Unfortunately, in my experience, the primary goal for some CCRC's is to make money. That means the well-being of the residents becomes secondary. My mother lived in a CCRC here in Virginia for six years, moving from independent living to assisted living with several short stays in the skilled nursing area. Those with the loudest voices and most flexibility rule - the residents in independent living. They are the ones who still have friends on the outside and are the best source for leads for marketing. They can make or break a place depending on the reviews they pass along. In many cases, they are younger and it is easier for them to consider a move. The result can be that residents in skilled nursing and assisted living become second class citizens. In an attempt to increase income, this particular CCRC closed its alzheimer's wing and converted it to a short stay rehab unit. Although contrary to industry standards, patients with dementia joined the general population in the nursing center or were placed in assisted living. Should fully cognitive individuals who are in assisted living solely because they need assistance with activities of daily living be expected to share the dinner table and activities with dementia patients? My mother's case was particularly bad, having been assaulted by a table mate with dementia. Why are they relegated to second class status? Because in the end it's all about making money.
21
It's an enormously profitable field. And growing exponentially, as over the next 20 years they will be flooded with baby boomers.
Clearly they can ask for AND GET pretty much 100% of a resident's lifetime of saving AND every nickel of their SS check. Think about what a racket that is -- draining the resources of seniors at the end of life.
And the big chunk of money is coming initially from people who need very little care -- active seniors -- who could probably live on their own, but wanted the protection of lifetime care in the future. So they are HUGE cash cows, costing little but paying a lot. The opportunity for exploitation here -- of people's fears, insecurity and disability -- is just huge here. No wonder so many "for profit" corporations are in on this.
Look for this to get much, much worse every year as boomers flood into these places.
Clearly they can ask for AND GET pretty much 100% of a resident's lifetime of saving AND every nickel of their SS check. Think about what a racket that is -- draining the resources of seniors at the end of life.
And the big chunk of money is coming initially from people who need very little care -- active seniors -- who could probably live on their own, but wanted the protection of lifetime care in the future. So they are HUGE cash cows, costing little but paying a lot. The opportunity for exploitation here -- of people's fears, insecurity and disability -- is just huge here. No wonder so many "for profit" corporations are in on this.
Look for this to get much, much worse every year as boomers flood into these places.
22
We don't have this problem in a HUD supported retirement building. There is no nursing home component. But still we have all kinds of people aging with varying forms of degeneration. I guess if you have alot of money, you could be more segregated than here.
5
While I do not begrudge Mrs. Clinton her CCRC, the truth is that such facilities -- which require an enormous "buy-in" of hundreds of thousands of dollars -- cater to the relatively affluent. The vast majority of Americans do not have $350,000 lying around in cash -- not even from the sale of their primary home. (And not everyone owns their own home.) And $4600 is about 3-4 times what most elderly ladies of this age get in Social Security payments -- I believe the AVERAGE check is $1400.
If it's this bad at a luxury facility -- can you imagine what goes in the average or low-priced facilities?
If it's this bad at a luxury facility -- can you imagine what goes in the average or low-priced facilities?
33
I worked as a social worker in an Assisted Living facility. My clients also experienced the separateness and organizational mindset encountered by Ann Clinton. Rules seemed to abound, no assisted living person could eat in the formal dining room unless they had a"sponsor" with them. No Zimmer frames allowed in the formal dining room! Even though this entity was supposedly for the elderly! The assisted living dining room was on a separate floor. Cliques abounded. The most tragic were residents who were immigrants. Confined with their photographs of family and country, often still with accents and thinking in their original language. I used to visit an old lady originally from Holland and she would speak with feeling about her love of Amsterdam. Luckily I was an immigrant too and we were able to share her chocolate bar as she remembered and recounted her chilhood in Holland.
Reflecting on your article about Ann Clinton and her natural desire for the "camaraderie" and fun she experienced with her "independent living "friends one can only marvel at the spunk and spirit it took to achieve her healthy goal. One can also imagine the sorrow she experienced when this small pleasure was denied together especially as her husband had recently died. Might it be possible for the home to set up a volunteer program to match Ann with another volunteer person and they could go and play bingo together and see her other friends?
Reflecting on your article about Ann Clinton and her natural desire for the "camaraderie" and fun she experienced with her "independent living "friends one can only marvel at the spunk and spirit it took to achieve her healthy goal. One can also imagine the sorrow she experienced when this small pleasure was denied together especially as her husband had recently died. Might it be possible for the home to set up a volunteer program to match Ann with another volunteer person and they could go and play bingo together and see her other friends?
