Navigating Care Options For Centenarians and Senior Loved Ones

America is living longer and healthier thanks to medical advances and lifestyle changes. In fact, the number of Americans ages 100 and older is projected to quadruple over the next three decades, from an estimated 101,000 in 2024 to about 422,000 in 2054, according to projections from the U.S. Census Bureau. Assisted Living Services, a non-medical homecare agency in Connecticut, offers hands-on experience in caring for this special population, as well as anyone 65 and older. During Healthy Aging Month and National Centenarian Day in September, the award-winning company encourages older adults to plan for their future living situation today.

“Navigating the complex maze and ever-changing options of senior care can certainly become an overwhelming experience,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA and COO of family-owned Assisted Living Services, Inc. “As a credentialed homecare provider for nearly thirty years, our team is here to help families make the best decision for their elderly loved one at that particular time of their life to ensure their future happiness, safety and security.”

D’Aquila emphasizes that independence is the top priority for most seniors and staying in their own homes is often the most comfortable and cost-effective situation; however, he offers the following comprehensive comparison of the various types of senior care and the advantages and disadvantages of each:

• Non-Medical In-Home Care – this option allows a person to “age in place with family, offering privacy and comfort. Seniors enjoy independence and control in scheduling and routine with one-on-one personal care and safety monitoring. Caregivers assist with all activities of daily living (ADL’s) like meal preparation, feeding, light house cleaning, laundry, transferring, toileting, incontinence care, transportation, socialization and companionship. Caregivers can be available from 1 hour to 24 hours per day. Some home care agencies participate in the Medicaid waiver programs to offset the cost. Disadvantages with this type of care could include a feeling of intrusiveness by other family members and continued upkeep of the home.
• Skilled Home Healthcare (Medical) - provides certified medical practitioners, such as an M.D. or R.N., to administer medical services like injections, wound care, physical therapy and occupational therapy among others. Skilled home health care is often temporary and is often used after a senior is discharged from a hospital or medical rehabilitation center.
• Assisted Living Communities – are ideal for seniors who also need support with ADL’s but still want to maintain a level of independence. Besides providing a wide array of services, including dining, housekeeping, transportation, social activities, and personal care, these communities also offering specialized services like memory care for residents with dementia. D’Aquila notes that these are large facilities with a variety of living options, including private apartments with licensed nursing staff available for additional healthcare needs. As such, they are regulated by the state Department of Public Health. The primary disadvantages to this model are the separation from a senior’s home and family can cause emotional distress, and additional services are often an added cost. What’s more, when funds are depleted, there is no State funding available.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities – offer a one-stop facility with healthcare support along with planned on-site activities. The drawback is that a senior must pay a substantial one-time buy-in plus a monthly community cost and additional fees depending on the particular level of care needed.
• Long-Term and Short-Term Care Facilities – address chronic illness and are designed for long-term care or medical rehabilitation in a sterile, hospital-like environment. They provide intensive rehabilitation with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, preparing a senior for a return to their home environment.
• Independent Living Communities - are designed for seniors who do not require assistance with ADLs but want to live in a community that offers convenience, social opportunities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. They vary in size, ranging from apartment complexes to large campuses but do not provide medical or personal care, nor are they regulated as healthcare facilities.
• Residential Care Homes - are suitable for individuals who need some assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management; however, they do not provide extensive medical or nursing care. In Connecticut, RCHs are licensed and regulated by the Department of Public Health, ensuring compliance with specific standards for care, staffing, and facility operations.
• Hospice Care – a service for people with serious illnesses who choose not to get or continue treatment to cure or control their illness. Hospice aims to provide comfort and peace to help improve quality of life for the person nearing death. It also helps family members cope with their loved one’s illness and supports the family after the person dies through bereavement care. Medicare reimburses for hospice services when a physician determines that a patient has a life-expectancy of 6 months or less.

“Our caregivers undergo rigorous training and continued education throughout their employment to ensure that they feel confident and empowered to go above and beyond for the people they care for each day,” said D’Aquila. “Additionally, we help improve a senior’s safety by supplementing personal care with technological devices through our sister company- Assisted Living Technologies.”

About Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) in Cheshire, Putnam and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut. Its unique CarePlus program blends personal care by over 700 employees and caregivers with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a “Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence”, a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203.634.8668.

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