governments. Medicare Part A and B will cover nursing home services if conditions of participation are met. There are also services available as private pay. Medicaid payment is accepted if financial and functional eligibility requirements are met. Physician referral is required. Services are generally very medical in nature and there is 24-hour nursing staff available for assessment and/or treatment. Services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy are available as part of Medicare Part A. Amenities include all aspects of care, meals and monitoring of nutrition and specialized diets, activities, and restorative services.

Long-Term Care insurance will pay for skilled nursing care and some policies may also cover some portions of assisted living; however, policies vary and generally will not cover more than 3-4 years maximum. Assisted living generally costs 1/3 more than retirement living. Nursing homes cost greater than 2 times more than assisted living.

Family caregivers may choose to care for a loved one. Oftentimes this proves to be a challenging option, in fact, recent statistics show that senior care is becoming a large part of American’s lives:

• 37% are worried about juggling care giving with other responsibilities
• 25% about are worried about having enough time for nuclear family
• 38% are worried about maintaining their own health
• 34% of working women miss work due to caring for an aging parent
• 24% of working men have missed work as a result of elder care

Source: Family Circle and the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Knowing how to recognize the right time for additional assistance comes down to individual health needs, desires and ability to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle. While some seniors choose to stay at home, others choose a safer, more comfortable environment. Assisted living can be a relaxing change in lifestyle. Escape the upkeep of a house, yard work, and maintenance while meeting genuine people who have similar interests.

The best way to determine whether now is the time to make the move, is to consider the following questions:

• Are you or your family member feeling isolated at home?
• Are meals being skipped, or are poor eating habits immerging?
• Have the routine chores of home maintenance become a challenge?
• Is daily assistance to manage personal care needed?
• Is your loved one showing signs of forgetfulness that may threaten his/her safety?
• Are you or your loved one starting to loose touch with friends or family?
• Are you or your loved one giving up hobbies, interests or pursuits that are meaningful?

If the answer to all or most of the questions above is no, the decision to move is solely a matter of individual choice.

If your answer to some of the questions above is yes, you or your loved one could benefit by moving into a senior living community. Surrounded by the support of a caring and loyal staff along with a variety of social, spiritual and educational activities, you or your loved one will thrive.

Senior assisted living facilities are for people who wish to live as independently as possible, but may need assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, transportation, and assistance with medications. Generally residents in assisted living centers need support, but do not require the constant care of a skilled nursing home. Assisted living is not an alternative to a nursing home, but an intermediate level of long-term care appropriate for many seniors.

Most assisted living facilities create a care plan for each individual resident upon admission. The care plan details the personalized services required by the resident and guaranteed by the facility. The plan is updated regularly to assure that the resident receives the appropriate care as his or her condition changes.