Senior Living Options

In Oregon's Multnomah County, there are over 900 licensed Adult Care Homes. Indeed, the state of Oregon is a trailblazer in initiating this senior living alternative, as the best substitute to institutionalized care. Adult Care Homes are an affordable option to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as they normally charge just a fraction of the price yet offer the same benefits. While independence is promoted, supervision and assistance is offered on a 24-hour basis with everything from dressing and medication aid, to personalized medical and hospice care.

Adult Care Homes are family owned and operated residences situated within the county's subdivisions. The providers and caregivers are able to offer individualized, one-on-one care, manage medications, diseases, and/or behavioral issues within a comfortable, peaceful setting, while all along promoting independence and instilling trust.

In an adult care home there is a consistency in care and a routine developed which gives a greater sense of comfort to the seniors. They know what to expect and when to expect it. The elderly need that home-like environment and familiar faces, opposed to the confusion of a nursing home where there is a high turnover rate. It has been observed, that seniors residing in adult care homes benefit immensely from the family oriented living conditions and individualized attention, through an improvement in both mental and physical health.

The homes are licensed for a maximum of five residents and must offer a cozy, homey atmosphere, while at the same time complying with structural requirements for emergency evacuations and wheelchair access. To ensure the wellbeing and health of the frail seniors, the counties of Oregon perform thorough background investigations and periodic surprise inspections on the homes licensed.

The concept of taking in the elderly to provide care when mental and physical abilities decrease, has been around for generations. In fact, in many parts of the world it is still expected that when grandma and grandpa get to a point where they can't take care of themselves anymore within their own home, the offspring take them in. Although, we may wish to be able to do that here, the lifestyle in the United States does not permit that to the extent that it does in other countries.

Because adult care homes are family oriented, the emphasis is placed on involvement and integration within the familial fold. Just like the rest of us, the elderly want to feel needed and helpful and not guests who need to be mindful of their behavior. They like to set or clear the table, fold the laundry, or brush the little one's hair. If they can, they like to make their own beds and take out their own trash. Promoting a sense of independence preserves their sense of self-worth. We all want to be validated for past and current accomplishments. That wish does not diminish as we age.