Types of Assisted Living Facilities in Palm Springs

As one of the United State's top cities in which to retire, Palm Springs, California, has every type of elder care facility available from luxurious 55+ plus communities and resorts to simple and comfortable board and care homes. However, if you are looking for assisted living, Palm Springs has that covered, too.

About Palm Springs 

Comparatively speaking, Palm Springs is a small city with roughly 45,000 residents, more than 25 percent are older than 65. Seniors move to this area of Southern California not only because of its abundance of outdoor and cultural activities, but because the weather is mild year-round. Palm Springs has more than 350 days a year of sunny weather. Temperatures range from the mid- 70s during the winter to triple digits during the summer. For those used to frigid, snowy winters, Palm Springs is a welcome change.

Because of its location and proximity to the Los Angeles area, Palm Springs is a haven for retired celebrities. Over the years, this area of Southern California was home to Bob Hope, former President Gerald Ford, Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Loretta Young, Dean Martin and many more. Of course, it pays to have this type of stardom in your backyard.

Palm Springs' cost of living is almost 18 percent higher than the U.S. average, meaning some of those costs roll over to the price of elder care, including assisted living.

About Assisted Living in Palm Springs 

There are more than 100 assisted living and residential care facilities in Palm Springs, some of which are luxurious while others are low-cost residences. However, all offer the same basic services as outlined by the California Department of Social Services, which oversees this type of elder care in the state.

Assisted living combines minimal healthcare, support services and housing for seniors who require a little extra assistance to make it through the day. They can receive help with:

• Meals
• Medication management
• Dressing
• Transportation
• Bathing
• Mobility
• Incontinence

The goal is to offer each individual ways to remain autonomous while maximizing his or her independence, safety and privacy.

Facilities in Palm Springs for assisted living include single, one-bedroom apartments, group residential care homes and small board and care facilities. Some provide just the basic services while others offer more such as medical services, planned activities, hair salons, shopping trips, gatherings with friends and families, etc.

Living in Palm Springs 

Palm Springs offers seniors a chance to relax when they retire. Even in assisted living facilities, residents still have a chance to get out and enjoy everything the city has to offer from great parks, enjoyable weather (most of the year) and a diverse amount of cultural activities from food festivals to art shows to golf tournaments.

Popularity of Board and Care Homes in Orange County, California

As the number of senior citizens continues to increase, the need for all types of elder care is imminent. From residential care facilities to skilled nursing centers, large urban areas seeing a growing trend in the number and type of facilities sought by its aging population.

For example, take popular retirement location of Orange County, California. Just like anywhere else in the state, the goal of an elder care facility is to help seniors remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, preferably in their own homes or similar settings. When living alone is no longer an option, board and care homes are the next best thing. They allow seniors to live intimate, residential care settings, similar to their own houses, and receive 24/7 help from caregivers.

Facts About Orange County's Senior Population

Orange County is California's third largest county in terms of population. As of the 2010 census, there were roughly 350,000 senior citizens residing within the county. By 2030, that number is expected to double. While many of these seniors are native to the state, many come here to retire mainly because the weather is nice year-round. Top-notch medical facilities and the number of readily available leisure and cultural activities are other draws.

Most older adults live in the southeast region of Orange County mainly because of the large amount of retirement communities and board and care facilities. However, larger numbers of seniors are found living in:

• Laguna Woods
• Seal Beach
• Newport Beach
• Anaheim
• Garden Grove
• Huntington Beach
• Santa Ana

Typically, in communities where there is a larger amount of seniors residing, more elder care facilities are also found. Board and care homes are no exception to this, especially since there are more of these types of facilities in Southern California than nursing homes and larger residential communities combined.

Orange County's Board and Care Homes

Most of the county's board and care homes are single family, private residences transformed into care facilities. Licensed by the California Department of Social Services, each home typically accepts up to six residents at one time, although there are facilities available that have licenses for more residents. 