18
My widowed mother lived in a beautiful CCRC for the last nine years of her life. She was outgoing and loved being there when she was in independent living. She made many friends and participated in most of the activities. She felt a part of the "in crowd". After six years it became apparent that she needed more help with daily living and our family agreed it was time for her to transfer to assisted care. She moved into a brand new suite where she had two rooms with much of her own furniture. She was even allowed to have the walls repainted from beige to her favorite cheery yellow. BUT, she hated it. It was as if her status had immediately lowered. She would still occasionally go to the independent living area to participate in activities and meet up with old friends at the main dining room, but it wasn't the same. As her health failed and it was time for her to move to skilled nursing she adamantly refused. My sisters and I believe she decided she would rather die -- literally -- than move there. It seems few people at CCRC's want to acknowledge that they might actually end up in assisted living or skilled nursing even though they paid a premium for the graduated care. And, they don't want to be reminded that it's a possibility. I believe that was a factor in the independent-living women excluding Mrs. Clinton from bingo.
22
I think you are exactly correct, Susan. It is terrifying to contemplate one's own decline. And while Independent Living facilities can be very nice (chandeliers and all), Assisted Living often is not. It is restrictive and residents are often treated as if they were simpletons (even if they have no dementia and just physical limitations). The activities are fewer and less enjoyable, the rooms are smaller and not as home-like. And most people are in walkers or wheelchairs. The pretense that this is a sort of fun Country Club disappears and it is more of a hospital type environment.
So yes -- people don't want to think about it. And a good way to keep it out of your mind is to ensure you don't have to see anyone disabled or in a wheelchair.
So yes -- people don't want to think about it. And a good way to keep it out of your mind is to ensure you don't have to see anyone disabled or in a wheelchair.
14
I would fight with all my might to back another woman's right to play BINGO.
43
All the websites/ads for retirement homes show 60-year-old "active seniors", with no walkers in sight. I think that's the real reason for the segregation.
My grandmother volunteered in the nursing-wing office in the Maryland retirement home (where she lived "independently"), and everyone else in independent-living asked her, "Why on earth do you want to visit there?" She said she wanted to see what she was in for - to determine for herself that the standards of care were good and that the older people were being cared for.
She was amazed that other residents didn't even bother to look in, let alone make sure the staff and residents had what they needed. (Sometimes if a friend developed dementia it would cause strain within a group of friends, but generally their bodies wore out first.)
Later my grandmother had to move into the nursing wing... I wondered why she withdrew from life after that, despite being sharp. Most old people have good days & bad days. I can't imagine being bedridden, even briefly, and then being deliberately cut off from friends, from family, from hobbies, from any distraction. Isolation would almost guarantee a non-recovery.
Also, even in the most advanced nursing wing of any facility, they do NOT have the staff to monitor each person 24-7. Some people call often for forgetful reasons, while others struggle to do things on their own anyway. Why not encourage friends to stick near them - it could mean a lot less work for the nursing staff!
My grandmother volunteered in the nursing-wing office in the Maryland retirement home (where she lived "independently"), and everyone else in independent-living asked her, "Why on earth do you want to visit there?" She said she wanted to see what she was in for - to determine for herself that the standards of care were good and that the older people were being cared for.
She was amazed that other residents didn't even bother to look in, let alone make sure the staff and residents had what they needed. (Sometimes if a friend developed dementia it would cause strain within a group of friends, but generally their bodies wore out first.)
Later my grandmother had to move into the nursing wing... I wondered why she withdrew from life after that, despite being sharp. Most old people have good days & bad days. I can't imagine being bedridden, even briefly, and then being deliberately cut off from friends, from family, from hobbies, from any distraction. Isolation would almost guarantee a non-recovery.
Also, even in the most advanced nursing wing of any facility, they do NOT have the staff to monitor each person 24-7. Some people call often for forgetful reasons, while others struggle to do things on their own anyway. Why not encourage friends to stick near them - it could mean a lot less work for the nursing staff!
19
It certainly does not say much for the character of the people who walked out of the Bingo game when Mrs. Clinton would not leave. Do they call themselves people of faith?
My husband and I considered one of these communities and then decided to stay in our own home. My main concern was the movement to different levels. At the one we looked at, it you needed rehab for over 6 months, then you apartment would be given to someone else and you would have to remain in assisted living or nursing home. It certainly is more profitable for the facilities to sell the apartment again to the next customer.
Thank you for this article. The CCRC's are not all they seem.
Kin, you are a wonderful son!
My husband and I considered one of these communities and then decided to stay in our own home. My main concern was the movement to different levels. At the one we looked at, it you needed rehab for over 6 months, then you apartment would be given to someone else and you would have to remain in assisted living or nursing home. It certainly is more profitable for the facilities to sell the apartment again to the next customer.
Thank you for this article. The CCRC's are not all they seem.
Kin, you are a wonderful son!
40
Good point -- a lot of seniors feel they are "buying" their apartment, such as one might buy a condo or co-op -- but in fact, you are buying SERVICES, not the apartment itself. And you can be removed if they feel your health warrants more care. There goes $350,000! which in most of the US would buy you a semi-luxurious McMansion on 4 acres of land.
