What Seniors Should Know About Independent Living in Pennsylvania

A skilled nursing facility is administered b6 professionals under the direction of a physician.  Many facilities also offer sub-acute, respite, rehabilitation and other short-term care.  Rehabilitation services can be especially helpful for individuals who are recovering from surgery, an illness or any other life-changing event.  These communities service as permanent residences for those who are too sick or frail to live at home, or as temporary facilities during a recovery period.  Some residents enter a nursing care for a short-term stay after a surgery or illness, while others enter on a more permanent basis.  Medicare, Medicaid, private pay insurance and personal assets are all used under various circumstances to pay for services in a skilled nursing facility.  If a facility if is not certified by Medicare and Medicaid, the care will have to paid entirely with personal funds.  In general, Medicare pays for skilled nursing care following a hospitalization for the same illness or condition at 100% of the cost for days 1-20.  Some long-term care insurance pays for nursing care centers; insurance payments are usually a fixed amount for a specified number of qualified days.  The basic daily rate is the standard charge the nursing care centers bills to all residents, which covers the fundamental services every resident receives, including rent for the room, housekeeping, meals and general nursing care.  It is important to understand all the services that are not included in the basic daily rate.  Below is a checklist to review options:PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Are public areas and resident rooms clean and comfortable?Is ample parking available for visitors? Are private rooms available? Does the community have a pet?Does the community have safety features, such as handrails and grab bars? Are the exits clearly marked?RESIDENT AND STAFF INTERACTIONHow many Registered Nurses (RNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are on staff? What type of education and training do staff members have?Do all staff members undergo screenings and background checks prior to employment?How does the community handle residents who need additional care and support?Is there a care plan developed for every resident?Are care plans reviewed and updated by providers and family members?Is the interaction between residents and staff members warm and respectful?What is the staff-to-resident ratio for each level of care?Do staff members respond to residents' requests for assistance promptly?What is the staff-to-resident ratio at night and on weekends?CERTIFICATION AND LICENSUREWhat levels of care does the community offer?Skilled nursing care?Short-term rehabilitation?Memory care?LOCATION Is the community conveniently located for friends and family to visit?Is the community near preferred medical providers?OVERALL IMPRESSIONDoes the community look and feel like a place you could call home?Sources: www.whereyoulivematters.org, a resource powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and www.medicare.gov, Medicare's Nursing Home Checklist

Choosing a Personal Care Home is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While many people immediately look at large facilities, there's something special about smaller, more intimate care environments that can make all the difference in a senior's quality of life.The Heart of Personalized CareSmaller Personal Care Homes offer something that larger facilities simply can't match: genuine, individualized attention. Imagine a place where your loved one isn't just another resident, but a valued individual with unique needs and preferences.What Makes Smaller Personal Care Homes Special?Individual AttentionStaff members know each resident by nameCare plans are truly customizedMore time spent understanding personal needs and preferencesComfortable EnvironmentFeels more like a home than an institutionFamiliar, warm atmosphereReduced feelings of being overwhelmedBuilding Real ConnectionsIn smaller Personal Care Homes, relationships matter. Residents aren't lost in a sea of faces but become part of a close-knit community. They form genuine friendships with both staff and fellow residents, creating a supportive network that feels like family.Social Benefits Include:More meaningful interactionsEasier to participate in group activitiesLess isolation and lonelinessStronger sense of belongingSafety and MonitoringSmaller facilities provide enhanced safety through:Closer staff supervisionQuicker emergency response timesMore attentive health monitoringPersonalized safety protocolsFinancial ConsiderationsContrary to popular belief, smaller Personal Care Homes can be more budget-friendly. With lower overhead costs, they often provide:More flexible pricingTransparent fee structuresPotential for customized payment plansBetter value for personalized careEmotional Well-Being MattersThe emotional impact of a smaller Personal Care Home cannot be overstated. Seniors who feel seen, heard, and valued experience:Increased happinessBetter mental healthHigher quality of lifeReduced anxiety about living away from homeChoosing the Right HomeWhen evaluating Personal Care Homes, consider:Staff-to-resident ratioQuality of interactionsFacility layout and designActivity programsResident testimonialsFamily involvement opportunitiesRed Flags to Watch For:Impersonal treatmentLimited activity optionsRigid schedulesLack of individual attentionThe Human TouchUltimately, the best Personal Care Home feels like an extension of family. It's a place where:Residents are respectedIndividual personalities are celebratedDignity is preservedCompassion guides every interactionSelecting a Personal Care Home is deeply personal. While larger facilities might seem impressive, the magic often happens in smaller, more intimate settings. The goal is finding a place that doesn't just provide care, but truly feels like home.Take your time, visit multiple facilities, ask questions, and trust your instincts. The right Personal Care Home will feel welcoming, warm, and full of genuine human connection.  Remember: It's not about finding a place to live, but discovering a community where your loved one can thrive.  Contact us today at REWARD Senior Care to learn more and to visit with us for a tour!  We are small, family-owned and run community based out of Turtle Creek.  

When searching for a Personal Care Home, many families overlook a crucial factor: the difference between a national chain organization and a local, family-owned and -operated community. This distinction can significantly impact the quality of life for residents and their loved ones.Family-run businesses in the senior living industry often prioritize the well-being of residents above all else. A family-owned Personal Care Home typically focuses on making a meaningful difference in people's lives, creating an environment that feels more like home.Lets explore five key benefits of choosing a family-owned Personal Care Home:1. Resident-Centered CareFamily-owned Personal Care Homes often prioritize the needs of residents. The primary goal is to ensure that each individual receives the care and attention they deserve. In these settings, residents are treated with compassion and respect, akin to how one would care for their own family members. This resident-centered approach leads to higher satisfaction and improved quality of life.2. Hands-On LeadershipOne of the standout features of family-owned Personal Care Homes is the active involvement of owners in daily operations. This hands-on approach fosters a culture of accessibility and responsiveness. Owners who are engaged with both staff and residents create an atmosphere that resembles an extended family. They often know employees by name and work alongside them, which inspires teamwork and dedication throughout the facility.3. Personalized AttentionIn family-owned Personal Care Homes, residents and staff are not just numbers; they are individuals with unique identities and needs. This personalized approach is often lost in larger corporate settings, where layers of bureaucracy can hinder effective communication and care. In a family-run community, staff members are empowered to make decisions that best serve the residents, leading to more responsive and tailored care.4. Positive Work EnvironmentFamily-owned Personal Care Homes place a strong emphasis on staff well-being, recognizing the direct correlation between employee satisfaction and resident happiness. When staff members feel valued and respected, they are more likely to provide compassionate and attentive service. This supportive work environment fosters camaraderie among employees, which ultimately benefits the residents they serve.5. Affordable PricingUnlike large corporate chains, family-owned Personal Care Homes often have more flexibility in their pricing structures. This can result in more affordable options for families without compromising on care quality. Family-run communities typically prioritize caring for their residents and staff over profit margins, allowing them to offer competitive pricing while maintaining high standards of care.Family-owned Personal Care Homes offer a unique blend of personalized care, engaged leadership, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. These qualities can significantly enhance the living experience for seniors, providing them with a true home rather than just a care facility.  When exploring options for Personal Care Homes, considering family-owned establishments could lead to finding a more nurturing and supportive environment for your loved ones.  By prioritizing resident-centered care, fostering positive relationships among staff and residents, and maintaining affordability, family-owned Personal Care Homes stand out as excellent choices for those seeking quality care in a compassionate setting.  Learn what makes Reward Senior Care unique by giving us a call today.