Unless the facility has a licensed nurse on staff, residents in board and care homes are under the guidance of a full-time caregiver. This setting is good for elderly persons who need a high level of care, who are very frail or who are not able to safely take care of their daily living activities. While remaining independent is a goal, it is not expected.

Paying for Assisted Living in California

The rising costs of elder care and healthcare, coupled with ongoing cuts made to many state and federal senior citizen programs, have a lot older adults worrying about their futures. For instance, the cost for assisted living in California is typically higher than most other areas of the United States, ranging in price from $1,000 a month or more.

Unfortunately, very few older adults can afford this, unless they have government-subsidized or other monetary help. If finding a facility for yourself or your loved one isn't taxing enough, understanding the financial responsibility is even more difficult if you don't where to look or what questions to ask.

Defining Assisted Living 

In the state of California, assisted living is a long-term care option for senior citizens needing help with various daily living activities, covering both their scheduled and unscheduled needs. Assisted living also comes under the guise of Board and Care or Residential Care. Services required by the California Department of Health Care Services and the California Department of Social Services in these facilities, include:

• 24/7 custodial care
• Recreational activities
• Supportive services
• Social services
• Meals
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Medication management
• Incontinency care
• Transportation

Residents live in single or shared apartment-style rooms with specialized amenities such as walk-in showers, wider doorways and emergency pull cords. Assisted living a great option for seniors who cannot live alone but who do not need the level of care offered by a nursing home. Care is typically provided by non-medical, certified caregivers.

Seniors needing specialized medical care, such as diabetic insulin injections or colostomy care, can contract with outside home health care agencies to administer these services, since assisted living facilities without licensed nurses on staff are legally not allowed to do so.

Paying for Assisted Living 

Besides the cost of care, the monthly fee or rent to live in an assisted living facility also covers room, board and accommodations. There are several ways to pay for assisted living care in California, depending on your financial situation:

• Private pay: Since Medicare does not cover assisted living, many people pay privately for this type of care. This is done though retirement savings or long-term care insurance. However, once a person's savings is exhausted, he or she will need to find other means.
• Medi-Cal: California's Medi-Cal payments are limited only to those who are eligible under the Assisted Living Waiver and reside in Fresno, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Sonoma counties. The care must be provided in a licensed home health agency and residents must be eligible for full-scope or share-of-cost Medi-Cal benefits. The key point with this program is that seniors have to be in need of nursing home care, but can live in an assisted living or residential care facility where the similar type of care is provided with an in-home caretaker. Individuals can also receive this benefit if they reside in public housing and receive care from a Home Health Agency.
• SSI: Public funding is available for seniors who qualify through Supplemental Security Income. However, they must live in a non-medical board and care or residential care facility in California. As of 2012, the maximum benefit is $1,110 for an individual and double that for a couple living in the same facility. It is important to note that not all assisted living facilities in California accept SSI payments and only allow residents who can pay privately.

Start Planning Now 

It's never too early to think about your retirement options. A financial advisor is your best way to go when looking at how to pay for your elder care. However, if you don't have time and need an assisted living facility sooner, shop around. Visit as many facilities as possible to get an idea of what you need and want. Make sure to ask questions.

Assisted Living: One Senior Living Option for Baby Boomers

Attention baby boomers: It's not too early to start thinking about your future -- not only when and where to retire, but the type of elder care arrangements to make if the time comes. One of the more popular types of senior housing to consider is assisted living. Even though you can't foresee your physical or emotional state down the road, you can get some ideas together on what to look for in an assisted living facility. Going into this quest armed with knowledge and common sense will help you put a plan in place so you can enjoy your golden years. The key is finding the right place where you can feel well cared for and comfortable.

Understanding Assisted Living 

There are several types of assisted living facilities available throughout the United States. Determining the level of care needed is key to finding the right home. Keep these questions in mind when doing your research. Establish if assistance needed with:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Medication disbursement
• Meal preparation
• Household chores
• Running errands
• Medical or financial decisions

If you can answer yes, a conventional assisted living or similar residential care facility is a choice to consider. Assisted living facilities help elderly residents with various daily living activities. Residents can live in large multi-room facilities or smaller private facilities. They can receive as much or as little help as necessary. Those in assisted living facilities still retain some level of independence while receiving help with activities and tasks. These types of facilities range in size from 20 beds up to more than 200 beds.