People need to start asking hard questions about why all of these facilities are so extraordinarily expensive -- $4600 a month in ALABAMA? This is not midtown Manhattan, folks. This is about 9 times the cost of a very nice apartment or 4 times the cost of a mortgage on a very nice house. Only you don't get to keep or sell anything. All you are buying is a mirage of care in your old age, which may well turn into a prison.
People need to start asking hard questions about why all of these facilities are so extraordinarily expensive -- $4600 a month in ALABAMA? This is not midtown Manhattan, folks. This is about 9 times the cost of a very nice apartment or 4 times the cost of a mortgage on a very nice house. Only you don't get to keep or sell anything. All you are buying is a mirage of care in your old age, which may well turn into a prison.
28
My father, in his 90's, lived for three years in Independent Living before moving to Assisted Living after a hospital stay. The directors of his CCRC in Overland Park, KS made it clear that he was welcome to continue eating in the Independent dining room after the move. He declined, saying that he would eat where he lived. Maybe dad was just aware that, indeed, some aspects of high school never do leave some people. Then again, he was not a bingo lover. Rest in peace and love, dad.
24
People don't get any nicer or tolerant just because they've paid a lot of money for support and a controlled environment when they get older. If you are a selfish, discriminatory person before you enter the facility, you're likely to get worse once you've established yourself. I feel very badly that Ms. Clinton is subject to rules that are not in any way intended to maintain and support her quality of life even though that was her and her family's expectation.
45
Why not hold the game at the skilled nursing area and the independent folks can come and go? For those who don't like to see their once complex mates deteriorate faster than they do, they can forfeit the game and find something else to do? By changing the venue, there is little cost incurred and most to gain. Or people just want an excuse to sue?
24
Odd that half the group Ms. Clinton was used to playing with walked out. How large a group usually played together? Was there some other social dynamic at work here than simply a facility policy?
14
My mother lives in a CCRC and they have BINGO no matter where you live. It sounds this lady is a a skilled nursing resident. So does this community not offer BINGO in skilled nursing? I understand the real liability the community would have if she fell or was hurt while she was Independent Living without a caregiver. Skilled nursing residents are in skilled nursing because they need more care than independent living residents which is not discrimination but a safety concern. We moved my mother into a CCRC so she would have health care when she needed it not to play BINGO. I would say this family needs to re-think their priorities - which is more important their mother's safety and health or BINGO?
1
Just FYI: Perhaps playing BINGO contributes to your mother's health. I know my mother feels better when she is socializing and having fun. So maybe BINGO is as much a priority as health care and safety.
44
Maintaining one's mental health and optimism are every bit as important as one's "safety". She's not a caged gerbil, she's a person.
21
Our "priorities" are her wellbeing--physical and emotional. Bingo is simply an absurd manifestation of policies that segregate people purely based upon the part of the facility in which they then reside, regardless of whether their disability in fact presents a risk to themselves or others. My mother requires help with transfers--she has Parkinsons and can no longer walk. She needs no assistance getting to and from activities or while there. Shall we now institutionalize all paraplegics? I think you'll come to learn that their physical needs often pale in comparison to their sense of isolation, dependency and loss of significance. I wish you well as you work through this.
76
One reason facilities are often so restrictive is that they are fearful of litigation should the resident under their care wander off or fall when he/she is allowed more freedom. Many families expect a safe environment above all. This is not to say that this particular facility should not try to be more accommodating. I recommend Atul Gawande's wonderful book "Being Mortal," about exactly this subject -- making the difficult last years better.
15
I am an Executive Director at a CCRC. At one time people were segregated in different areas. We are now an inclusive community that honors people for who they are and welcomes everyone rather than pigeonholing and marginalizing people based on their health care needs. It is a truly beautiful, welcoming culture that everyone who works and lives here is proud of. Unfortunately, it is not the norm in our field. My colleagues from across the country and I are trying to change that. Here is the link to our white paper on the topic if you are interested in learning more. http://www.leadingage.org/Creating_Inclusivity_in_Aging_Services_V4N5.aspx
53
Excellent article Jill, thank you. Very encouraging. You and your colleagues are doing the right thing for the right reasons, moral and business. At the end of the day, this is about marketing. There is a segment of the for-profit management companies hired by these facilities, who are no doubt incentivized in part based upon census/occupancy, who believe the best business strategy is "No Metal"--keep the wheelchairs and walkers out of view for the prospective residents. I think they are wrong on all counts.
47
A similar policy of inclusion obtains at my husband's assisted-living community, and I am shocked that it is not the norm. But even such an admirable policy can't not prevent the rumor-mongering, gossiping, and cliques that are endemic to any institutional setting--whether a college dorm or a retirement facility.
