housing

Security and online Senior Living Referral Services

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Once the online service puts you on their list they “own” you as a “lead.”

While researching Senior Living options online for yourself or a loved one you may be unaware of what happens with your information, and the level of your own security.

If you google search Assisted Living, a list of Online Senior Referral companies will appear. They require you to enter your information that includes: phone number, email, address, health and finances. All before being directed to a list of options.

These companies also put you on a “list.” That list is sent to numerous communities where your information will be entered into multiple databases and viewed by anyone that can access that data. You will then receive emails and phone calls from every community on the “list.”

Once the online service puts you on their list they “own” you as a “lead.” This remains true whether you move in soon, years later or even correspond with that company. This is how they receive compensation.

DO NOT give out your information to receive pricing or a list of communities.

A secure way to narrow down Senior Living options is to use a Local Senior Living Advisor. They will be willing to meet with you, in person, to assess your loved ones’ specific needs.

The Advisor will then, recommend the best options, coordinate the tours and take you to see those recommended options.

A Trusted Senior Living Advisor visits communities regularly and knows whom has stable staff, happy residents, good food and quality care. Online Referral companies are unable to provide this level of service.

A Local Senior Living Advisor will be your one point of contact. Only that advisor will have your information unless you wish to give it to the toured communities. This will eliminate needless contact from multiple communities and from the online referral service itself.

A Local Advisor can assist you with negotiating costs, recommend resources for: downsizing, selling a home, moving and assist with the necessary paperwork to get moved into a community.

Article Provided by:
Senior One Source
503-420-9011
www.SeniorOneSource.net

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

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SAGE Metro Portland: LGBT-friendly senior housing

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SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region.

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region.

The Current Problem: LGBT-friendly senior housing. A 2014 study by the Equal Rights Center found that 48% of LGBT-identified seniors “experienced unfavorable differential treatment in terms of availability of housing, pricing, financial incentives, amenities or application requirements.” Unfortunately, LGBT-friendly senior housing is hard to find. Many LGBT older adults are forced to hide their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to avoid mistreatment, harassment, and discrimination in senior living environments.

The Solution: 

SAGE Metro Portland developed the Housing Equality Survey Tool, used to vet and identify LGBT-friendly housing providers in our area. In 2015, SAGE Metro Portland published the nation’s first local consumer guide to finding safe and welcoming housing for LGBT people as they age. The survey is now being replicated in other parts of the country.

In an effort to broaden our reach to consumers and to include more housing providers, we are launching a new partnership with our friends at Retirement Connection who have agreed to add a highlight “LGBT Designated” housing communities. This will provide more choices for LGBT older adult consumers when shopping for housing. To become “LGBT Designated” communities have shown a commitment to going above to become more educated and inclusive. This process includes minor adjustments to some and policies, as well as, ongoing staff trainings. The communities that chose to become “LGBT Designated” prior to printing the current edition, are listed on the page to the right. More will be added as we grow the program and increase awareness.

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region. For over 15 years, SAGE Metro Portland has been the preeminent social service organization focused on developing strengths and overcoming challenges for this vulnerable population.

Sage Metro Portland Offers:

– Case Management/Options  Counseling

– Caregiver Support

– Information and Referral Services

– Trainings

– Community Outreach

– Activities and Special Events

– Friendly Visitor Volunteer Program

– Advocacy

Do you life or  work in an LGBT-friendly senior living Community? If so, we want to hear from you!

To become an LGBT Designated Senior Living Community, or for more information, email:
mmicozzi@friendlyhouseinc.org

Article Provided by:
SAGE Metro Portland
(Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
mmicozzi@friendlyhouseinc.org

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Retire different: Shared housing

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Are you a boomer who can’t afford to retire?  Are you a senior knocking around in a big ‘ole house all by yourself? Why not get together, try shared housing and thrive?

Are you a boomer who can’t afford to retire? Are you a senior knocking around in a big ‘ole house all by yourself? Why not get together, try shared housing and thrive? 

Home sharing is making a comeback in the United States. The primary reason of course is the cost of housing nowadays. Folks can’t afford to live by themselves anymore. As millions of boomers march toward retirement without enough income, Americans are facing a crisis. According to AARP, 1 in every 4 baby boomers has nothing saved for retirement.

There is no way to build enough affordable housing to meet the demand.  Government programs such as Section 8 and HUD are maxed out and waiting lists are closed.  Rents keep rising and now people of all ages are struggling. It’s time to think outside the box!

Why not use existing housing stock and create programs that address prospective housemates concerns by providing education and resources to ensure a successful home share experience?

Suggested areas of education might be:

-Am I a good candidate for shared housing and what are my boundaries?

– How do I vet a prospective housemate?

– What happens when we have a disagreement?

– Tenant/Landlord and Fair Housing law

– What do I do with all my stuff?

– How might I structurally modify my home to make it more “share” friendly?

What are some other benefits we can identify?

