"Eye-opening. An explanation of senior housing care

options every senior and adult child needs." - S. George

WHAT YOU

OUGHT TO

KNOW 

ABOUT SENIOR

HOUSING

BY JENNIFER COOK-BUMAN

INFORMATIVE & HELPFUL SAVING YOU HOURS OF TIME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Independent Retirement Overview

Is this option for you? - Quiz

Assisted Living Overview

Is this option for you? - Quiz

Residential Care Overview

Is this option for you? - Quiz

Adult Care Homes Overview

Is this option for you? - Quiz

Secured Memory Care Overview

Is this option for you? - Quiz

Bonus Pages

About Living Right

Placement Services

Stop! Don't Google That!

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4-5

Page 6

Page 7-8

Page 9

Page 10-11

Page 12

Page 13-14

Page 15

Page 16-17

Page 18

Page 19-20

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for downloading this booklet. We’re passionate

about helping seniors find the very best senior housing for

their lives.

Reading this eBook will save you stress and confusion.

Start your search for senior living with the knowledge of

what types of housing are available.

In this booklet you’ll learn about the different categories,

licenses and services of senior housing. What they do and

don’t do. Not every type is right for everybody. By

understanding the differences, you’ll save a lot of time.

Following each section is a short "quiz" - questions helping

you decide if that style is the right fit for you or a loved one.

Many people spend wasted hours calling a list of senior

homes and ask the wrong questions. They schedule multiple

tours. They give up their weekends visiting a lot of

communities just to discover – they didn’t know what they

didn’t know.

You’ll drastically shorten your learning curve by reading

this booklet.

Page 1

If you have any questions, please call.

(503) 487-7245

Jennifer@PortlandSeniorHousing.com

Independent retirement is sometimes called “hotel-style”

living.Retirement communities offer apartment-type

homes. Many also have cottages or town homes on

campus. Basic utilities are usually included in the monthly

rent. Additional services provided include:

The additional services may be included in the monthly

rent or offered as a la carte options.

Most retirement facilities provide transportation for

scheduled outings, doctor appointments and local

shopping.

The apartments or cottages usually have full kitchens or

kitchenettes. Laundry rooms, patios, decks and parking

accommodation vary widely between communities.

Most retirement living contracts are month to month. A 30

day move-out notice is standard. These communities

accept private pay only unless they’re designated as low-

income housing. Expect yearly cost of living rent increases.

Retirement living is ideal for the 55+ independent senior

adult who’s ready to downsize. People who want to leave

home chores behind while gaining easy access to social

opportunities will enjoy retirement style living.

meals,

housekeeping,

transportation.

and activities.

 INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT OVERVIEW

Page 2

Is socially appropriate in group settings

Is medically stable

Has no Chronic Progressive diagnosis

needing complex daily management

Is mentally alert and oriented

Does not need any care assistance

Has private pay financial resources

Values independence and autonomy

 INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT QUIZ

Page 3

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Assisted living facilities often look exactly like independent

retirement in the “hotel-style” concept. They bridge the gap

between independent living and higher levels of care such as

nursing homes.

Assisted living communities are designed to provide

assistance with activities of daily living such as:

Buildings are required to be fully wheelchair accessible.

Residents have private apartments. Apartment sizes range

from studios to two bedrooms. State licensing requires each

apartment unit to provide a kitchenette and private

bathroom with a wheelchair accessible shower.

Assisted living facilities provide transportation for

scheduled outings, doctor appointments and local shopping.

There are no meal plan options because they're required to

provide three meals per day.

Assisted living facilities can be a stand-alone building, a

wing of a larger building or part of a campus setting with

multiple levels of care.

 ASSISTED LIVING

Page 4

medication management

dressing

bathing

grooming

toileting

meals

mobility (wheelchair assist)

Assisted living facilities are licensed and inspected by the

State. They usually rent month to month. There’s a

monthly base rent rate. Personal care services are an

additional monthly charge and can increase as care needs

increase. Expect yearly cost of living increases on monthly

base rent.

The State sets the minimum care levels assisted living

communities must offer. Each facility sets the ceiling of

care they're willing or able to provide. This means, for

example, that every assisted living won't provide diabetic

care, two-person transfer assistance, special diets, etc.

Assisted living is best suited for individuals who want to

remain as independent as possible and who are able to

direct their own care.

Medicare does not pay for Assisted Living. Payment for the

monthly rent and charges are: private pay, long term care

insurance and possibly supplemented with Veteran’s

benefits.

Some communities accept Medicaid - (a State & Federal

low-income assistance program)

 ASSISTED LIVING

Page 5

Is socially appropriate in group settings

Is medically stable

Can be safe behind closed doors for at

least 2 hours

Can recognize when help is needed

and….

