By
Vivian Wolf
Research shows that at least 70 percent of people
over the age of 65 will need long term care
services at some point in their lifetime. While
the cost among care providers continues to
increase and the population ages and requires
these services, it is important to prepare for the
coming demand both in North America, as well as in
Costa Rica, which has seen a rise in the number of
U.S. retirees seeking assisted living services in
its borders.
The Assisted Living Facility (ALFs) industry is
comprised of two major categories: continuing care
retirement communities and homes for the elderly.
The most significant difference between the two
being the presence of nursing care at the
continued care facilities.
Roughly one millions Americans reside in senior
care facilities. This number is expected to nearly
double by 2030 and it is being fueled by the 77
million Baby Boomers planning to retire over the
next two decades. Unlike their elders who are
remaining true to their roots, boomers will move
to places that accommodate their lifestyle; at the
same time, they are looking for retirement
communities that remind them more of homes rather
than institutions.
To meet this demand our ALF is going upscale in
terms of environment and services. Cielo Med
specialty care will be providing the full range
care and services for seniors who wish to remain
independent but are still in need of some
assistance with their everyday living.
Long term care can be provided in a variety of
settings. A licensed health care practitioner such
as a physician, registered nurse or a social
worker will determine a customized plan of care
that could include the following:
Home Maker Services: This service makes it
possible for people to live in their own homes, or
to return to their homes, by helping complete
household task that they cannot manage alone. Home
maker services provide “hands-off” care such as
cooking, cleaning or running errands.
Home Health Aide Services: Personal and
home health aides help those who live in their own
homes instead of residential care facilities or
nursing homes. Home health aides may offer
services to people who need more extensive care
than their family or friends are able or have the
time or resources to provide. It is “hands-on”
personal care but not medical care.
Adult Day Health Care: This service
provides social and related support services in a
community based, protective setting during any
part of the day, but less than 24-hour care. There
are a variety of models that intend to offer
socialization, supervision and structured
activities designed for individual needs. Some
programs also provide personal care,
transportation, medical management, social
services, meals, personal assistance and
therapeutic activities.
Assisted Living Facility: These facilities
are living arrangements that provide personal care
and health services for people who may need
assistance with activities of daily living, but
wish to live independently. The level of care
provided is not as extensive as that which may be
provided in a nursing home.
Nursing Home Care: These facilities provide
a higher level of supervision and care than ALFs.
They offer residents personal care assistance,
room and board, supervision, medication, therapies
and rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care 24
hours a day.
If you desire more information about Cielo Vista
please feel free to contact: info@thecostaricateam.com
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The views or opinions expressed by the author are
the sole and exclusive responsibility of the
sender and do not necessarily represent the
opinion of A.M. Costa Rica. Therefore, the
newspaper does not accept liability for the
reader's opinion letter content.
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