– You don’t have to work ‘til you drop

– You don’t have to live with your kids

– You can afford to live in a much nicer place than what you could afford on your own

– You have a ready-made social circle

– You get to choose who you want to live with

– You can group yourselves any way you like; similar interests, varied skill sets, by gender, by culture, pet-friendly, etc. 

– You can travel and have someone water your plants or feed your cat while you’re away

– Someone is there to leave the porch light on and ask about your day

Shared housing is becoming an affordable option for aging in place.   Once you’ve identified your “tribe” and have a smooth functioning household, you’ll just naturally watch out for one another and know if one of your housemates has an emergency.

As time goes by and your group starts needing help with housekeeping, cooking, grocery shopping or laundry for example, everyone can pitch in for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a person by yourself. 

There are several shared housing programs available in the Portland area.  Each one is a little different but they are all designed to match homeowners and housemates for shared housing.

Article Provided by: Michele Fiasca
Let’s Share Housing
www.LetsShareHousing.com
503-680-8649

Making a difference at any age – move!

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It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging.

It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging. One of the primary concerns seniors have about moving into an active or assisted living community is that they’ll become disconnected from the community, activities, and causes they care about most. However, active and assisted living communities provide the perfect setting for building coalitions, forming outreach taskforces, and planning benefits for the communities and the causes that matter to you.

It is extremely important for all of us to remain connected to the people, communities, traditions, and causes that we each find most important to us. This could be anything from volunteering at your local church or food bank to organizing fundraisers for local causes, the options really are limitless. One of our favorite residents reads books to kindergarten children at a local school every week – fantastic intergenerational work! If you are someone who is heavily engaged in your local community and causes and if you’re also considering retirement or assisted living, we recommend looking into active living communities that encourage engagement and foster socially responsible outreach and activities. The right active lifestyle community for you should offer you plenty of opportunities to stay involved with your community and the causes that matter most to you. When individuals strive for something bigger than themselves it builds self-worth and creates senior leaders and advocates who make invaluable contributions to their surrounding communities.

All of us can deeply improve our quality of life by volunteering. Studies have shown that volunteerism can contribute to living longer and that it improves overall brain function. All ages benefit from this approach, not to mention active volunteering can be a great exercise too! So, it turns out that volunteering is not only the socially responsible thing to do, but it’s actually mentally and physically good for you, not to mention it’s great for your community as well.

So what’s stopping you now? Get out there and make a difference today!

Article Provided by:
Quail Park Memory Care Residences of Klamath Falls
541-622-3489
www.QuailParkMCKF.com/rc

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5 Key factors in finding the right senior living option

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There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

There comes a time for many seniors when they need or want more care  than they can receive at home. It can be overwhelming for many to know  “Where do I start?”  There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

Here Are 5 Factors To Consider:

  1. Needs: Independent Living may be the right option if your loved one needs assistance with meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. If your loved one needs help with medications, bathing, dressing, transferring or toileting an Assisted Living Community provides 24/7 care. If your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point of wandering or exit seeking a secured memory care community is safest.
  2. Preferences: This includes the style or aesthetics of a community–how does it look and feel? Would your loved one enjoy a newer or established community? Does your loved one desire a studio, one bedroom or, two-bedroom apartment? Also, would your loved one enjoy a more intimate community of 35-100 residents or would they prefer a larger setting of 100+ residents? Or perhaps a smaller Foster Care Home setting of 5 total residents might be a good fit if your loved one is not all that social and does not have any night- time care needs.
  3. Wants: Does your loved one like to attend or be a part of social events? If so, what hobbies, events, or shopping would they like to be a part of?
    Determining how someone would enjoy day to day engagement goes a long way towards a successful move. There are many communities that offer a variety of entertainment options. If your loved one is more reclusive, there will also be many communities willing to accommodate a quieter lifestyle.
  1. Finances: Based on what’s included in the rent, what is affordable with one’s income and assets? If I outlive my assets will I be able to remain in the community I move into? Do I qualify for VA or Medicaid and what do I need to do to apply?
  2. Location: Based on the 4 factors above, how far from my ideal location would I or my loved ones be willing to consider potential communities? Many times this becomes the most critical element in choosing an option.

Once these factors are determined, it would be helpful to have a Senior Living Advisor inform you of which options fit your criteria. A Senior Living Advisor will also be able to assist you with touring, paperwork and other resources surrounding a transition in addition to narrowing down the best options to consider.

Article Provided by:
Louis Johnson & Kelley Rogers,
Senior Living Advisors
541-414-4264
www.SeniorOneSource.net

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What is an Adult Family Care Home?

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Residential care is a term used to describe a home or community where an adult can live and receive care in a homelike setting.

If you or a loved one need more care than you can get at home it may be time to explore residential care. Residential care is a term used to describe a home or community where an adult can live and receive care in a homelike setting.  There are many residential care options that have become available over the last several years. Each type of residential care home offers different housing and care service options. It is important for families to understand the differences in available residential options. Decisions can then be made based on needs and preferences and what a particular residential care home offers.

