Continuing Care Centers – Choosing the Right One
Carlene Hamilton
OSURA Communications
Many adults are concerned about the best living arrangements and care for aging parents. Often, this also makes them question their own needs as they age.
Joyce A. Smith, extension apparel and textiles specialist, emeritus, Consumer and Textile Sciences, faced these questions as she sought care for her mother who lived in a different state. She found that when evaluating continuing care communities, individuals need to plan ahead, examine the continuing care concept, and investigate several facilities before making a decision. Smith chaired a sub-committee of the Ohio State University Retirees Association (OSURA) Benefits Committee which further studied the issue and developed a “Guide Sheet for Evaluating Continuing Care Retirement Communities,” available here. Here are some highlights:
What to Look for in a Facility
As individuals age, many seek living arrangements that offer a safe, secure, stimulating environment, while also providing for changes in mobility and health status. Continuing care retirement centers (also referred to as CCRCs) offer several levels of housing arrangements depending on a resident’s health and ability to function independently. All levels are located on the same “campus” or facility site. Residents move from one level of housing to another as health care needs change. The guide sheet describes the various care levels: independent living, assisted living, nursing care, and special care centers for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory conditions. Some continuing care centers are considered “life care communities” which provide all levels of care.
Consider Health History
When choosing housing for later years, consider potential health status as the person ages. Does the individual have or is there a family history of chronic or debilitating diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or Alzheimer’s, that might require assistance with daily living activities? Although the person’s health might be excellent now, evaluate the continuing care center as if he/she could not currently drive a car or handle financial matters since these situations may arise in the future. Other factors to consider include the facility’s location, the services provided, and the proximity to family or friends who could assist, if needed.
Follow the Evaluation Criteria
The guide sheet developed by a sub-committee of OSURA’s Benefits Committee also includes a set of evaluation criteria for:
- Care levels
- Residence plans
- Ownership and management
- Living space and accommodations
- Dining and food service
- On-site amenities (laundry services, housekeeping, banking, medical facilities, recreational and spiritual programs, etc.)
- On-site assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
- Enhanced level of care, short- or long-term (costs, meals, transportation, emergency situations, etc., and who makes these decisions)
Visit, Visit, Visit
Be sure to visit the sites to evaluate the overall environment and location. Do so formally with facility representatives, but also return and do so informally on your own.
Many continuing care centers have web sites where you can get basic information about area facilities. The guide sheet also lists several web sites which provide useful references that may be helpful when making decisions for housing during later years.