Resources

When determining what kind of senior living option is best, it’s important to identify what specific type of care and environment you or your loved one needs. Are you looking for more independent living? Is a social environment important? Are activities important? Would you benefit more from a smaller, home-like setting? Here are the types of senior living available: Independent Living Communities for individuals 55 years old and older that offer a range of amenities and activities. Primarily for individuals who are self-sufficient and require no medical assistance from community staff. Designed to remove the hassles of maintaining a home and provides a community of residents similar in age. Does not include personal caregivers or care services. Assisted Living For individuals 60 years old and older that are largely able to get around on their own but who need some assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, etc.) Assisted living facilities can range from smaller residential homes (which typically houses up to 6 residents) to larger facilities with over a hundred+ units. Smaller facilities are also known as a “board and care.” Nursing Home For individuals who don’t need to be in a hospital but cannot be cared for at home. Most nursing homes have nursing aides, skilled nurses, physical therapists and other medical staff on-hand 24 hours a day. Memory Care Specialized care for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Communities typically offer safe and secure environments where staff can closely monitor the residents. Staff are trained to be able to provide quality care needed for seniors with cognitive impairment.

Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal does not cover assisted living costs. Most assisted living is private pay only. Most long term health insurance policies do cover all or a portion of monthly cost of assisted living.

Assistance with all activities of daily living, such as, grooming, bathing, medication management, laundry, meal preparation, companionship, etc. 24-hour care and supervision. Provides a community setting

The term “board and care” and “assisted living” can and are often used interchangeably. However, most residential homes catering to up to 6 residents are usually called a “board and care”. Benefits of a smaller assisted living facility/board and care include: Cozier, home-like family setting Better caregiver ratios. Usually 1:3 Easier for senior to navigate and socialize Person-centered care Able to tailor care and services specifically to the individual Reduce the chance of underlying health conditions falling between cracks Constant feedback and updates from staff

Yes, Grace Living is able to care for residents needing hospice care. We collaborate with various hospice agencies and ensure the resident gets the upmost care and attention during this chapter of their life.

Being able to “age in place” is a preference most seniors have. However, paying for a caregiver to come to your home (even just for a few hours) can certainly add up. On average, you will pay $15-$25 per hour for a caregiver. If you require 24 hour care, 7 days a week, at $15/hour, your total cost can be $10,800 per month, in addition to all the costs that go into running your own home (utilities, mortgage, food, etc.).

Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) serve persons 60 and older. They provide room, board, housekeeping, supervision, and personal care assistance with basic activities like personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and walking.

At Grace Living, we are happy to offer a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio for our residents. Meaning, one caregiver is responsible for 2 or 3 residents at a time. To provide context, the US Department of Health and Human Services released a study that found that one-quarter of assisted living communities had a ratio of one caregiver for each 23 or more residents.

Yes, at Grace Living we believe it is imperative for staff to be fully awake (rather than asleep and on-call) to help our residents during the evening hours of 10pm – 6am.

The monthly rate is determined by the level of care needed. Various conditions that affect the level beyond the “basic level of care” include: Alzheimer’s/Dementia, mild cognitive impairment, incontinence, transferring ability, etc.