My Autobiography: David Balleza K(C)atague: Is Moving to an Independent or Assisted Living Facility in MY Future?

Friday, April 1, 2022

Is Moving to an Independent or Assisted Living Facility in MY Future?

Esalen Gardens-Big Sur, California-Photo by Ditas Katague 3/22

With David E passing, I am now living alone in this big 4BR ranch house and two hours away from my children. Two of my three living children who resides in California suggested I moved into a Facility that is within 30 minutes driving time from their residences. My other daughter who is now residing near me will be moving to Washington DC this July. She got an SES Federal job in DC that she had always wanted. She just retired recently from the State of California. I am so happy of her achievements, goals and ambitions. Congratulations, Ditas.

I am currently doing some searches on Assisted or Independent Living Facilities within 30 minutes driving time from the residences of my two oldest Children. Here's a summary of what I learned. https://www.seniorliving.org/assisted-living/costs/

Average Cost of an Assisted Living Community

The size of the assisted living facility you choose, the types of services, and amount of services you require all impact monthly fees. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living in 2020 was $4,300 per month. Similarly, according to a National Center for Assisted Living report, the median cost for assisted living in the United States is about $4,300 per month or $51,600 annually. Over 800,000 Americans are residing in assisted living facilities, with just over half of residents being 85+ years old.

These statistics go to show the importance of assisted living in the nation. In a senior living community, you start with upfront costs. Assisted living communities and independent living communities generally have a monthly cost that could range from $2,000 to $8,000, and may make certain hospitality and care services available for an additional monthly fee. If you're looking for assisted living facilities, knowing the average cost of care across the country is a must.

Assisted Living vs. Aging in Place Costs

There is a constant debate between assisted living versus living at home among families when it comes to choosing the best option for taking good care of their senior loved ones. Many would argue that healthcare costs, especially for senior living, are increasing rapidly. But that is not entirely true. This public perception has to be corrected by making people aware of the realities of assisted living facilities. Nowadays, many would usually prefer living at home because it is less expensive than assisted living and technology, such as medical alert systems, allow seniors to be safely monitored in their home. It can be in most cases, but the total cost of assisted living is actually significantly less than living at home. Not to mention the daily assistance being provided in assisted living which enhances the quality of life and improves a senior's health and safety.

Factors That Impact Costs

The secret to getting your money's worth when choosing assisted living facilities is knowing the factors that impact assisted living costs because the price structures of these are dependent on the level of care that a resident requires.

You must know first the location to where you plan for your loved ones to settle. Ideally, you would settle for a place near your family as well. So it is important to know the average cost of care in different states which we have provided below based on Genworth's 2020 Cost of Care Survey.

You'll also need to consider the rent, utility, maintenance, meal, and personal care costs. Independent living or living at home usually would focus on rent or mortgage which usually results in overlooking the other necessities for senior care. In assisted living, the expenses cover the necessary things to provide quality care. If you take a look at it, assisted living is in its essence, financially equal to living at home because the level of care assisted living facilities provide is also what families should provide for seniors even living at home. The only difference now is a question of where our seniors will be provided with daily activities and entertainment to enhance their quality of life.

Living at home limits discovering opportunities for social interactions and daily activities. This is because entertainment is usually being cut back to save money. This is usually an unfortunate reality in senior living at home. There is an emphasis on this particular aspect because regular social activities are significant for seniors to stay fit and sharp. This can create the same atmosphere as when they have not retired yet and may provide the difference between surviving and thriving.

If your main concern is affordability or your budget, Genworth's Cost of Care Survey outlines the average daily, monthly, and annual costs of a private one-unit in an assisted living community in each state. This can serve as a good guide of what you can expect to spend on an assisted living facility in your state.

How About Independent Living Cost?

Who Is a Good Fit for Independent Living?