9
Thanks Kin! As we wrote in the paper, we've found our inclusive culture to be a huge marketing benefit. We are full with a wait list. People are actually drawn to this culture and want to be a part of it. That's not why we changed, of course, we did it because it was the right thing to do. Leadership has a responsibility to create a culture where everyone is honored. As the culture shifts to one of inclusion, it becomes unacceptable to exclude others and residents get on board very quickly. By the way, I showed the article to some of the residents here and they want your mom to come live here at our community :)
9
When we baby-boomers reach the age where we find ourselves forced into living in these facilities, we're not going to accept these stupid and petty rules set by insensitive bureaucrats!
20
I fully agree with you about the stupidity and pettiness of the rules in this case, but some of these very people lived in developments with homeowners' associations and condominium by-laws that were far stricter that the travel to BINGO issue at hand. I would like to see this taken to the legal level of housing discrimination, however, because if all three levels of care are provided in one building, now there is consideration for freedom of travel.
6
Assisted living is intended to allow people to live in an environment appropriate to their abilities, and to remain as active and as much in control of their lives as is possible. The rules need to encourage--not eliminate--that self-determination that we all want and are entitled to. Respect for the individuals is what this should be about, not setting up rules to control them.
24
For all who have read this article, you may be interested to know that there is an effort to change the name CCRC to something else. When the going gets tough...the tough change their name.
http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/effort-seeks-new-name-ccrcs
Because of course, that is all about the reality of rising age in CCRCs.
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2013/08/20/aging-insig...
http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/effort-seeks-new-name-ccrcs
Because of course, that is all about the reality of rising age in CCRCs.
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2013/08/20/aging-insig...
6
Would setting up a weekly Bingo game in the assisted living wing be an option?
7
Alisa, they have activities, including bingo, in IL, AL and Skilled Nursing. But bingo is an opportunity to socialize with her friends who remain in independent living.
43
We were encouraged to seek out a CCRC for our mother when she had early mild Alzheimer's. As her disease has progressed and she struggled more in independent living, we ran headlong into these social dynamics and facility policies. She is now thoroughly segregated in assisted living.
Families should be attentive to these issues when looking for a facility. Facilities differ in their designs, and it can be helpful to understand the pros and cons of different designs from the start. A facility with a thriving independent community can create innumerable challenges when the transition to a more supportive setting needs to occur; some of these are described in this article and others are not mentioned, such as the design of the physical space and whether the front doors are secure. Strength in running an independent living community doesn't mean the facility will be strong at providing other levels of senior care. In fact, I'm starting to believe a strong independent living community might be at odds with providing state-of-the-art advanced care. Contrary to the CCRC concept, I think it might be better to move a person to a facility designed for them as their needs change than to keep them in a place where they have to be segregated from others.
We didn't understand anything at the start and we're learning a ton about this industry. I hope there will be more articles like this to help educate people about what to expect and look for.
Families should be attentive to these issues when looking for a facility. Facilities differ in their designs, and it can be helpful to understand the pros and cons of different designs from the start. A facility with a thriving independent community can create innumerable challenges when the transition to a more supportive setting needs to occur; some of these are described in this article and others are not mentioned, such as the design of the physical space and whether the front doors are secure. Strength in running an independent living community doesn't mean the facility will be strong at providing other levels of senior care. In fact, I'm starting to believe a strong independent living community might be at odds with providing state-of-the-art advanced care. Contrary to the CCRC concept, I think it might be better to move a person to a facility designed for them as their needs change than to keep them in a place where they have to be segregated from others.
We didn't understand anything at the start and we're learning a ton about this industry. I hope there will be more articles like this to help educate people about what to expect and look for.
54
Anyone stopped to consider why this family hasn't moved their mother out or sued? I find it odd that they are trying to hurt the reputation of the place that takes care of their mother with the New York press. Smart?
CCRC's are governed by very strict laws, more so than even a hospital. They are most likely under a gag order from their attorney not to comment on this situation due to health care privacy laws.
If my mother was being discriminated against in a health care setting - I would care enough to call someone from fair housing not the press. Smells fishy to me.
CCRC's are governed by very strict laws, more so than even a hospital. They are most likely under a gag order from their attorney not to comment on this situation due to health care privacy laws.
If my mother was being discriminated against in a health care setting - I would care enough to call someone from fair housing not the press. Smells fishy to me.
Actually, Mr. Owens, the laws governing CCRCs may not be so strict, depending on location. Their skilled nursing units, like any nursing home that receives Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, are federally regulated, yes. But assisted living is regulated by states, and those regulations vary considerably. The independent living component is sometimes treated like any rental housing or condo.
And the facility was not under a "gag order." Its director did respond to my questions, but only via email. His attorneys didn't permit him to speak with me by phone.
