Living Solutions for Seniors
Geriatric Case Management
Senior Service Referrals
                            DEFINING SENIOR SERVICES

INDEPENDENT/RETIRMENT  LIVING
Living independently with supervision as needed.  Amenities often include meals, housekeeping,
transportation, and activities.  These are usually included in the cost of the month to month rent.  
Additional fees are added for an increase in personal care needs.


ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
These homes are licensed by the Department of Aging and Disability to provide twenty-four hour
supervision for the senior resident.  Independence is encouraged while maintaining a safe living
environment for the senior.   Assistance if given by providing meals, housekeeping, assistance with
medications, and support with many other needs.  Other services such as transportation may be offered
though these may not be included in the monthly fee.  Care is individualized for each resident and changes
with their needs.  Seniors often live in these homes until their end of life.  Additional services by home
health and hospice  organizations are welcome in these homes.

There are two common classifications of assisted living homes.

Type A: For residents who can evacuate the building within 13 minutes with only minimal assist.  They
may use walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or walk themselves. Cognitive guidance may also be needed.

Type B: For residents who require assistance to be available 24 hours  a day.  Assistance with transfer,
hygiene, eating, and  medications are some of the more common service provided. The staff to client ratio
is higher in these facilities. Individual homes have different requirements.

CBA:  Community Based Alternatives  A supplement award by Medicaid.  Funding which can be used to
pay for residency in an  Assisted Living Facility.

PERSONAL CARE HOMES
Homes with 3 beds or less.  Not required to be licensed by the State of Texas.  This does not diminish the
care provided.  There is no limitation on the needs of the resident; each home sets it's own criteria.


ALZHEIMER/DEMENTIA UNITS        
Licensed by the State of Texas to care for those suffering from the numerous forms of dementia.  Special
programs and activities are offered.  The units are usually a secured home for such clients.  Higher
staff-client ratio is found here.


PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE
Numerous non-medical services offered.  Companion aide, personal care such as grooming, meal
preparation,  shopping, medication supervision, light housekeeping, even lawn care.


HOME HEALTH AGENCY
Nursing care and Physical therapies administered under a physician's order. Other services from nursing
assistants, social workers, occupational and speech therapists are available when nursing and physical
therapy is ordered.  Covered by Medicare and most private insurances.


HOSPICE
Care for the terminally ill patient and their family.  Pain management, spiritual counseling, emotional
support are among the many services available.


RESPITE CARE
Over night or just a few hours, this service is utilized by family caregivers who need someone to "fill-in" for
them when they go out of town or are in need of taking care of themselves.

DAY CARE
Programs located throughout the community offering socialization, nutrition, and supervision during
daytime hours. There are two programs in which Medicaid will assist in payment.  Many churches also offer
day care.


Most Senior Services are paid for by the client.  Except for Home Health and Hopsice, Medicare does not
fund any of these services.   Medicare will pay for a rehabilitation stay in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF),
lasting 60-90 days.  Long term care insurance covers seniors services as defined in each policy.  There is
limited Medicaid funding available.t