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| Trip to Elkin, N.C. |
What makes nonprofit communities and their services special?
Nonprofit communities have a rich history
of serving older adults, often with innovative approaches
to managing the care of the people they serve. Many are faith based communities. They typically
encourage residents to be as active and independent as possible.
Many also recognize that services should be tailored to individual
needs and made available in a "continuum" of care–including
choices in senior housing, supportive services, in-home care,
and nursing and medical care.
Salemtowne is a nonprofit, continuing care retirement community, based in the rich Moravian tradition of hospitality, outreach, the primacy of education and life long learning, respect for all ages and races and love of music and art.
What
is a continuing care retirement community?
A continuing care retirement community (often referred to
as a CCRC) is a blend of several options – part
housing complex, part activity center and part health care
system. A CCRC differs from other retirement options by providing
a continuum of housing, services and health care. There is
a written agreement between the resident and the CCRC that
is generally intended to last the resident's lifetime or
for a specific period.
What levels of residency are usually offered in a retirement
community?
There are usually three levels of residency: independent
living, assisted living and health care. Independent living is
for residents who are active and can take care of themselves
in their own homes or apartments, but want the security and social interaction that
a retirement community can offer. Assisted living provides
a minimal level of care for residents that may include daily
meals, personal and other supportive services, health care
and 24-hour oversight. Health care is for residents
who need skilled nursing care and/or substantial long-term
assistance.
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| Family Picnic |
How is the quality of living in a CCRC?
The quality of living
at a CCRC is generally very good. Statistics show that CCRC
residents have a life-expectancy which is longer than other elderly individuals. It has also
been found that CCRCs reduce the risk of disease and disability
and improve the health and functioning of their residents.
What
causes the noticeable health benefits of living in a CCRC?
Many have attributed the improved health of residents to the
more active approach that CCRCs take towards health care. CCRCs
like Salemtowne combine a variety of services that may affect
the overall wellness of their residents. These services, along
with a clear strategy of health promotion by the communities,
encourage residents to be more involved in maintaining their
own health. Other practices common to CCRCs may also help to
explain the healthier lives of their residents. These include
the continuous care offered by an on-site nursing staff and
social workers and the removal of the responsibilities for the care
and maintenance of a private home, reducing overall demands
on residents.
What are the advantages of living in a CCRC?
Unlimited Access to Health Care. Residents are able
to obtain all forms of care necessary through the continuum
of care provided. Movement between the three levels of care
is made while attempting to keep the resident as independent
as possible, making the increasing need for extensive health
care less disruptive and difficult.
Supportive Environment. CCRCs like Salemtowne offer
support and caring, not only from residents, but from staff
as well. The focus on social interaction and involvement encourages
residents to develop family-like ties to their community.
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| Residents' March of Dimes Charity Walk T-shirt |
What are the disadvantages of living in a CCRC?
Perceptions of Affordability. Many CCRCs are not
affordable for the average elderly individual.
However, some
like Salemtowne are very affordable and offer a surprising
range of affordable living options.
Change in Lifestyle. Moving into a CCRC may be difficult
for certain individuals because of the apprehension that many
have about leaving their homes, but also because of the adjustment
process that is often necessary for a move to group living. New residents often find some communities like Salemtowne, to be very friendly and
supportive environments and make the transition quite smoothly. |
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