If you or a loved one has been abused or neglected in a long term health care facility, a nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD provides may be able to negotiate a financial settlement. Cohen and Cohen, P.C. has experience fighting for victims of negligence. Our legal team has been very successful at winning settlements and trial verdicts. We offer a free consultation during which you can discuss your case with one of our attorneys.

A nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD families turn to might suggest that if you or a loved one has suffered in a long term health care facility, you should immediately consider an alternate living arrangement. There are many types from which to choose, and the options can be overwhelming when you’re not familiar with them. This article focuses on senior living communities that cater to older residents with active lifestyles.

What to Know About Senior Living Communities

According to a recent report from the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, Older Americans 2016: Key Indicators of Well-Being, older Americans are in better financial health than seniors were to 40 years ago. In 2014, the percentage of older people whose income placed them below the poverty line fell to 10 percent, five percent less than it was in 1974. Even more significantly, by 2014, older people whose incomes placed them in the high income group increased to 36 percent.

• In 2014, about 1.2 million people aged 65 or older lived in a nursing home.
• In 2014, about 780,000 people aged 65 or older lived in an assisted living facility or similar housing arrangement.
• In 2014, the largest group of people living in the above long term health care facilities were 85 years of age or older.

What is a senior living community?

Senior living communities are living environments intended for active seniors. Older persons who do not want to live alone in a house or apartment can join a senior living community, which offers a number of social and other benefits. The communities vary in terms of location, amenities, community activities, cost, and other factors, but generally speaking they share many commonalities:

• Residents have freedom and control over nearly every facet of their lives. A nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD locals rely on might suggest you talk to your loved one about what kind of care facility they want to live in. Some may want to have more control, while others may want fewer responsibilities.
• Housing styles can vary even within a single community, and may include townhouses, single-family houses, apartments, duplexes, mobile homes, and condos.
• The residents own their individual housing units.
• Housing units usually have a kitchenette or a full kitchen.
• The senior living community offers a variety of activities for residents, which are designed to engage them on a physical as well as mental and social level. Some group activities may even be held off-site.
• Residents usually don’t have to prepare their own meals, do their own laundry, or maintain and make repairs to their home.
• Some senior living communities provide police and fire department services to residents. If the community does not provide such services, confirm who will respond in emergencies and how that cost is covered. A Cheverly MD nursing home lawyer may help you review legal contracts before you sign them.
• A healthy and active lifestyle is promoted and encouraged.

Who can live in a senior living community?

Due to the focus on independent lifestyles for their residents, senior living communities are not for everyone. Though the minimum age for residents varies by community, it is often 55 or 62. Each community has its own rules, but most require that residents can meet the following criteria:

• Bathe and dress without assistance
• Be mentally alert
• Have bladder and bowel control
• Able to walk

Independent Senior Living Also Goes by Different Names

Independent Senior Living long term health care communities are also known by other names. To reduce confusion, when you see references to any of the following, they are very likely speaking about the same thing:

• Retirement community
• Retirement home
• Active senior community
• Active senior living
• 55-plus community
• Senior apartments
• Independent senior living

The Costs of Living in an Independent Senior Living Community

The costs and fees will vary by community, location, services, and type of dwelling, so be sure to do your homework before making a commitment to any facility or community. A nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD locals consult might suggest that you get a schedule of complete costs in writing before signing any contracts.

• Be sure to ask about any additional costs that may be involved. Don’t assume that any service is included in the base price.
• Depending on your finances, you may wish to inquire if any units are subsidized or are available for a lower rent than other apartments.

What happens if a resident eventually cannot live as independently as when they joined the community?

Policies for this scenario may vary by community, and will also depend on what additional needs the resident develops due to a decreased capacity to care for himself or herself. If the community has the resources to cover that gap, it may be possible for the resident to remain there. If it’s a situation where they are no longer able to climb steps for instance, there may be another unit available that is accessible. Though it hopefully will not be necessary, a nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD clients rate highly may step in on your loved one’s behalf if their rights are violated.

A nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD offers might suggest that this is an issue you should inquire about before signing a contract with any community. Inevitably, many people become less able to adequately care for themselves as they get older. If it won’t be possible for them to stay in the community when this happens, an alternate arrangement should be in place. Waiting lists can be long for some facilities so you may want to consider signing up on a waiting list long in advance.

In addition, ask about any costs involved with breaking the contract early, or making alternate arrangements. Compare these cost factors when shopping around different facilities and communities. Finally, as a nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD residents respect would likely suggest, get everything in writing.

When You Need A Nursing Home Lawyer in Cheverly MD

Making choices for yourself or a loved one when it comes to a long term care facility or community can be stressful. This can be especially true following an incident of neglect or abuse while in the care of a nursing home. When you need a nursing home lawyer Cheverly MD residents trust, call us at Cohen and Cohen, P.C. for your free consultation.