bathing and/or getting dressed is needed. Again, whether the job falls to a friend or a relative, caring for a senior is an extremely important and stressful task. Be sure to research your options so that you know what is available. There are many companies now providing services for a fee to assist families in navigating through options for housing. One group, Geriatric Care Managers (GCM’s), are individuals with expertise and knowledge in working with families to help determine patient needs and then match local resources available to meet them.
GCM’s can assist families with referrals for special needs (Alzheimer’s) as well as determining which options fall within the patient’s budget. Be sure to check if they are a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. There are many online tools and resources to assist with researching what options are best for you or your loved one. In addition to online resources, there are many websites and blogs specifically to provide a support system for caregivers. The good news is that you are not alone.
Respite care provides short term breaks that relieves stress, restores energy, and promotes balance in one’s life. In-home respite • Informal family support and relief • Online caregiver communities and video workshops • Volunteer or paid companionship • Personal care or skilled health assistance Out-of-home respite • Adult day programs • Residential respite care • Caregiver support groups Be sure to ask some of the following questions when searching for the proper form of respite for your loved one…
• How are care providers screened? • What is the training and level of experience of the care providers? • Will care providers need additional training to meet specific family needs? • How, and by whom, are the care providers supervised? • What procedures does the program have for emergencies? • Are families limited to a certain number of hours of services? • Does the program provide transportation and meals? • What is the cost of services? How is payment arranged?
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Senior Living Annual Care Costs in 2009 Care Type Avg. Annual Total
Nursing Home
Assisted Living
Homemaker
$56,592*
$38,340
$40,040
(Private, 1 bedroom) (44 hours/week)
Adult Day Care
$10,140
(5 days/week)
*Median figure between private and semi-private room rates. Source: Genworth Financial Report – 2009 Cost of Care Survey
Estimated Future SLAC Costs in 2014 Care Type Avg. Annual Total
Nursing Home
Assisted Living
Homemaker
$71,507*
$48,933
$51,102
(Private, 1 bedroom) (44 hours/week)
Adult Day Care
$12,941
(5 days/week)
*Median figure between private and semi-private room rates. Source: Genworth Financial Report – Projections
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Housing
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