An alternative to traditional assisted living is board and care. This refers to a licensed residential care facility (aka assisted living facility) that provides non-medical custodial care to senior citizens who need help with their daily living activities. The difference between this and typical assisted living or residential care facilities is that board and care homes are usually private family residences, usually with six or fewer individuals living there. The number of residents depends on the home's state license.

Special Needs Facilities 

One of the most shocking pieces of news to hear as a senior citizen is learning that you have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. While these degenerative, memory-impairing disorders are debilitating, there's no need to rush off to an Alzheimer's care facility right away. There are some assisted living facilities where patients with memory impairments share facilities or homes with those individuals who don't have it.

Known as Special Care Units (SCUs), these are sections of assisted living facilities where those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or similar disorder reside. There is specialized care and activities throughout the day and night. However, residents share common areas such as dining rooms, courtyards or living rooms. This gives these older adults a sense of still belonging with their peers.

Don't Wait 

Just as you would prepare a living trust, will or even an advance directive, you should consider choosing elder care before you really need it. Assisted living is just one type of senior housing available. It all depends your needs at the time. Doing your homework will not only give you peace of mind, but also lessen the burden your children, spouse or other family members will have if they need to make this decision for you.

Understanding Elder Abuse

One of the most frightening things to worry about when your loved one is receiving elder care is whether he or she is receiving the proper care and not part of a neglectful situation. You and your loved one are placing all of your trust into virtual strangers, so it's scary and sad to think about elder care abuse; but unfortunately, it has and can happen, sometimes even in the best facilities. However, elder abuse is preventable if family and friends are involved enough not only to recognize the warning signs, but take a proactive approach to their loved one's care.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is any neglectful, intentional or knowing act by a caregiver or other individual that causes harm to a vulnerable older adult. Generally, there are several types of elder abuse:

• Physical: Pain or injury by slapping, restraining or bruising by physical or chemical means (i.e. medication or drugs)
• Neglect: Failure to provide care, food, shelter, protection or health care
• Emotional: Mental pain or distress with nonverbal or verbal acts such as threats, humiliation or intimidation
• Sexual: Any type of non-consensual sexual contact
• Abandonment: Desertion of an elderly person by his or her caregiver or responsible party
• Exploitation: Illegally misusing or taking a senior citizen's property, assets or funds for another's gain

Warning Signs

When a senior citizen is a victim of elder abuse, he or she is typically silent about it because of a physical inability to speak, fear of retaliation or worse. There are, however, some true tell-tales signs of elder abuse. It is important to remember that one sign does not indicate abuse; there typically need to be a few to show a problem:

• Unexplained broken bones and various pressure points, bruises, burns and abrasions
• Sudden withdrawal from normal, daily activities
• Unusual change in mood or alertness
• Bedsores, poor hygiene, rapid weight loss or unattended medical needs
• Strained relationship with caregiver
• Hearing a caregiver threaten or belittle your loved one
• Refusal by caregiver to visit your loved one alone
• Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
• Untreated medical issues
• Consistent dirty or unsuitable clothing
• Sudden change in wills, titles, policies or powers of attorney
• Valuable items or cash missing from your loved one's possession

Who Is at Risk?

Elder abuse happens across all socio-economic and racial backgrounds There are several risk factors to consider when it comes to knowing if a senior is vulnerable to elder abuse. For starters, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) states that spouses make up a large portion of elder abusers and that many of these situations originally started out as domestic abuse earlier in the marriage. This includes cases where one spouse typically tries to control the other through emotional abuse, neglect, physical violence, isolation and threats. 

