As seen in Times Of The Islands Magazine
Long before the coronavirus pandemic, more than 90% of older Americans expressed a desire to remain in their homes as they age. Now, more than ever, older adults are looking for solutions to aging at home.
For healthy and independent seniors who wish to stay at home as they get older, Senior Choice at Home is an alternative to moving to a retirement community. Licensed by the State of Florida as a Life Plan Community “without walls,” Senior Choice at Home is a comprehensive program of coordinated, long-term care services for seniors who prefer to age in place, with the assurance that future living arrangements away from home that might be necessary when health care needs change are secured and covered under their membership.
Senior Choice at Home is a membership-based program that provides comprehensive long-term care and personal concierge care services for older adults enabling them to live independently at home without concern for the rising cost of health care as costs are covered under their membership.
Thousands of seniors across the country have opted to receive continuing care at home, including Dr. Ellen and Michael Feingold of Sanibel. For the past 20 years, Ellen, a physician, worked in her private homeopathic medicine practice in Wilmington, Delaware, then retired to move to Sanibel. Michael manages financial investments of all kinds, from which he plans to never retire.
The active couple moved to Sanibel three years ago from the northeast and were happy to leave the snowblower behind to bike and swim together every day that weather permits. They are 78 years old, in good health, and hope to age gracefully. While independent living and continuing care communities for seniors appeal to many people, they didn’t think it was right for them. They wanted to remain in their home, but realize as they age that they may one day need help.
“We wanted to age at home on Sanibel Island, and Senior Choice at Home gave us that option,” Ellen says Dr. Ellen Feingold. “It’s one of the best choices we ever made to secure our future.”
Since becoming members, they’ve had Senior Choice at Home’s Personal Care Coordinator conduct a home assessment to make sure that their house is set up to accommodate them as they get older. The Care Coordinator also came to set up their electronic reporting system that will allow them to call for help with the push of a button.
When COVID-19 hit the U.S., seniors were quickly identified as among the most vulnerable, and that’s when the Feingolds and other members experienced the benefits of Senior Choice at Home firsthand.
“Our care coordinator called us routinely to check in,” Ellen says. “With COVID-19 cases hitting senior living communities especially hard, we are fortunate that we made the right choice to stay at home. We don’t feel isolated, as we are more in touch with family than we’ve ever been. We have family Zoom calls once a week.”
When it came time to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Senior Choice at Home members were among the first seniors in the area to be scheduled.
Michael was especially pleased with Senior Choice at Home’s proactive response.
“Our Senior Choice at Home Personal Care Coordinator called and scheduled our appointment for our first and second vaccines,” Michael says. “It’s nice to know we have the vaccine, regardless of what we see about difficulties getting it on the news. Our membership has brought us peace of mind throughout the pandemic.”
While the Feingolds have continued to enjoy good health and are independent at home, members who experience a health care incident such as a fall or surgery, can tap into the benefits of membership to help them back on their feet.
“When a member needs medical attention, our care coordinators are at their side, helping them to navigate through the health care journey,” says Andrea Sieradzki, Area Sales and Marketing Director for Volunteers of America, the sponsor organization of Senior Choice at Home. “Their needs may range from a short stay in skilled nursing for rehabilitation or support from home health aides who can assist with bathing, grocery shopping, cooking or other tasks. The greatest value is peace of mind knowing these services are covered under the Senior Choice at Home membership. As health care costs increase, our members appreciate that their assets are protected from rising costs.”
Michael Feingold sums up the benefits of being able to age a home best:
“It’s really the best of both worlds – living at home with peace of mind for the future.”