Aging in Place or a CCRC – What's the Better Option?

​

We Americans love our freedoms. One of the most cherished freedoms we have cultivated over the past century is the freedom to choose how and where we will live in our retirement years.

​

Since 1900, the number of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) in the US has increased from a handful to more than 2,000 today - with more to come! However, many people still have a limited understanding of the basic attributes and benefits of CCRCs.

 

As a result, a lack of understanding might make it easier to just stay where you are – what is commonly called “aging-in-place.” Although aging-in-place may make good sense for some seniors, it also has its risks. It is important to understand what a CCRC offers by comparison. Being well-informed will make the work of retirement planning a lot simpler – and more fun – for you and your loved ones.

 

​

Common Risks of Aging In Place

 

Aging in one's own home provides seniors with many benefits, particularly the comfort of the familiar. But, as needs change, there are some clear disadvantages. Here are some of the most common risks that seniors and their loved ones need to be aware of, in order to ensure safe and healthy living.

​

Isolation, Loneliness, and Malnutrition

​

Many seniors lose the ability to drive as they age, requiring them to rely on family, friends, or paid transportation providers. Not wanting to be a burden to others creates a greater likelihood of isolation and fewer opportunities for socializing. At the same time, friends may have moved, passed on, or are unable to visit. With reduced opportunities to see friends, eat out, or simply go grocery shopping, seniors aging at home may not eat well or regularly. The risk of malnutrition is serious if meals are skipped out of convenience or an inability to cook. Malnutrition in seniors can easily lead to other health issues, such as a weakened immune system, muscle atrophy, and memory loss.

​

Slips and Falls

​

Falls are one of the major causes of injuries among seniors. Slips and falls occur because of poor bone health, low metabolism, and decreased brain health. The greatest danger when a fall occurs, is the inability of a senior to get immediate help, or even reach a phone, if they live alone.

​

The Burden of Homeownership

​

Yard work, shoveling snow, even fixing a leaky faucet can frustrate most people. But for seniors, taking care of a home can become next to impossible. In addition to paying utility bills, the physical challenges of housekeeping and frequent maintenance projects becomes overwhelming. Bringing in outside help can provide relief, but the costs can be daunting, particularly if maintenance projects have been delayed or overlooked for several years.

​

Lack of Skilled Care

​

Being a family caregiver is often an involuntary role that adult children take on out of necessity. Besides not having the proper skills and training, it's easy to lose objectivity when caring for one's

relative. Although hiring professional caregivers to come into the home on a regular basis can alleviate much of this burden, the costs can add up quickly. According to a recent report by Paying For Senior Care, the average cost in the Charlotte, NC area for a single Home Health Aide is $3,813 per month, or $45,756 per year. It's easy to see that if both spouses require health care at home, the costs can quickly become staggering.

 

CCRCs - An Essential Vocabulary

 

Continuum of Care: CCRCs, like Generations at Shalom Park, offer a continuum of care, or

several levels of care on the same campus. Most CCRCs promise that you will never have to move out or leave the campus to receive any health care, other than critical or emergency hospital care. Residents are assured that all current and future healthcare needs are met in one community.

 

Independent Living means just that. You live with your spouse, or alone, in your choice of an on-campus home, cottage, or apartment. Although you may not require assistance with regular activities, you have the assurance of knowing help is there, when and if it's needed. Independent residents reap the benefits of the unlimited social, cultural, physical and spiritual amenities on the campus of a CCRC.

 

Assisted Living provides assistance for what are called “Activities of Daily Living”. ADLs include bathing, dressing, eating, and more. Staff are trained to help determine the amount of assisted living care a resident may need. Assisted Living in CCRCs is warm, supportive, and offers seniors a variety of residential and recreational options.

 

Memory Care provides a secure, physically safe, and emotionally and socially supportive environment to residents with Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Memory Care offers very low resident-to-caregiver ratios. The mental, physical, and social well-being of each resident is of paramount consideration in Memory Care.

 

Skilled Nursing in a CCRC provides both short and long-term rehabilitation and medical care. Staff are trained medical professionals including licensed nurses, doctors, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Whenever possible, skilled nursing caregivers strive to help their residents return to their home in Independent or Assisted Living. In some CCRCs, rehabilitation services may be offered in a separate setting from skilled nursing.

 

In-Home Care is a relatively newer service provided by some CCRCs, where they offer off-campus, in-your-own-home assisted care. In-Home-Care can include assistance with Activities of Daily Living, as well as medication reminders, cooking and/or meal delivery, light housekeeping, and transportation services for shopping and errands.

 

The Benefits of Choosing a CCRC

 

CCRCs are dedicated to providing two overarching benefits. Security and choice. A continuum of care on one campus provides the security that your health care needs will be met, no matter what. Choice is what sets CCRCs apart – making them often incomparable among retirement offerings. From selecting your residence, to discovering social, spiritual, physical, and cultural venues, the choices are practically endless. CCRCs provide much more than quality health care. They dedicate themselves to the total well-being and fulfillment of their residents.
 

Coming Soon!

​

To learn more about the unmatched and unique offerings at Generations at Shalom Park, visit us online at https://generationsatshalompark.com/ Generations at Shalom Park has collaborated with Aldersgate Life Plan Services, a renowned senior living provider in the Charlotte region, on the construction of 125 new independent living residences unlike any other in the Charlotte area. Set to open in 2023, Generations at Shalom Park, will be a culturally Jewish CCRC that inspires, comforts, and rejuvenates while embracing and honoring residents of all faiths, backgrounds, and ages. Call today to learn more about us, and about becoming a Charter Member.

​

 

​