And the facility was not under a "gag order." Its director did respond to my questions, but only via email. His attorneys didn't permit him to speak with me by phone.
13
If you'd read the story you'd know that the son is indeed planning to sue. And I expect that moving would be a very expensive proposition. You lose your equity when you move.
31
Because she is STILL competent to choose (though her good son fights for her) - and she wants to be where her friends are!
11
This is kind of ... delicious. I could not stop smiling as I read it. A masterful piece by of writing by Ms. Span! It reminded me of Jonathan Swift's "modest proposal," but way, way better.
To the lovely Mrs. Clinton: I'd play bingo with you any Monday. Best wishes!
To the lovely Mrs. Clinton: I'd play bingo with you any Monday. Best wishes!
22
There was a time when many communities (Chicago, San Francisco) actually had "ugly laws" that prevented the "unsightly" from being in public. See "The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public, Susan Schweik. And prior to Brown v. Board of Education, "separate but equal" was accepted policy. It was a shameful way to treat people. Have we not moved beyond such policies? The truth is, my mother could sign herself out of this skilled nursing unit and go eat at any restaurant, shop in any store, go to shows and yes, pay bingo anywhere she chose to do so. And those establishments would be obliged to make reasonable accomodations for her--as they do routinely and, for the most part, happily.
126
Thank you for sharing your mother's story. I am outraged on her behalf -- and yours. After this article I think the lawyers will be looking for *you* rather than vice versa. I wish you and your mother the best and hope for a successful outcome.
44
Have you considered other facilities? I'd be looking if I were you. Clearly this place does not have your mom's best interests at heart, and if they treat her this way when she has her full mental capacity -- how on earth do you think they would treat someone who had early stage dementia? or worsening Parkinsons?
1
When my mother was a resident at a CCRC in Baltimore, there was a motion at a Residents' Meeting to prohibit people in wheelchairs from sitting in the very spacious front lobby. They weren't in the way--it's just that the more able bodied people didn't like looking at the people in wheelchairs!
MY MOTHER stood up and said "This is a community where everyone should be respected and welcomed!" No one dared say another word and for the time being at any rate the people in wheelchairs got to keep on enjoying the comings and goings in the lobby---did I mention it was very spacious? My mother's name was Dr. Eileen Higham. She was a great lady.
MY MOTHER stood up and said "This is a community where everyone should be respected and welcomed!" No one dared say another word and for the time being at any rate the people in wheelchairs got to keep on enjoying the comings and goings in the lobby---did I mention it was very spacious? My mother's name was Dr. Eileen Higham. She was a great lady.
95
I think that the bingo players came up with the right answer. Who should play should be the decision of the group, just as it is with ladies' book clubs. Some who are in nursing care are able to participate and others are not. I do not think that the independent living people should be forced to associate with any people that they do not wish to associate with. Now, a public area such as a dining hall, should be open to all, regardless of disability except for severe dementia or mental illness. If the healthier residents dislike that, they can eat in their apartments or go out.
1
It is a delemma. If she had stayed in independent lving, there would be no issue with bingo, etc. She could have just moved her husband. This is one of the biggest reasons many CCRC residents choose to stay in independent livng and pay for extra care in independent living. The apartments are bigger, you get to make more of the decisions and the non ill person can continue to live a less restricred life. Requiring signouts of residents in assited living and nursing care areas is unnecessarily restrictive and unneeded in most cases. There should be a way to make all of this work so that all parties are happy.
4
To clarify, EBK, Mrs. Clinton did remain in independent living as her husband transitioned to assisted living and then to nursing. She is in nursing care now after back surgery.
7
Sounds like high school.
28
So, if you discriminate against someone in a wheelchair in an old age facility, that's OK. But if you discriminate against someone in a wheelchair in the workplace, or in housing, or in a restaurant, or any other place in the non-old segregated world, it would be against the law. This "club" solution to excluding Mrs Clinton - wasn't that something they used to do in the old south.
84
I can see that some lawyer would find a liability exposure in allowing a resident (patient) in need of care to leave the care environment (nursing care section) on their own. However, I can't really understand how this professional, and perhaps legal, responsibility can be transferred to another resident. I would expect the liability exposure would not differ in any substantial way.
3
*sigh* High school never ends.
71
Mean girls in high school grow up to be mean girls in a nursing home.
16
Since I doubt any of these ladies were "mean" as adults or parents or workers, I tend to think the environment brings out the worst in people.
It's the close quarters -- the single sex atmosphere (very few men) -- the sense of transition in age and ability (not unlike puberty in reverse) which brings with it fear and the unknown. The desire to impose control and rules on others. The loveliness of being in the "in" crowd, even if that is bought at the expense of excluding others.
This really bears studying by sociologists and anthropologists, as well as gerontologists.
