Assisted Living near Glen Carbon, IL

Assisted Living in Glen Carbon, Illinois

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a kind of senior care and housing which offers residents support for activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents commonly receive support for bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals. Different from a skilled nursing facility where people receive around-the-clock nursing care, assisted living facilities give residents access to care while also offering an array of activities and services in a community setting. Some assisted living communities provide support for seniors with specific medical needs such as for example cognitive loss due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, diabetes, or incontinence health care.

For anyone who is unsure about what kind of care your family member needs, consult with a medical expert who can help you select the best sort of care. Additionally, our Senior Living Advisors are available to answer any of your questions and help you look for a senior care facility that meets your needs.

What Is Senior Living Like in Glen Carbon, IL?

Boasting four distinct seasons and beautiful Midwest scenery, Illinois is a lovely destination to retire. Home to one of the world’s largest airports, retiring in Illinois provides your friends and relations a convenient spot to visit, while as well as offering you easy access to world travel.

When it comes to selecting senior living, there are numerous points to consider, from the level of attention and support to way of living, location and more. Glen Carbon, IL has many possible choices so that you can make a confident and educated decision for your loved ones.

• 55+ Apartments/Senior Apartments: Generally known as adult communities, age-restricted apartments, and senior condos. Senior apartments are simply like apartments for folks of all ages, but have an age restriction; typically residents are required to be over the age of 55 or 62. Older adults sometimes feel more secure in senior apartments and prefer living around people from their own generation.
• Independent Living: Independent living is a kind of senior housing for seniors who now live independently but want to live in a community setting with other seniors. This kind of senior housing commonly has community events, activities, excursions, and oftentimes has transitional programs for seniors who eventually need assisted living.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): Continuing care retirement communities are retirement facilities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living and nursing home care, offering seniors a continuum of care. A person can spend the rest of his life in a CCRC or life plan community, moving between degrees of health care as needed. This type of arrangement is also called “aging in place,” although it does require leaving one’s original residence.
• Adult Day Care: Adult day care provides respite care for caregivers who are still working while also caring for a loved one. That is a great option for caregivers and seniors researching ways to remain busy and engaged while living in the home and receiving home care solutions.
• Residential Care Home/Board and Care: Care homes are standard homes in residential neighborhoods which have been adapted to care for a small number of residents. Offering solutions similar to assisted living facilities, care homes specialize in providing personalized good care in a home-like setting.
• Assisted Living: Assisted living gives residents assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, personal grooming, medication supervision, and more. Amenities and services can vary greatly but typically there is staff on hand around the clock to help residents with wants as they arise. Residents likewise routinely have a care plan that is on a regular basis monitored and adapted as needs change over time.
• Memory Care: This kind of care is certainly for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These communities are generally specifically planned so that residents do not get lost or wander. They provide dementia-friendly meal plans and life enhancing activities that enhance engagement and social interaction.
• Nursing Homes/Skilled Nursing Facilities: Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, are for seniors who require the highest level of 24- hour health care, including those people who are bedridden. Nursing homes are also utilized by seniors for rehabilitation after a hospitalization.
• Respite Care/Short-Term Stay Respite: This care typically refers to a short-term stay at a long-term care community. Respite care can also make reference to in-home caregiving services used for only a short period. Family caregivers make use of respite services when they need a break or have other obligations.
• Hospice Care: Hospice care assists the terminally ill and their loved ones make the most of the last days of their lives. Originated in the word “hospitality,” hospice isn't a place, but a philosophy of care that embraces death as a natural part of life, and seeks to support patients meet this end with dignity and grace. This means comforting the patient emotionally and physically while assisting their friends and family as they navigate any end of life decisions.

What Solutions Are Available?

The amenities and services provided in senior living can vary substantially from community to community. However, most communities offer studio, one-room or two-bedroom apartments, activities, meal plans, transportation, and other amenities.

Other features often within assisted living include:

• Access to medical support
• Access to therapies on-site and off-site
• Exercise and nutrition courses
• Housekeeping assistance
• Medication management

How Do I Tour Assisted Living Facilities?

Glen Carbon has 38 communities in the region so it is essential to tour several assisted living facilities before finding the right one for your senior loved one. That way you will discover what options are available and will have a less complicated time narrowing down your alternatives. Call or contact A Place for Mom and we'll help you setup a tour at your preferred community.

