The Family Magazines of Michiana

With the senior population expected to double and equal 70 million by the year 2030, seniors age 65 and over will be faced with decisions about their health care or even the health care of a relative.

But first, let’s take a look at our baby boomers. Who are they? What health care services will they demand? Providers closely follow the wants and needs of people born between 1946 and 1964 because there is more buying power with higher numbers.

Mennonite Mutual Aid in Goshen did an interesting study about baby boomers, and the results created two categories within that group.

Health care providers, especially the senior housing industry, will need to provide many levels of care to a vast array of people with different economic resources. As people are living longer, baby boomers in both categories will become more active in selecting housing for their elderly relatives. But where to begin?

There are several options available and three basic levels of care: independent living, assisted living and skilled (nursing home) care. What level of care needed depends largely on the health status of the individual.

There are free-standing providers which offer independent and assisted living as well as nursing home care. In other cases, some people opt to move to a large campus that provides all three levels of care, whether they will need further assistance or not. These types of campuses are commonly referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs.

CCRCs differ from stand-alone alternatives because they offer a full range of services in one location. These services are typically guaranteed for a resident’s lifetime through a contract signed at the time of move-in. In addition to the amenities mentioned above, CCRCs also provide such services as weekly housekeeping, local transportation, wellness and social programs and other support services. In return for a one-time entrance fee and on-going monthly service fees, the resident is insured that he or she will be taken care of as he or she grows older and more infirm and will not be forced to move again. The best advice is to visit and research many free-standing facilities and CCRCs to determine what is best based on your individual situation.

Consumer Resources:

The American Association for Homes and Services for the Aging

www.aahsa.org

The American Seniors Housing Association

www.seniorshousing.org

The American Health Care Association

www.ahcancal.org

Nursing Home Compare

www.medicare.gov

Assisted Living Federation of America

www.afla.org