Senior Living
All older adults desire to live in environments that are healthy, accessible, and safe. There are many options to choose between when making decisions about senior living. The Sedgwick County Department on Aging can help by providing information about:
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Housing options
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Minor home repair
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Home Safety and Aging in Place
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Health and wellness programs and classes
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Nursing home selection
Housing Options
There are many options for senior living today, ranging from independent living, to assisted living and nursing homes.
Independent Living – Some seniors desire to remain in their
own homes. To enhance safe and
accessible home living, many community and in-home services are available in
Assisted Living – Facilities that are designed to offer supportive services that maintain maximum privacy, freedom, and independence fall in this category. Assisted living facilities can provide, as needed, personal assistance ranging from help with bathing, to medication management, housekeeping, and overall monitoring.
Housing and Assisted Living Options
Nursing Homes – For individuals with significant health problems, a nursing home may be the best option. Nursing home support services include bathing, dressing, medication management, meal assistance, housekeeping, activities, and more. Many homes also have special programs for those individuals who have dementia.
If you are considering a nursing home as an option for
yourself or a loved one you will require a
CARE assessment.
CLIENT ASSESSMENT, REFERRAL, EVALUATION (CARE)
The CARE program meets requirements of the state and federal
laws which mandates that prior to nursing home admission, an individual must
receive an assessment of health and functional status and must be informed about
the community-based options. Based on that information, individuals and their
families are better able to make fully informed and educated decisions about
long-term care. For further
information about CARE assessments or long-term care options contact the CARE
office at (316) 660-5234 or (800) 367-7298.
Home Safety and Accessibility
Minor Home Repair
The Minor Home Repair program provides services to residents
60 years of age and older. The program addresses requests relating to access and
safety issues confronting older adults. Minor
Home Repair assists with wheelchair ramps, bathroom modifications, “emergency”
plumbing, and “emergency” electrical problems.
Eligible seniors must reside in and own the property needing
repairs, and not have any outstanding liens or owe back taxes. Renters must have
written authorization from landlords. Participants are asked to contribute
toward the cost of service. Fire
safety education is also available through this program.
Through volunteer assistance free smoke detector installation and fire
safety education is offered to seniors.
Fall safety education can be provided in a group setting and home safety
assessments are available on an as needed basis.
The Minor Home Repair program can be accessed directly by contacting at
316-660-5222.
In
order to maintain independent living seniors need to stay healthy and physically
active. There many types of wellness
programs that are provided in the community, at local senior centers, recreation
centers and other location. Exercise
classes, nutrition education, diabetes classes, walking programs, other health
fairs, senior expo, volunteer opportunities and much more is available at
minimal or no cost. To find out
about programs near you contact Information and Assistance at 316-660-5120.