Below are a few of the best questions you need to be ready to ask throughout your visit:

• Are there any outdoor spaces that people can enjoy? If so, are they kept neat and tidy?
• Can your staff administer prescription medication?
• Do you have a nurse on-site 24/7?
• Do you include all of your services in the monthly price? If not, how much are extra services?
• Does your policy require a preliminary assessment before admission?
• Is there a waitlist? If so, how many persons are currently on it?
• What apartment types are available and what exactly are their price ranges?
• What are the existing residents like?
• What are your billing and payment guidelines and procedures?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Are the staff members involved? Friendly?
• What is your release plan?
• What sort of education do your personnel have?
• It's also advisable to pay close attention to any people you meet or move while you’re there. Do they seem content and are they cared for well?

Will Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

According to Medicare.gov, “Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.”

Medicare covers only short-term, non-custodial care. This means you cannot use Medicare to cover long-term nursing home stays or assisted living. Medicare covers medically necessary skilled care at a nursing home if you want short-term skilled care for an illness or injury and you meet certain conditions.

How Can I View Assisted Living Inspections and Ratings in Illinois?

The state of Illinois offers great access to its assisted living facility data through its Department of Social Services website. Info available to review includes licensed assisted living communities that are updated frequently, and details about assisted living licensing and violations.

In the state of Illinois, assisted living communities are required for legal reasons to:

• Have a license if housing 17 or even more unrelated individuals
• Have over 80% of residents be 55 years old or older
• Provide each resident with a written service plan that includes a doctor’s analysis and evaluation
• Provide personal and health services 24 hours a day with personnel assisting with personal requirements such as showering, eating, and hygiene

How Do I Choose the Right Assisted Living Community?

Finding the right facility for your senior loved one can be one of the most crucial decisions you may make. During your tour, consider the standard of care that your loved one may receive. Your choice of “if, when and where to move” resides solely with you and your loved one, so think about what criteria are truly essential to you and your loved one.

• Activities: It’s a good idea to try and schedule your tour together with facility events. Ask the manager if you can look at the entertainment as well as get involved. Are the activities and events well attended? Does the team members appear to be appreciating the entertainment as well? Check out the facility calendar of events. Do they match your loved one’s interests? Do the activities and events vary in size and type? Do they feature outings and trips away from the facility? If it is important to yourself, don’t forget to ask about spiritual services.
• Cleanliness: Does the community feel clean and fresh? Be sure you look past the furniture and into baseboards, corners, and windows. Ask how often housekeeping services are provided in the private living space. Make sure you get full details on the types of maintenance provided and the estimated response times. Don’t forget to ask about laundry procedures. Ask for particulars on what's available and at what cost.
• Friendliness: The demeanor and friendliness of the staff are of the utmost importance. Make sure that you watch multiple workers mingling with current residents. Do they pay attention and make eye contact? Make sure to acquire a good knowledge of the staffing pattern. How many people are actually involved in residents’ care? Be sure you receive an introduction to the management team. This can help you understand the goals of the community. It is important that you trust the facility’s team members.
• Meals: As with the majority of us, the dining room experience is essential to seniors. When visiting facilities, it is beneficial to discuss entree choices and find out about dining hours, alternatives, and policies. Be sure you and your family member try a meal at facility. It's not only the best way to try out the cuisine, but it’s an excellent chance to meet other residents. Be sure to go over what happens if a resident is unable to make it to the dining room for a meal.
• Reputation: Ask residents and family members, past and present, for his or her honest thoughts about the community. Many facilities have a resident council which will be pleased to reply all of your questions. Go to our website to read over some of the 422 reviews from families who have shared their thoughts of specific facilities.
• Security and safety: Security and safety features are extremely important and offer reassurance for the caregiver. Make sure that bathrooms are accessible and also have grab bars in convenient locations. Ask how residents get in touch with the staff if indeed they have an emergency in their living area. Find out about other security features available in living quarters and throughout the facility. Make sure you find out about staffing patterns to determine who is on-site at all times to help residents. Are there registered nurses on-site? How do staffing routines differ at night? How will the facility assist or manage residents’ medication needs?
• Trust your gut: When you are visiting, be sure you consider yourself or your family member truly living at the community. Can you imagine your family member feeling secure? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents open, welcoming and friendly?

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Glen Carbon, Illinois?

The A Place for Mom Senior Living Cost Index states that the average cost of assisted living in the Glen Carbon area ranged from $1500 to $20000 per month. Costs for assisted living communities may differ widely based on amenities, location, and services, so looking into close by suburbs and towns could offer you more versatility.