An adult family home (AFH) is licensed to provide housing and care services for 2-6 adults in a regular home located in a residential neighborhood. The AFH may be run by a family, single person, or business partners. The Adult Family Home may also hire other employees. Some AFHs allow pets. In some homes, multiple languages are spoken.

In an adult family home staff assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of the adult. A room, meals, laundry, supervision, and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Some provide occasional nursing care. Some offer specialized care for people with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or dementia.

Many consumers who choose an Adult Family Home do so because of the smaller more family like environment.  For some people the smaller amount of other residents and staff contributes to increased comfort level.  In an Adult Family Home space is more communal.  Residents may have their own bedroom but common space such as living room, dining room, kitchen, and often bathrooms will be shared.  For this reason, it’s important to not only choose an AFH that offers the appropriate care services, but also one that fits the individual’s personality.

An assisted living facility (ALF) is licensed to provide housing and care services to seven or more people in a home or facility located in a residential neighborhood.  Like an adult family home, assisted living facilities provide housing and meals as well as assuming general responsibility for the safety and care of the resident.

The additional services offered are different for each home and may include:

  •  Varying levels of assistance with personal care.
  • Intermittent nursing care (a nurse available on a part-time basis).
  • Assistance with or administering of medications.

Adult family care homes are each unique as the residents they serve. Visit with the owners, staff and other residents to find your perfect fit for care and social concerns.

Article Provided by:
Virginia Yanos RN, MS
425-971-9342
www.ABeautifulLiving.com

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LetsShareHousing.com READY * SET * SHARE!

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There is a movement on the rise where like-minded homeowners and home seekers are matching themselves to create community through shared housing.

What’s new and affordable in the realm of housing for folks 50 and up? There is a movement on the rise where like-minded homeowners and home seekers are matching themselves to create community through shared housing. The homeowner might be an empty nester, someone who is underemployed or on a fixed income looking to increase their earnings by renting rooms in their home. The home seeker could be looking at how they might be able to retire and live affordably.

Financial concerns are generally what inspire people to explore shared housing in the first place, but what are some of the other benefits? The social factor is a huge one. How about grabbing a housemate for a hike, going to a movie or working in the garden? Studies show that our health and sense of well being, especially as we age, are impacted profoundly by isolation. Staying engaged is critical.

Safety is another benefit of shared housing. Just knowing there is someone there to leave the porch light on and greet you can offer that sense of security. As time goes by should some health challenge or injury occur, there is always someone at hand to respond to an emergency.
Okay, so maybe this shared housing thing does have possibility. Once you decide to give it a try, how do you go about finding reliable, responsible, trustworthy housemates? That is the million dollar question. Lots of folks go to CraigsList but since they don’t do any screening, how do you know who you are inviting into your life? And how do you get yourself sorted out to make space for someone if you are the homeowner or downsize your stuff if you are the home seeker? Where do you learn to manage those inevitable differences of opinions skillfully? People have all sorts of questions and concerns, and rightfully so. What if there was an organization that helped you through the maze?

Ever since I can remember, Americans have been all about having their own home, own car, own lawn mower, etc. The idea of sharing with someone who is not family is often out of our comfort zone. With the rapid decline of our middle class and the recent downturn of the economy, we have no choice but to look toward new affordable models for housing solutions. Welcome to the age of the shared economy!

LetsShareHousing.com will support you through the process of home sharing from consideration, to preparation and execution. We offer education, face to face meet-ups and assistance with navigating the website. We believe that sharing housing is a brilliant solution to a growing need to connect and thrive affordably. Come join us in our vision of cultivating community, home by home.

Article provided by:
Michele J. Fiasca
Adult Placement Network
503-659-2029

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Assisted living resources

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The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living community:

Licensing requirements for assisted living facilities vary by state and can be known by as many as 26 different names including: residential care, board and care, congregate care, and personal care. A complete list of each state’s terminology and state regulations can be found online.

Choosing A Community

A good match between a community and a resident’s needs depends as much on the philosophy and services as it does on the quality of care.

The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living community:

  • What are your future needs and how will the community meet those needs?
  • Is the community close to family and friends? Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?
  • Visit each community more than once, sometimes unannounced.
  • Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality.
  • Observe interactions among residents and staff and ask questions.
  • Ask about social, recreational, and spiritual activities.
  • Ask about the type and frequency of staff trainings.
  • Review state licensing reports.

These steps should also be considered:

  • Contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman to see if any complaints have recently been filed against the assisted living community you are interested in. In many states, the ombudsman checks on conditions at assisted living units and nursing homes.
  • If the assisted living community is connected to a nursing home, ask for information about it, too. (Information on nursing homes can be found on the Medicare website.

Source

Due to the large number of Adult Foster Homes, not all are listed in this guide.  These links provide a complete list:

By Retirement Connection staff

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