It's the close quarters -- the single sex atmosphere (very few men) -- the sense of transition in age and ability (not unlike puberty in reverse) which brings with it fear and the unknown. The desire to impose control and rules on others. The loveliness of being in the "in" crowd, even if that is bought at the expense of excluding others.
This really bears studying by sociologists and anthropologists, as well as gerontologists.
4
Kin, Let Redstone spend their money on lawyers . I sent this article to the right person at Department of Justice.They really do care about discrimination based on a disability in these types of CCRC's. They will investigate and prosecute.
49
I am concerned that this article will make people believe that all CCRCs are like the ones mentioned in this article. That is not so! I live in a Quaker run Kendal Corporation CCRC in Pennsylvania. We are not segregated by disability in anyway. I am in Independent Living and use a wheel chair. I am welcome anywhere on our campus and participate in any activity I want. Our community is very sensitive to the needs and desires of our frailest residents and work to insure that all who want are included in every aspect of the rich life we lead in our community and now our homes. It is the policy and practice of all Kendal CCRCs in the country. The take away from this article should be that if one desires to move into a CCRC, they need to shop around and look carefully at the policies and practices of the places they are considering. Talk to the residents, visit each part of the community. And, remember, that even if we want to deny the possibly, we all may end up frail and/or disabled. Look at how those members of the community are treated first. Then decide where to punk down your hundred of thousands of dollars and the rest of your life. Know that there are excellent choices out there and let the buyer beware!
64
I will reveal a prejudice: It's Alabama. Her name is Clinton. ADA? What does that mean in Alabama?
My mother lives in the independent living section of a CCRC in Iowa. Her unit is across the street from the assisted living and nursing home units, so visiting friends in the other units in the Iowa winter is out of the question.
We've come a long way, but there's got to be a way to respect the dignity of all.
My mother lives in the independent living section of a CCRC in Iowa. Her unit is across the street from the assisted living and nursing home units, so visiting friends in the other units in the Iowa winter is out of the question.
We've come a long way, but there's got to be a way to respect the dignity of all.
1
CK, that's a poor design for a senior community in the snowbelt.
12
It's ok CK. I'm from Alabama but I feel the same way about Manhattan(after living there for 5 years) and Iowa ( after driving thru as quickly as possible). Can't understand why you'd voluntarily want to be in such places. But it takes all kinds I guess. Enjoy the winter and your Albany politics!!
4
I have a different take on this.
As a social services professional who works with seniors I am very familiar with continuing care communities. I've spent time a great deal of time in their independent livings, assisted livings and nursing homes. While they are on the same campus, and sometimes housed in the same building, they are designed to be separate, very different entities. Most residents who move in want very much to die before needing the next level of care.
While it is fine to say that Ms. Clinton should be able to attend the Bingo games please note that most people who live in nursing homes do not have the same mental capacity as Ms. Clinton. It appears she moved into the nursing facility only because her husband required that level of care. Are we suggesting that everyone who lives in the nursing facility should be able to play Bingo in the independent living area? Regardless of their cognitive or functional capacity? Do we then need to adapt the game to people of different skills?
Is it any different from someone living in an over 55 community? They are choosing to live among people their age. Many have raised their own kids and don't want to be surrounded by all that young children bring to any community.
And I venture to guess that if Ms. Clinton fully read her contract that this division of activities was spelled out.
As a social services professional who works with seniors I am very familiar with continuing care communities. I've spent time a great deal of time in their independent livings, assisted livings and nursing homes. While they are on the same campus, and sometimes housed in the same building, they are designed to be separate, very different entities. Most residents who move in want very much to die before needing the next level of care.
While it is fine to say that Ms. Clinton should be able to attend the Bingo games please note that most people who live in nursing homes do not have the same mental capacity as Ms. Clinton. It appears she moved into the nursing facility only because her husband required that level of care. Are we suggesting that everyone who lives in the nursing facility should be able to play Bingo in the independent living area? Regardless of their cognitive or functional capacity? Do we then need to adapt the game to people of different skills?
Is it any different from someone living in an over 55 community? They are choosing to live among people their age. Many have raised their own kids and don't want to be surrounded by all that young children bring to any community.
And I venture to guess that if Ms. Clinton fully read her contract that this division of activities was spelled out.
6
Putting it into a contract doesn't make it right or ethical, and it is a logical fallacy that if this woman gets to play, than someone with no capacity for independent thought or action will also get to play.