How to Pay for Assisted Living

Many family members pay for a move to assisted living through the sale of a house or personal savings, but for some persons, this won't be an option. Listed below are three additional resources that may help you finance assisted living:

1. Life Insurance Policies: If the parent or senior family member you are assisting transfer to assisted living has a life insurance policy, you may be able to cash out the insurance policy and get money now. Different regulations and limitations apply based on the kind of plan you have, so get in touch with a financial advisor or eldercare attorney to determine more about your options and to evaluate what’s most effective for your situation.
2. Reverse Mortgages: For senior couples who may have different care requirements, a reverse mortgage could be a good way for one person to go into assisted living while another resides at home while his or her partner transitions to senior living. A reverse mortgage makes it possible for home owners aged 62 or older to borrow on their home equity. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find a reverse mortgage counseling agency in your area or contact the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
3. Veterans Benefits: Many seniors may qualify for veterans benefits that they don’t know about. One benefit, in particular, Aid & Attendance, has helped countless families afford assisted living. To qualify, veterans must be at least 65 years old and have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least 1 day during what the Veterans Administration considers active wartime periods. Qualifying widows and widowers of veterans can also be able to receive benefits. With the current average age of U.S. veterans at 64 years old, it’s worth it to discover if your family member may be eligible for benefits. To find out more about benefits for veterans, see our “Guide to VA Benefits and Long-Term Care,” contact the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or go to www.va.gov.

For more ideas about how to pay for your move to senior living, get in touch with A Place for Mom to talk to a Senior Living Advisor today.

5 Questions to Ask an Assisted Living Facility

Choosing the best assisted living facility is an important decision, both for a senior and for his or her relatives.

Listed below are five things to consider when thinking about making the move to assisted living:

1. How many staff are on hand to assist at night? Some assisted living facilities provide 24x7 nursing staff, while others may have more generalized help available after hours.
2. Will there be a waitlist? Popular communities can fill up fast. If the one you like isn't available, inquire about the waitlist and what the facility’s policy is for administering it. Many facilities will ask for a deposit and some communities have internal lists for special care needs. Here's where doing your homework can genuinely pay back - plan ahead!
3. Is there a patio space? For most residents making the transition from a personal residence to assisted living means leaving behind a beloved back garden or outdoor area, so gaining access to a gardening area, an outdoor patio or a courtyard is normally valuable. Many larger assisted living facilities offer a range of outdoor space, with features such as BBQ spaces, gardens, and going for walks paths for community events.
4. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Will this facility give your cherished one with the support they want? In line with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25% of assisted living communities have a ratio of 1 personal care associates for each and every 23 residents. Staffing may differ widely depending on the size of the community, so make certain to ask about the services you are searching for.
5. What services are included in the monthly cost? Before signing the contract, it’s smart to understand what is included in the basic charge structure and what might incur an extra charge. Some facilities employ a fee-for-service model, or a la carte pricing, which means they charge a monthly fee for rent and meals but supplemental charges for things such as medication management. Others might use a tiered pricing model where different degrees of care are charged distinct service fees.

What Else Should I Consider When Choosing a Community?

With so many choices to choose from, choosing the best assisted living community can seem like a daunting task. That’s where our Senior Living Advisors can assist - they are specialists in helping match seniors to the facilities that will be the best fit for his or her care requirements, personality, and budget.

Here are some things to take into account during your search:

• Make sure you search for your family member, not you. Today’s assisted living communities offer everything from homey conditions to upscale resort-style high end living. It could be easy to be swayed by the features and amenities you may decide for yourself, but eventually it comes down to what will function best for your family member.
• Focus on the present, not the past. Does your family member need support washing and dressing? Do they have special requirements like limited eye-sight or special diet plans? Would they like the benefits of a larger facility or be more relaxed in a smaller, more intimate environment? Take into account the here and now, not what might have been their decision ten or 15 years ago.
• Arrange to see at least 3 to 5 facilities, when you can. Start with planned visits and consider having meals with the residents. If none of the places seem like a good fit, ask your Senior Living Advisor for more choices. And don’t hesitate to ask questions and take down notes while you’re there.

The process of deciding on the best assisted living facility can be overpowering, but there are services that will help. Call A Place for Mom today - we are able to help save you time and money and help you make a good choice.