CHICAGO, IL – When placing your loved one in a nursing home, you must take a lot of information into consideration such as costs or specialized care. Nursing homes also have a long history of negligence claims against them across the nation. It’s important when choosing long-term care for your loved one that you pick the option that best suits their needs.
Finding a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for your loved one can be challenging, especially with the times we’re currently facing. There are many options, in addition to nursing homes, that may be better suited for your loved ones needs.
Assisted Living Facility
While nursing homes and assisted living facilities have similar features, they are not the same thing.
Assisted living facilities typically take much healthier, independent seniors who need assistance with general tasks of everyday life. On the other hand, nursing homes take care of individuals who are critical ill or need around-the-clock nursing care.
Assisted living facilities are a great option for independent, outgoing seniors who enjoy being part of a community. Most assisted living facilities have their own apartment or suites and can join others for dinner and group activities as they wish.
Depending on the size of the facility, most tend to house between 20 to upwards of 100 individuals.
The cost of assisted living care varies, although Illinois’ monthly average pans out to $4,170. Illinois monthly average is slightly smaller than the national average of $4,300 per month.
You can view Illinois’ assisted living/shared housing licensed directory here.
Home Care
Home care is among the most preferred option of aging adults; however, it’s not always the most affordable. On the other hand, it’s a great option for families who need specialized care for their loved one.
In-home care can be used for an array of services including transportation to and from medical appointments, help with hygiene, medication administration, and eating.
With home care, you’re able to choose services based on what the home care provider offers. If your loved one has a higher level of independence, this is a great option since they will still be provided the care they need, but not need to be monitored full-time as they would in a long-term setting.
The average cost of home care in the United States is roughly $4,290/per month. Illinois average cost of home care is more than the national average costing $4,481 per month. You may be able to get assistance for home care with Medicaid HCBS or Medicare PACE programs.
Adult Foster Care
Adult foster care programs are similar to boarding homes that offer specialized care options for residents. These homes typically house 1-5 other residents.
If you’re loved one is more introverted and enjoys a quieter space with a home-feel, this would be a great option. They will enjoy shared meals and common spaces, as well as activities together.
Adult foster care typically costs more than nursing homes or assisted living facilities. On average, families pay between $2,000-$4,000 a month. Medicaid may be able to help assist with costs.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care is another great option for caregivers who need a break every once in while. In addition, is a great option for seniors who will enjoy a stimulating environment that offers health services.
Using a pre-determined schedule or simply using adult day care when you need it makes this a great option for almost every family. The average cost of adult day care is $72 per day.
Medicare Programs
Medicare offers a few programs for long-term care alternatives to nursing home facilities.
Medicare PACE, or “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly,” offers a combination of services to families considering alternatives to nursing homes.
Other home-based alternative care options include hospice, subsidized senior housing, Medicaid Home and Community Based Services.
The program cost varies depending on the program you choose. To view the full list of Medicare programs for long-term care, please click here.
Reasons to find Alternative Care
Research and studies have proven the negligent horror stories we’ve all heard within nursing home facilities. There is always a risk of abuse or neglect at these facilities where staff are overworked and understaffed which puts residents at a much higher risk of being a victim of abuse or neglect.
Nursing home can also be very expensive care options. The average cost of a private nursing home room is $8,000 per month. Most families cannot afford that type of care on top of their own expenses such as a rent or mortgage, food, etc.
Nursing home also don’t provide specialized care towards residents, such as treating residents that suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Caring for someone who suffers from one of these diseases requires 24 hour care that staff cannot provide.
