Senior Resources Housing Directory 2019

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communities offer assisted services to help with person- al care needs under licensing as a Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC). RCAC benefit packages can include med- ication management and administration, assistance with bathing and dressing, and, most importantly, care coordination and oversight by nursing staff. These ser- vices can be added when the resident’s needs change, without having to move from the community. frequently, the addition of RCAC services is all that is required for residents to remain in their senior living apartment indefinitely, with- out need to move out of the community to a higher level of care. When searching for a senior retirement communi- ty it is important to identify a list of “must-haves” and then schedule tours of sever- al communities for compari- son. The amenities offered at these communities are varied and include a wide- range of options. Pricing also varies, with some com- munities requiring entrance or endowment fees, some R ETIREMENT C OMMUNITIES

etirement Communities (also known as independent senior living communities or independent retirement com- munities) are housing designed for seniors 55 (or 62) and older. Independent senior living communities provide apart- ments designed to be an attractive next-step for seniors looking to make the change from the home they have lived in for many years. Residents include seniors who do not require 24/7 skilled nursing, but may benefit from convenient services, senior- friendly surroundings, and increased social opportunities that independent senior living communities offer. Many retirement communi- ties offer dining services, basic housekeeping and laundry services, transportation to appointments and errands, activities, social programs, and access to exercise equip- ment. Some also offer emer- gency alert systems, daily check-in services, live-in man- agers, and amenities like pools, spas, clubhouses, and on-site beauty and barber salons. Often-times pets are allowed with an additional fee, and all accept certified service animals with proper documentation. To further support inde- pendence, some retirement 7 4 | S E N I O R R E S O U R C E S 2 0 1 9

simply have standard rental fees, and others have month- ly rental fees with special pricing for additional, or ala carte services and RCAC ser- vices. finally, retirement com- munities may be strictly mar- ket-rate, private pay, while others may be subsidized and offer low-income options. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (See narrative on page 76) provide differing levels of care such as long term care and/or assisted living on the same campus if these levels of care are needed. Some CCRC’s also offer Life Care Programs (See nar- rative on page 78) which eliminate the financial liabili- ty for the cost of long term care in a person’s later years. Article submitted by Ellen Mutter, Executive Director, Forest Ridge Senior Community

Milwaukee County . . . . .79 Ozaukee County . . . . . . .92 Washington County . . . .95 Waukesha County . . . . . .95 County index

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