Supportive Living – A Unique Approach for CCRCs

Progressive Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) realize that their residents want more than just a nice room or apartment to live in. They want to know that as their needs change, the level of medical care provided changes as well. Is your organization missing the boat?

As the baby boom generation continues continues down the road of life, they are forcing the nation to examine not only what type of environment they will live in, but also how and where they will receive their healthcare services. Ten years ago, CCRCs were considered cutting edge if they provided beautifully appointed rooms with personal items incorporated into the theme, dining halls that looked more like restaurants than cafeterias, and a medical professional who stopped by every now and then to check up on the residents.

Today's discerning and savvy aging population knows what to expect from a CCRC, and what they want isn't anything like the "old" model. People are living longer, more active lives than ever before. To keep pace with this A trend, society must develop a new approach to providing the continuum of care that meets the needs of this population. CCRC administrators are in a perfect position to create this model, and those with vision are doing just that.

Take for example, Robert Y.Anderson, CEO for Horizon House, in Seattle, WA, whose organization has improved upon the typical CCRC model by combining assisted living and skilled nursing into what Horizon House calls Supported Living."One of the greatest challenges for elders as they confront declining health is having to make transitions in their living arrangements. The Supported Living Program pioneered by Horizon House creates a model whereby residents only have to make one move from their independent residence to Supported Living. As they require more care we bring the care to them even if it is very intensive nursing services. Crothall has been a good partner in support of this approach."

Crothall - A Natural Fit

As these changes take hold in the CCRC industry, Crothall Services Group is perfectly positioned to assist with the expanded set of services that such facilities must provide. According to Steve Carpenter, SVP of Facilities Management, "Crothall begins with maintaining the overall look and feel of the facility, and then we build from there. Environmental Services, Patient Transportation, Laundry Services, and Clinical Engineering are all part of the package that we provide to our CCRC clients. It is rare to encounter an industry model that stands to benefit from our services as much as this one does. It is a natural fit." Here are just a few of the ways that Crothall enhances the SUPPORTIVE LIVING MODEL:

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - Our housekeeping staff easily integrates into the culture of each facility, delivering the level of quality and expertise that residents demand.

PATIENT TRANSPORTATION - As more health care services are provided to the residents where they live, such services as Lift Teams and Walking Partners are there to assist your clinical staff with the most dangerous of tasks, while also freeing them up to do what they do best, care for your residents.

LAUNDRY AND LINEN - Crothall's state-of-the art Laundry Division offers laundry services both on and off site, making this an affordable option for you and your residents.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT - It is no secret that the way the facility looks has a huge bearing on whether residents will choose to live there. Crothall's team of experts manages every aspect of caring for your facility, both inside and out.

CLINICAL ENGINEERING - As in a hospital or other traditional healthcare setting, it is important that the equipment is working properly. Lives depend upon it, and our engineers are trained to care for all of the medical equipment that is needed to properly care for your residents.