Will use a call system appropriately

Would benefit from structured

activities and social opportunities

Does not have significant memory or

cognitive impairment

Is not at risk for wandering and getting

lost

Values independence and autonomy

 ASSISTED LIVING QUIZ

Page 6

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Residential care facilities provide housing and supportive

services for six or more people. They’re licensed by the

State and follow the same rules and regulations as assisted

living communities regarding services and care. The

difference is in the physical structure requirements.

Residential Care facilities can be boarding-house style

or "hotel-style," looking exactly like an assisted living

community. Licensing does not require a Residential

facility to provide apartments with kitchenettes and full

private bathrooms. Instead, they may offer private or

shared bedrooms with private or shared bathrooms.

Residential Care is often a “blend” of assisted living and

adult care homes. Like assisted living, they provide

assistance with activities of daily living such as:

They may or may not provide transportation but will

coordinate services.

RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES

Page 7

medication management

dressing

bathing

grooming

toileting

meals

mobility assistance

Because Residential Care homes are often smaller than

assisted living buildings, they can usually offer higher

levels of care. Staffing ratios of caregiver to resident is

often higher. Also, the smaller Residential Care facilities

often can provide more complex medication management.

The main differences between a Residential Care Home and

an Adult Care Home are:

Residential Care facilities are month to month rental. Basic

room and board is included in the rent. Personal care

services are an additional monthly charge and can

increase as care needs increase. You can expect yearly cost

of living increases on base rent.

Medicare does not pay for Residential Care. Payment for

the monthly rent charges and care are: private pay, long

term care insurance, and possibly supplemented with

Veteran’s benefits. Some homes accept Medicaid (a State

& Federal low-income assistance program)

RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES

Page 8

Residential care has 24 hour awake staff

A structured activities and social program

Larger peer group

Is medically stable

Would benefit from smaller, less

overwhelming setting

Would benefit from structured social

programs

Needs higher level of hands-on

personal care

Needs help at night

Needs special and/or modified diet

Needs some intermittent behavioral

support

RESIDENTIAL CARE QUIZ

Page 9

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Adult care homes are also called Adult Foster Homes.

They’re single family residences offering care in a home-

like setting. Homes are usually located in residential

neighborhoods.

Care providers live in the home and give personal help and

health care to elderly residents. In Oregon, a home may

only care for a maximum of 5 residents. Residents can

never be unattended - a care provider must always be in the

home. Adult care homes provide close supervision because

of the smaller environment.

Each home has one operator who may employ additional

qualified caregivers. Some homes are operated by

registered nurses or other medical professionals, but it’s

not required.

Both the home and the care providers are licensed by the

State. The care providers must meet certain standards

such as: pass criminal background checks, complete basic

training and pass an exam in English.

The home must meet structural and safety requirements.

All homes are inspected and licensed by the Department of

Human Services. The inspection is unannounced and

conducted by a licensor or other assigned State/County

employee.

ADULT CARE HOMES

Page 10

Homes vary in size, aesthetics and amenities. They offer

private or shared bedrooms, with private or shared

bathrooms. Private bathrooms are mostly half-baths. A

separate shower room is standard and used for scheduled

bathing (or in between accidents).

Homes must provide room and board as part of the month to

month rent. Care and personal services are an additional

monthly rate and can increase as care needs increase.

Some care, such as bathing twice a week, is often included

in the month to month rent.

Base rent is comparable to assisted living and residential

care rates. However, prices don't seem to escalate as

quickly and there aren't as many cost of living increases.

Medicare does not pay for adult care homes. Payment for

the monthly charges in an Adult Care Home are: private

pay, long term care insurance, and possibly supplemented

with Veteran’s benefits. Some homes accept Medicaid. (a

State & Federal low-income assistance program)

ADULT CARE HOMES

Page 11

Is medically stable

Would benefit from a smaller, quieter

setting

Would benefit from closer supervision

Needs more frequent hands-on, un-

scheduled care

Needs higher level of medication

management

A robust social and activity program

is not important

Enjoys more one on one, organic

socializing

Has limited night time needs

ADULT CARE HOMES QUIZ

Page 12

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Secured memory care communities care for people with all

forms of dementia and memory impairment. These

facilities have specialized endorsements to provide care

for ongoing needs related to Alzheimer’s, Lewy-Bodies,

Parkinson’s, and other types of dementia.

Licensing

Memory care communities are licensed by the State. They

meet additional structural and program requirements to

gain the special endorsement. Regular and ongoing staff

training is required. Training includes learning about

dementia, behaviors and special needs of those with

cognitive loss.

Secured

Secured memory care facilities are…secure. They require a

pass card, key or code to enter and exit the building. This is

to keep confused residents from wandering away.

