For some time now, senior living providers of all types have focused on providing community programs outside the walls of their facilities as a method to boost their bottom lines and diversify. Many provide wellness classes, salons, home health care, continuing education classes and art programs to residents and non-residents alike. But, in a continuing effort to differentiate themselves from all the other service providers out there, many companies are branching out to incorporate less obvious services.
For instance, Brookdale Senior Living, a community with 1,147 facilities in 46 states recently announced plans to offer a wider range of healthcare and financial services to current and future residents. Such services may include audiology and dentistry services, transportation, nutrition services, as well as pharmaceutical offerings. The company is also working on pilot programs to offer Medicare Advantage plans that are branded specifically to Brookdale. Another corporation, Ensign Group, an owner of skilled nursing and assisted living communities acquired a home health and care business from Shea Family Care and a hospice agency. The benefit to offering such programs extends beyond the bottom line. Providing the means to keep people in their own apartments means fewer hospitalizations and frees up beds in their communities in their skilled nursing unit. It can be a huge selling point for people weighing the decision about where to live and communities begin to see the senior communities as partners.
Housing choices are nearly unlimited. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider hiring a Geriatric Care Manager. It may be that moving somewhere else isn’t something that interests you and then you’ll want a Geriatric Care Manager to help you remain at home if that is possible. But, it may also be that you are considering a move but simply don’t know what your options are. A Geriatric Care Manager can help you assess what your current and future needs are and help you decide what type of housing is in your best interest. Then he or she can help you find a place that matches your needs.
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