With so many types of senior living available, it can be difficult to understand which community type is the best fit for you or your loved one. We’ve made the decision easier by identifying some of the common qualities of independent living residents. Some of the people who should consider independent living include:

Seniors who do not need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing and medication management
Seniors who do not need medical assistance on a regular basis
Seniors who want assistance with cooking and home maintenance, but are not ready to give up their independent lifestyle
Seniors who live alone or feel isolated and would like to meet others through social and recreational activities
Seniors who are retired and ready to live a more laid back, convenient lifestyle
Seniors who desire the safety net of a 24-hour staff who can quickly provide help if needed

Independent living costs can vary dramatically depending on where you live and the specific community. Retirement communities that offer ample amenities and include the cost of meals in their monthly price will be much more expensive than basic senior apartments. One thing that is consistent is that independent living is the least expensive type of senior care because it does not offer personal care assistance and health services. In general, independent living will cost 30-50% less per month than assisted living.

https://www.assistedliving.org/independent-living/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of sunset in Esalen, Big Sur, CA courtesy of Ditas

So far I am interested on this Facility in Concord, CA It is a bit pricey, But it is near Benecia, has a bridge club and has 2BR, 2Bath Apartments with Balcony.

Independent and Assisted Living

Life at Oakmont is meant to be full of vitality, joy and purpose. Staff is

continually striving to offer a palate of activities that both resonate with and

challenge community members. Residents at Oakmont can choose from a

variety of pursuits designed to engage seniors physically, intellectually, and

socially. Regular physical activity is important to the physical and mental

health of everyone, and seniors often need encouragement and reassurance

to participate. A full social and activity calendar offers a spectrum of daily

pursuits. In-house events and excursions are scheduled on a weekly basis,

in addition to regularly scheduled daily events.

Opportunities to exercise may include:

• Walking Club

• Yoga and Tai Chi

• Zumba

• Strength and Stretch

• Water Aerobics

Mind sharpening activities might include:

• Group Scrabble

• Crossword

• Poetry Class

• Variety of Art Classes

• Bridge

uommunity involvement activities may include:

• Literacy Tutoring

• Volunteering at the local Animal Shelter

• Assembling care packages for service men and women

Social opportunities might include:

• Singing and music performances

• Happy Hour

Excursions to Art Galleries

• Attending the symphony

• Knitting Club

• Book Club

• Themed Parties

The staff at Oakmont enthusiastically and persistently encourages resident

participation in community events. New residents often experience an

improvement in both physical and mental conditions, in addition to a renewed

sense of belonging and community.

https://www.caring.com/senior-living/california/walnut-creek/the-kensington-walnut-creek

On the other hand hiring a home care assistance perhaps 20 hours per week would be cheaper and I do not have to move out in this big house, I am attached to for 20 years. This option will be much cheaper that moving to a facility that fits my needs. I may not be able to play bridge, but I can still enjoy gardening and my house plants. The cost of home care is averaging $25 per hour. That's $500 per week or $2000 per month versus independent living cost that I like is 8000 per month. Because I am still mobile and just need assistance in minor housekeeping and transportation, staying at home with home care assistance, I feel is currently what I need.

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Highlights of My Professional Career

In my more than 40 years of professional career, I have experienced both working rank and file, as well as supervising the work of subordinates. I have worked in four private firms and the Federal Government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I retired. I enjoyed the challenges and difficulties of both types of job situations. This is the highlights of my work experience story.

My first job after completing my doctorate degree was a Chemist for Chemagro Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a subsidiary of Bayer Corporation, a German conglomerate. I worked for the analytical chemistry department comprised of about fifty people; half that number was either chemists or biologists. My specific task was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticide residues in plant and animal tissues. I worked on my own, similar to six other bench chemists, and we all reported to the same supervisor.

The firm sponsored my visa conversion from a student to a permanent resident, and I was able to legally work and reside in the United States with my family. The company generously took care of its employees. At the end of each successful year, everyone received a 13th month salary bonus. The employees and their families celebrated wonderful annual Christmas parties in a downtown Kansas City hotel, with dancing and free drinks for the whole night.

Inasmuch as I enjoyed and loved working for Chemagro for five years, I found a new job which offered a substantially higher pay. Due to my exemplary work performance, my supervisor preferred and lobbied for me to stay with the company. I had to turn him down because they could not match the package presented by my new employer. It was also a chance for me and my family to move and live in the US west coast, where the mild winter climate is bearable compared to the Midwest.

My next job was at the agricultural research division of Shell Development Company in Modesto, California. I was a Research Chemist, and again I worked individually, same as five other chemists who all reported to a supervisor. My specific duty was similar to my previous job. I worked for them for five years, until the company decided to get out of the pesticide business. They closed their research facility affecting the jobs of more than 200 employees.

My third industrial job was with the agricultural research division of Stauffer chemical company, located in Richmond, California. I was a Senior Research Chemist doing the same project as my two previous jobs. I worked for twelve continuous years for the company, with outstanding annual job performance. I became a Principal Research Chemist, the highest attainable non-supervisory position.