37
Ms. Smith, my mother moved into Skilled Nursing following back surgery, and while there it was determined she needed more assistance than was available in AL or independent living. She did not choose it and she did not choose to have Parkinsons. She has a good mind, travels about the community several times a week, uses a computer and is quite good with a high-speed sewing machine. She was a Wii Fit bowling fanatic up until she could no longer stand. When she signed up for Lifecare there was NO disclosure that upon moving to other levels of care she'd have to forfeit her rights to access facilities and services she'd contracted for. You are correct that not all people in SKNF could participate in all activities--and they don't. They also typically take meals in their own dining hall. They self segregate--out of pride, sensitivity to others, and to maintain their dignity. She, and others like her, are simply trying to maintain a frail hold on life, and I cannot abide the delicate sensitivities of a few who might be made uncomfortable by their presence.
110
Of course people don't choose to have a loss of functioning and Parkinson's is a horrible disease that no one asks for. And all people should be treated with respect. Period.
That being said, continuing care communities are private entities that no one is forced to move into. People choose to move into them. I have read many a contract for these communities and have generally found that what someone contracts for is the services that are provided in the "residence" that the person lives in - and not for all services provided at every level of care.
I share this only to urge people to ask the hard questions and to hopefully check this out prior to needing the services, before a crisis.
That being said, continuing care communities are private entities that no one is forced to move into. People choose to move into them. I have read many a contract for these communities and have generally found that what someone contracts for is the services that are provided in the "residence" that the person lives in - and not for all services provided at every level of care.
I share this only to urge people to ask the hard questions and to hopefully check this out prior to needing the services, before a crisis.
5
I was just talking to a friend who is watching one of these "dining room wars" unfold at his multi-level facility. He said that some of the people in independent care, who are still very active (play tennis daily and go to the opera), and who are paying luxury prices, don't want to see rheumy-eyed oldsters being wheeled into "their" fancy dining room to drool into their oatmeal and make inappropriate noises. They say it is unattractive for their visitors, and at the prices they are paying for independent living, they should be able to restrict entry to their dining room to their own residents. I'm just reporting what he told me.
25
Wonder how they will feel when, not too far in the future, they join the ranks of those unsightly old people.
This brings back memories from some 50+ years ago. The issue wasn't age, but disability. My parents were raising me, and my older sister who's been through numerous labels but is now diagnosed as high-functioning autistic. One of our neighbours visited and suggested (if I may use that term) that our family move, because my sister 'didn't look nice' in an Ozzie and Harriet type neighbourhood. (That family is long gone and their house is now abandoned. We're still here. I've often wondered if either of their two loutish sons married and perhaps produced a less than perfect offspring.)
This brings back memories from some 50+ years ago. The issue wasn't age, but disability. My parents were raising me, and my older sister who's been through numerous labels but is now diagnosed as high-functioning autistic. One of our neighbours visited and suggested (if I may use that term) that our family move, because my sister 'didn't look nice' in an Ozzie and Harriet type neighbourhood. (That family is long gone and their house is now abandoned. We're still here. I've often wondered if either of their two loutish sons married and perhaps produced a less than perfect offspring.)
50
The word Karma comes to mind.
24
Makes perfect sense. The independent living people are never going to get old themselves and need . . . Oh, wait. Never mind.
18
There might be a fear of liability on the part of the facility for something that 'might' happen to the person while visiting the independent living area when the person is not actually living independently.
Re age discrimination: when my father at 90 was in a rehab facility that invited family members to stay overnight with the patient and my mother at 87 wanted to stay, she was refused on the grounds that 'she might fall' even though her ability to walk unassisted was excellent. Yet younger visitors walking around the facility in spiked heels were welcome to stay over.
Re age discrimination: when my father at 90 was in a rehab facility that invited family members to stay overnight with the patient and my mother at 87 wanted to stay, she was refused on the grounds that 'she might fall' even though her ability to walk unassisted was excellent. Yet younger visitors walking around the facility in spiked heels were welcome to stay over.
14
Yup, like "mean girls.'' but these rules are made by the CCRC and this surely is illegal. Americans with Disabiliy Act????
59
Being treated for that after paying $ and $4600 a month? That's terrible!
Of course, everyone is afraid of more disability but the staff could and should work hard at fostering an ambience and culture of tolerance of different levels of functioning for that amount of cash. Mrs. Clinton is being robbed!
Of course, everyone is afraid of more disability but the staff could and should work hard at fostering an ambience and culture of tolerance of different levels of functioning for that amount of cash. Mrs. Clinton is being robbed!
48
I sincerely hope she moves to another, kinder facility -- and that she (or her children) sue this place for the half million dollars (!!!!) she paid as a "retainer" simply to be allowed to pay RENT.
3
Too bad for Mrs Clinton that cliques live on in the new old age. Or perhaps she yelled "Bingo!" one too many times, and this was a way to toss her out the game.
29
I've always thought living in this type of community might be a good way to finish life up. This article makes me think otherwise!
64
I agree. I was actually looking forward to it…now, maybe not.
5
I'm with you. I've been looking at options and I think my money might go much further with home health care -- and not necessarily through an agency -- at least until I need advanced nursing care, in which case I probably won't care whether or not I can join the bingo game.