Those at risk for elder abuse also include adult children who depend on their victims for financial or other types of support. The NCEA also states that the risk of abuse is greater when these adult children live with the senior citizen.

Caregiver stress is another theory related to elder abuse. Even though the caretaker is well-meaning, he or she may be so overwhelmed with tending to several seniors at the same time that stress overtakes the situation. The caretaker may then act out by neglecting, striking or harming the older adult. 

Finally, social isolation and mental impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia, are two other risk factors associated with elder abuse. Those seniors purposely kept from large communities or groups of people tend to be victims more than those who socialize more or who live in large facilities. Those with memory impairments are at risk because their abusers know they are more frail and less likely to report any issue.

Reporting Elder Abuse

There are several ways to report elder abuse. If your loved one is living in a long-term care facility, the victim (or his or her family) can contact the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman or a local law enforcement agency. If the suspected abuse occurs elsewhere, the concerned party can contact the local county Adult Protective Services. 

Under California law, for instance, the following individuals are legally required to report any cases of suspected elder abuse:

• Medical professionals
• Clergy
• All employees of heath care facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities and adult day care centers
• Anyone who assumes responsibility for an elderly person

The person reporting the alleged abuse is protected from civil and criminal liabilities. However, if you are mandated by law to report abuse and you don't, you may be found guilty of a crime.

Board and Care vs. Assisted Living

If you are looking for long-term elder care that gives your loved one a sense of independence with round-the-clock supervision and non-custodial help, there are two choices to consider: Assisted living facilities and board and care homes. Both offer seniors similar kinds of support but in different types of environments. 

About Both Facilities 

Board and care homes and assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by California's Community Care Division, a sub agency of the state's Department of Social Services. They both offer aging adults an alternative to in-home care or adult day care, especially if those types of support aren't available or feasible. Residential care is not the same as skilled nursing, where medical care, typically in the form of nurses, is available 24/7. 

Both residential care facilities provide assistance to senior citizens who need help with their daily living activities. Caregivers typically help with:

• Dressing
• Bathing
• Meal preparation
• Medication management
• Incontinency care
• Support services
• Transportation
• Recreational activities
• Laundry
• Housekeeping
• Toileting

However, unless there is a licensed medical person such as a nurse on hand, seniors who need injections, their catheters maintained or colostomy care cannot live there.

The cost of both types of facilities is relatively the same and cheaper than skilled nursing care. Seniors can expect to pay as little as $1,000 or as much as $4,500 a month (or more) for care, depending on the level of assistance needed and where the facility is located. Medi-Cal and Social Security do not cover the costs of long-term residential care facilities, although some accept Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How The Two Facilities Differ 

Overall, there really is only one major difference between California's board and care homes and assisted living facilities: The environment in which the care is given.

Assisted living facilities are generally larger group homes with a varied number of beds, some as high as 50-100. Residents have private or shared rooms and come together in common areas such as dining rooms or living/recreational rooms. There is a director and a large staff of administrators, caregivers and custodians to manage the facility.

Board and care homes are traditionally single family, private homes. They are operated by one or two individuals, many times retired registered nurses or similar professionals, who take care of all the residents' needs. Most board and cares house about six to eight residents, depending on their license. All of the rooms dedicated to the residents are shared among them. The owner lives in the house as well and is available 24 hours a day. 

How to Decide Which Is a Better Fit

Obviously cost and location play a major factor in determining what type of residential care facility your loved one needs. However, there are other features to consider.

If your loved one suffers from the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, a board and care home may be more accommodating. Since the staff-to-resident ratio is less than that of an assisted living, the older adult will receive more personal attention.

That's not to say that he or she wouldn't do well in an assisted living, which offers larger group activities and more chances to socialize with more than just a few people.

When Someone You Love Needs Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or In-Home Care

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Do Your Homework

If possible, you and your loved one should tour several residential care facilities, both large and small and decide for yourselves the better fit. Remember the most important aspect is that your loved one feels safe, is comfortable in his or her new surroundings and is being care for and treated properly and with respect.