Senior Resources

Independent Senior Living Communities (IL) are not licensed and offer a variety of services. Some are affiliated with churches, schools, or other community programs. They usually have a minimum age requirement and rent from month-to-month. Medical care is not provided, but most will arrange for independent home health services if needed on a short-term basis. Residents requiring on-going medical care need to make other arrangements for housing. Independent Senior Living communities typically offer full or partial kitchens, some meals in a common dining room, housekeeping, paid utilities, laundry facilities, 24-hour staffing and private areas for tenant use. Since these communities are not subject to the same regulations as licensed communities, they charge a competitive rate for rent and services. A Senior Real Estate Specialist can offer more insight into these options.

Assisted Living Communities (AL) are a popular solution for individuals who are no longer able to or who no longer wish to continue with the responsibilities of maintaining a home. Sometimes residents need some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, housekeeping, and medication monitoring. Residents are free to come and go as they please, and they have access to in-house amenities such as hair salons and spas. Assisted living communities are typically private pay and vary In price. They are rented on a month-to-month basis, though some may require a lease agreement. Apartments are small and tend to include a kitchenette. Meals are provided in a common dining area, usually three times daily. A Senior Real Estate Specialist can talk through these options with you and your family.

Home Health Care involves helping someone to recover from an illness or injury and is often provided after a person has had an inpatient stay or an outpatient surgery.  This service requires a doctor’s referral.  This is prescribed when a person is unable to get to follow-up appointments on their own or is not able to perform the basic recovery recommendations prescribed by their physician or surgeon. Home health care professionals are often licensed practical nurses, therapists, or home health aides. Most of them work for home health agencies, hospitals, or public health departments licensed by the state. The range of home health care services a patient can receive at home is limitless and because the services are medical in nature, Medicare, Medicaid and/or private health insurance may cover them.

Home Care is designed for people who have difficulty performing activities required in basic, day-to-day life. Home Care allows a person with special needs to stay in their home and may delay the need for long term nursing care. It might be for people who are getting older, are chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or disabled.  Home care services can include:  companionship, medication reminders, grocery shopping and meal preparation, basic hygiene and toileting, and general housekeeping. 

Elder law attorneys are advocates for seniors and their families.  They can handle legal matters related to writing trusts and legal documents for health and legal protection, health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other matters.  They are considered “specialists” because of their focus.  They focus on protecting older adults.