8
I hope you will reconsider. I moved to CCRC at age 67, and I bless my stars every day for the care, the consideration and the ease it provides me. I have friends in the independent living sections, in the assisted living sections, and in the nursing/rehab sections, and we move around wherever we all want. There are absolutely no restrictions in any level of care... except for those with various forms of dementia. And the only restrictions for them are signal devices worn on their legs which automatically shut off the outside doors if they wander too close. These are minimally restrictive too prevent wandering out into the cold. When other residents encounter someone whose leg device locks the door, we just kindly engage them and steer them back to their room area. These people can be taken to lunch, activities, etc with the help of another resident.
Being a CCRC resident, I know I will be taken care of seamlessly if I need it, and with the greatest humanity and love.
Being a CCRC resident, I know I will be taken care of seamlessly if I need it, and with the greatest humanity and love.
10
What a mean-spirited group of people. Someone should remind the "club members" that what goes around, comes around.
100
Yes, but that would only exacerbate their fear and denial of their own imminent further decline, which is what is causing them to behave like foolish 7th graders. I sure hope I don't lose sight of the fact that we're all here on the most temporary of visas...
23
Having a senior relative in a similar facility, I can tell you there is very much a hierarchy, and it is both between the seniors themselves AND the staff.
It is a delicate combination of age bigotry and disability bigotry. Youngish seniors don't want to hang around with 90-somethings. Those who can walk, don't want to be with those in wheelchairs. It even matters if you are using a walker vs. a wheelchair, and even what KIND of walker! (It's as bad as new mother who compete on who has the priciest baby stroller.)
One of the worst things I see is eating arrangements. People eat at tables with 4-6 people, and they save spots, or insist that a newcomer "can't sit here". Shades of junior high! It can be devastating for a senior who is fresh from their own home, or who has recently been widowed. Sometimes they end up eating alone or in their room, violating the very idea of coming to live in a COMMUNITY. Furthermore, the staff does not work to ameliorate this (again, shades of heartless junior high teachers) and may even show favoritism towards the more active and youthful seniors.
It is a delicate combination of age bigotry and disability bigotry. Youngish seniors don't want to hang around with 90-somethings. Those who can walk, don't want to be with those in wheelchairs. It even matters if you are using a walker vs. a wheelchair, and even what KIND of walker! (It's as bad as new mother who compete on who has the priciest baby stroller.)
One of the worst things I see is eating arrangements. People eat at tables with 4-6 people, and they save spots, or insist that a newcomer "can't sit here". Shades of junior high! It can be devastating for a senior who is fresh from their own home, or who has recently been widowed. Sometimes they end up eating alone or in their room, violating the very idea of coming to live in a COMMUNITY. Furthermore, the staff does not work to ameliorate this (again, shades of heartless junior high teachers) and may even show favoritism towards the more active and youthful seniors.
9
This seems insane. You pay almost a half million dollars to live somewhere and they won't let you play bingo. Makes me glad I am poor.
84
Seriously?
Let the people who walked out play somewhere else.
Good grief.
Let the people who walked out play somewhere else.
Good grief.
35
I think you misunderstood. The people walked out in support of Mrs. Clinton
1
No, Yellowdog has it right. They walked out because they didn't want to play with her, apparently because she broke the rules. Those that stayed did play bingo with her. I understand that she won.
16
Nope. Article says they walked out in protest of her playing. They were objecting to her, not supporting her.
10
Discriminatory CCRC's are breaking the law. I think the court's will explain as much to them when the question is presented.
9
It's a scary situation we have to look forward to in our golden years, lots of mean girls.
78
And they Vote!
6
In fairness, it's not all girls, though elderly women outnumber elderly men....TODAY. When the boomers hit this age, the genders will be about equal in number.
But yes -- this brings up horrific memories for me of JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, and the cliques, the mean girls, the snottiness and exclusion and little "games" that are played about who is in the "in" group and who is not. That this is going on with people who are 7 times as old, and should know way better, is the saddest thing of all.
But yes -- this brings up horrific memories for me of JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, and the cliques, the mean girls, the snottiness and exclusion and little "games" that are played about who is in the "in" group and who is not. That this is going on with people who are 7 times as old, and should know way better, is the saddest thing of all.
8
Wow. This is what we have to look forward to when we get old, and if we can afford to live in one of these places?
Roll that wheelchair to Las Vegas; they'll take you and your money, baby!
Roll that wheelchair to Las Vegas; they'll take you and your money, baby!
30
Having an elderly relative in such a place, yes -- I dread it completely. They infantilize even mentally competent seniors. It's like a cross between boarding school and a prison, only for the elderly. The aides talk down to residents, and often the management goes over the head of both residents AND their family members, to either insist on care ($$$) or deny simple things like bingo games.
7