Buildings

Secured memory care facilities can be:

In Oregon, a resident of a specialized dementia unit must

have a dementia-related diagnosis. Most memory care

communities rent month to month. They usually have a

monthly base rent + care. Some communities offer a flat

all-inclusive monthly charge.

MEMORY CARE FACILITIES

Page 13

stand-alone buildings

attached to an assisted living facility

a residential care facility with added endorsement

a skilled nursing facility

Care

The care plan and services are based on resident’s needs,

preferences, behavior, and ability to cooperate. Most

communities care for residents through hospice and end of

life.

Payment

Medicare does not pay for secured Memory Care. Payment

for monthly rent and care are: private pay, long term care

insurance, and possibly supplemented with Veteran’s

benefits. Some communities accept Medicaid.

MEMORY CARE FACILITIES

Page 14

Has diagnosis of dementia and/or

Alzheimer's

Is medically stable

Is a potential wandering risk due to

confusion

Has some "sundowners"

Needs significant supervision

Has some behaviors related to

dementia

Needs structured activities and

stimulation

Needs secured space for walking &

wandering

MEMORY CARE QUIZ

Page 15

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people

who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities,

and people on dialysis. Medicare covers most costs of

doctor’s services, hospital and rehabilitation stays. Medicare

does not cover any long term care.

Medicaid is a program created by the federal government,

but administered by the state. Medicaid pays for medical

services for low-income citizens.

To receive Medicaid a person must qualify by low-income

standards AND meet eligibility by level of health care needs.

The criteria can change and is different from State to State.

Accessing Medicaid takes significant pre-planning because

many care facilities do not have Medicaid contracts or

vacancies.

Veteran’s benefit: Aid and Attendance is a “Pension Benefit”

that is not dependent upon service-related injuries. The

benefit helps pay for care in an Assisted Living, Residential

Care, Adult Care Home or Nursing Care.

A Veteran must have served during a foreign war, been

honorably discharged and meets eligibility by health care

needs. There is a asset and income restriction. A Veteran’s

surviving spouse may also be eligible. Aid and Attendance

pays approximately $1,800 per month for a Veteran.

BONUS INFO

Page 16

Long-term care insurance (LTC) is an insurance product,

sold in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, that

helps pay for the cost of long-term care. Long-term care

insurance covers care generally not covered by

health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

These insurance products must be purchased prior to

needing care. The older you are, the more costly they are.

Other Resources

For listings of government agencies, Medicaid housing

resources and other general helpful information visit our

website.

www.PortlandSeniorHousing.com

BONUS INFO

Page 17

You know how daunting it feels when making a long term

care decision for a loved one. You’re not sure who to trust.

We’ve been there. That’s why we’re passionate about our

service. Once you work with us, you’ll experience confidence

and peace of mind about your long term care decisions.

Our service is No Cost to you

You can trust our recommendations because the fees we

charge communities are a flat fee - there’s no self-serving

incentive regarding the community you select.

Any community we recommend has been pre-viewed and

pre-qualified. We check the complaint files regularly.

ABOUT PORTLAND SENIOR HOUSING

Page 18

We take the GUESSWORK out of your

senior living search.

Here's how we help

We schedule a personal interview to define

your priorities, goals and needs

We help you understand what options are best

for your situation and why

We set up personal, guided tours of facilities

We give you objective insights and help clarify

all the information

(503) 487-7245

Jennifer@PortlandSeniorHousing.com

You’ve decided it’s time to start searching for senior living

for you or your loved one.

So you hop on the internet and go to Google. When you type

in “senior living,” “senior retirement,” or “assisted living”

you’ll see the following results listed:

What you do next determines your search experience. You

can get information overload, confusion and extra work. Or

you can experience clarity, relief and personal/professional

assistance.

If you call a national service, you can expect:

STOP! DON'T GOOGLE THAT!

Page 19

Ads for national lead generating referral services such as:

APlaceForMom.com

Various senior community websites

Listings for local referral agencies like: Living Right

Senior Placement Services

A brief phone interview with an advisor who may be in

a different state

An emailed list of “partner” communities for you to

call and visit on your own

Your information will be shared with these

communities and other “partners” in the area, leading

to numerous sales calls and emails

If you call a local referral agency you can expect:

If you call senior living communities directly you can expect:

Doing everything yourself

Ok, now you’re ready to make an informed decision about

the service you want.

For more clarification about referral agencies, call Jennifer

at Living Right

STOP! DON'T GOOGLE THAT!

Page 20

An advisor who lives and works in the area and often

interviews you IN PERSON

A gathering of medical information from professionals

as necessary

A targeted list of pre-qualified, pre-screened

communities matching your criteria

Personal assistance in coordinating and scheduling

tours

Buffering follow up calls from sales people

(503) 487-7245

Jennifer@PortlandSeniorHousing.com