Letter: Different look at nursing home care

Recently, your newspaper featured an informative article regarding nursing home care in our area. What I learned from the article is that demand for nursing homes is increasing, there are many good facilities in the area, and the annual cost of the homes today can quickly reach the daunting figure of $100,000.

Since moving to the Lowcountry, I have learned of an alternative to a nursing home that can be substantially less expensive while being a very pleasant place to live. This is a continuing care retirement community. The key is to move to the community while still capable of living independently. This is, I understand, typically a requisite for purchasing a property and becoming a member of a continuing care community.

When first moved in, a member may just take advantage of the clubhouse amenities such as dining, swimming pools, fitness centers, and bridge rooms, while still driving their own cars. Over time the resident may begin using the community’s transportation services, and perhaps some limited help with daily living.

The level of daily living assistance will then progress with the needs of the resident. If nursing home care becomes required, it is available on site; no need to leave the community; no need to go someplace new.

These are only rough estimates, but a continuing care community may start at $40,000 and top out at $50,000 for nursing home level care; a significant savings in relation to $100,000 for a nursing home.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Letter: Different look at nursing home care."