One day in 1986, my supervisor informed me that my job had been eliminated, and I had one day to vacate the facility. It was the most dreadful lay off experience in my life. I felt anger, sadness and humiliation to be dismissed from work with one day notice, after all the years of hard work invested for the company. This was an unforgettable incident and was the gloomiest point in my professional career.
The company terminated sixty research employees, who were upset of the bad news.

One of the chemists was distressed and expressed his outrageous anger by threatening the company and its workers. He told his supervisor of his intention to bomb and burn down the laboratory. He was immediately escorted by the security staff out of the building and into his car. He was informed to leave behind his personal belongings; they will be mailed to his residence. He was warned never to show up again near the company premises or risk getting arrested.

My supervisor was kind and allowed me to take my time to pack up my belongings. It took me two days to clear up my workplace, after toiling for a long period in the same jobsite. We were provided clerical help and office space, in preparation to look for another job, such as updating our resumes, and using the computer and copy machine. We were given six weeks of separation pay plus benefits.

Fortunately, with the help of a friend who is a Church parishioner, I found another job thirty days after leaving Stauffer chemical company. He hired me as a senior research chemist and as a group leader with two technicians to supervise. It was in the same field as my expertise in my previous three jobs spanning the last twenty one years. My new employer was Chevron Chemical Company, and which was located in the same area as my former employer.

This job gave me the introduction and basic knowledge of managing the work of subordinates. I worked for Chevron Company for four and a half years. The company decided to consolidate their research facilities in Texas, and lay off all its research employees. This time I had enough distress and agony from working, and eventually getting laid off from several private companies. To avoid going through any more miserable layoffs, I made a vow that I would never again work for a private company.

In my work experiences, there were noticeable and unavoidable jobsite occurrences. One can never miss the office romantic relationships between co-workers, both illicit and permitted. Though it was frowned upon, there was a boss and staff relationship, which was used as a ploy to get ahead in the company. Some relationships had chemistry, no pun intended, but some never worked out. Oftentimes, there was a sense of distrust among bench chemists for some workers who unjustly obtained preferred work assignments.

Some employees resorted to bribing superiors to get special privileges, such as being able to attend choice conferences and meetings in exciting venues or locations. Likewise, politics was always present at the worksites. It was during an era when various forms of harassment, equal opportunity and discrimination laws were not yet enforced in the workplace. Occasionally, an unexpected chemical explosion happens in a laboratory setting, where luckily no one got seriously hurt.

In the three private companies I worked for, I was able to publish scientific journals for some of the research studies and analytical methods which I developed for the respective companies of Chemagro, Shell Development and Stauffer.

After deciding and making a vow to avoid working in the private sector, I made my new goal which was either to work for the state of California, or the Federal government in Washington, D.C. Four months after I lost my job in Chevron, I was lucky and joyful to be hired by the Food and Drug Administration as a review chemist in the fall of 1990.

In 1994 I was promoted as an Expert Research Chemist with a GS-14 rating. My expertise was on Anti-malarial and Anti-parasitic drug products. In 1997, I was again deservingly promoted to Chemistry team leader, supervising the work of six Chemistry reviewers including five with doctorate degrees.

As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs.

It was part of my responsibility to give advice, instruct and promote high morale and teamwork in my group. My work in the FDA is confidential, until the drug patent on the products I worked on has expired. There are manufacturing supplements that I have approved that are now open for the public in the Internet.

In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award. The citation reads, “For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.” I have received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of the FDA mission. I have also received several letters of appreciation from private industry for my review work.

There are many good things working as rank and file while enjoying doing one’s job individually. It is a humbling, satisfying and productive experience, if one can work in harmony with one’s immediate supervisor. Working individually develops one’s skills in goal setting and scheduling. But in general, the financial rewards are less than a person who has supervisory responsibilities.

Managing the work of others has its challenges. Moreover, it develops one’s skill in handling and developing people, and the compensation rewards and benefits are better. Due to additional duties, responsibilities and leadership, supervisory work can be more stressful than working as a subordinate. However, supervisory jobs give one more personal growth and satisfaction, based on my personal experience. My work in FDA as a team leader managing the work of six scientists had been the happiest and rewarding work experience in my career in Chemistry. You might also like: