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Holiday visits nudge many towards Senior Housing decision...Online navigational tool available to help simplify and refine search

SEATTLE, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are over, but after a visit with an aging parent some adult children may be asking themselves whether it's time to explore senior housing options with their loved ones.

"That question often arises after a face-to-face visit with an aging parent or even grandparents," said Eve Stern, RN, MS, president of SNAPforSeniors, which has developed the nation's most current and comprehensive, online nationwide database and search tool of the 65,000+ U.S. senior housing facilities across all license types.

"Maybe Mom is showing signs of physical deterioration -- like weight loss or difficulty getting around the house. Or maybe Dad isn't making the best decisions these days -- or isn't safe behind the wheel any more. Senior housing is a question you should explore together."

Stern emphasized that the search for senior housing shouldn't be dreaded, but rather researched to find the best fit. For many Americans, the concept of senior housing is limited to just nursing homes.

"There are a wide range of options to explore," she said.

"Depending on the level and type of care needed each day, an older person can benefit from home health providers who come into the home to impressive assisted living communities that facilitate greater supervision, social stimulation and services all under one roof.

If 24-hour care is needed, then nursing homes may be an appropriate solution.

"For seniors who don't need routine care but want to enjoy an active lifestyle with peers, there are a number of very attractive retirement communities with full amenity packages or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) where individuals can age in place as physical needs change over time."

The need for senior housing is on the rise. It is estimated that one million Americans move into senior housing each year(1) and the demand is growing as baby boomers enter retirement. Between now and 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau projects the over-65 population to increase by almost 28 percent, while the total U.S. population increases by just 9 percent.(2)

The search for senior housing is no longer a "neighborhood search" of local, well-known facilities, and new options spring up all the time. Seniors often need housing in locations far away from the caregiver or adult child who has assumed responsibility for the senior's well being.

And adult children of aging parents frequently find themselves assisting in the senior housing search-even from a distance. There are an estimated 5.1 to 7 million long-distance caregivers in the United States.(3,4)

The search for senior housing has recently become easier. In November, the Alzheimer's Association launched its Senior Housing Finder(SM), powered by SNAPforSeniors.

The interactive online tool allows consumers to search a current list of licensed assisted living residences, nursing homes and other types of senior housing facilities nationwide.

The free resource, which is akin to the real estate industry's Multiple Listing Service, allows users to select from search categories such as geographic location, facility name or license type and then receive a list of qualified options.

Senior Housing Finder can also screen facilities by the level of care provided consistent with the seven stages of Alzheimer's disease progression. The navigational tool helps consumers narrow the search, and then coordinate with family members to make further decisions.

Stern offered five tips for making the search for senior housing less overwhelming: (1) assess care needs and personal preferences; (2) be objective-visit www.alz.org/we_can_help_caresource.asp  for a list of all senior housing providers; (3) visit and inspect facilities on your short list whenever possible; (4) verify quality by reviewing facility surveys and inspection reports at www.medicare.gov  as well as references of current and past residents and their families; and (5) confirm your choice with frequent contact and visits.

"The choice to move to senior housing should be well-informed and carefully planned," Stern said.

 "Caregivers who find themselves assisting an aging relative in the planning process should remember that the right senior living setting can lead to better health and safety for their loved ones, and often an improvement in their social and emotional well being."

For expanded tips or to see a live demonstration, visit www.snapforseniors.com.

About SNAPforSeniors(R)

SNAPforSeniors(R), Inc. is a Seattle-based information company and developer of the most current and comprehensive web-based senior housing resource and listing service in the United States.

This resource puts objective information about the nation's 65,000+ licensed senior housing facilities at the fingertips of consumers and their advocates.

SNAPforSeniors combines advanced search tools with detailed information to connect seniors with the right housing options the first time.

Through the Alliance Network Program, SNAPforSeniors licenses and private-labels its database and search tools to the websites of leading trusted sources, including the Alzheimer's Association and the Case Management Society of America. For more information, e-mail info@snapforseniors.com.