|
|
When it comes to senior housing, a primary concern is the amount of care and support that a resident can expect to receive. Depending on the extent of assistance your loved one needs, you may decide on a retirement community, assisted living, or home care. It is important to remember though, that a senior living community can cater to many levels of care.
Lynne Romano, a 57-year-old retired middle school teacher, knows first-hand how senior living community's can provide for differing levels of need. Two years ago, both her mother- and father-in-law, as well as her uncle Louis Romano, resided in Greenwich Bay Manor in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Their situations, however, were drastically different. While her uncle was simply looking to escape the cold and meet new people in his age group, it was the fragile state of her in-laws' health that brought about the decision to place them in an assisted living community more imperative.
"They didn't want to go," says Lynne. "But they were forced to because of health reasons." The family chose a place that was centrally located between them, and despite their initial resistance to the move, her in-laws were better able to enjoy their final years because of it.
"All of their needs were taken care of–they had three meals a day prepared for them, the staff was always around, and most importantly, they were never alone. It was a huge relief," shares Lynne. And they loved it, she adds. "[My mother-in-law] used to tell me to save my money so I could live there when I got older."
After their deaths, Lynne convinced her uncle to move to Brightview Commons, an independent and assisted living community, since its location in Wakefield, RI, was closer to his extended family. Lynne says that they were drawn to the three levels of assisted living available at Brightview. As a resident's needs increase, he or she can simply increase the level of care they require.
Although the costs rise along with the care, Lynne says it's a comfort to know that all of Louis's needs can be met in one place.
"Right now, he's on the lowest level of care. All he needs help with is getting his medications dispensed," she says. "His main reason for being in the community is the socialization." With both new friends and family close at hand, Louis enjoys his time at the community, and is currently working to start a choral group. Lynne explains, "The biggest advantage for older adults in a senior living community is they don't have to be alone."
|
|