Levels of Care
Life Care
Life Care ensures care for the resident for life, regardless of changes in health or financial status. Residents do not turn over all their assets – they pay an up-front fee for life care based on expected costs of care for their life expectancy according to actuarial tables. That cost is offset by his/her monthly Social Security and/or any pension income to determine the cost of admission. Many residents sell their modest homes, pay their admission and still retain investments of their own.
Life Care provides full services in addition to room and meals for life. As health changes dictate, residents have access to the fully accredited Nursing Unit. There are no additional or incremental fees with Life Care. Changing medical needs are addressed by staff and licensed providers in a familiar setting.
Once they become a life care resident, there are no additional fees for the remainder of their lives. If a resident passes away prior to exhausting their life care balance, there is a rebate to the family of the unused balance of the Life Care funds minus an administrative fee and current expenses for care. With the up-front fee, residents are guaranteed care for the remainder of their days regardless of changes in health.
Life Care provides the resident’s room, three meals per day plus snacks, medication management, nursing staff, activities, etc. If a resident requires a stay in the nursing unit, there is no additional charge. Life Care even provides a hairdresser on site each week because looking good helps residents feel good. Regardless of changes in health, care is provided for life.
Residency
Under the Doolittle Residency Plan, elders who are at least 65 years of age, ambulatory, and pass the entrance physical examination are able to enter Doolittle Home for a monthly fee. The Residency Plan enables residents to enjoy the safety of medical supervision and the social aspects of the home in addition to a comfortable room and all meals in the dining room. Loved ones are now able to ensure care of their elder in the elegant surroundings of Doolittle Home with our attentive staff for less than the cost of most nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Under the Residency Plan, residents can remain in the Home as long as their health and finances allow. Unlike other facilities, residents in the Home under the Residency Plan are not charged any additional fees for assistance required. They enjoy the same facilities and meals as the residents on Life Care and they also receive supervision of their medications. If additional assistance is needed to perform personal care routines or to participate in activities, it is part of the Residency Plan – not an additional fee for those residing in our retirement unit. If nursing care becomes necessary, it is available in our fully accredited Nursing Unit for an additional fee.
According to Doolittle Home President Joanne Pratt, "The national economic crisis encouraged the Board of Trustees to consider admissions options for those who want and need the comfort and security of Doolittle Home in their later years but may not be able to afford the full Life Care option. The Residency Plan is the perfect opportunity to reach another segment of the senior community with our high quality services. This will enable more seniors to experience retirement with a difference – the Doolittle difference."
Respite Care
Caring for a loved one at home? You still have a need to get away for a few days yourself. The full amenities of Doolittle Home are available under our Respite Care program with a minimum one-week stay.
Having provided total peace of mind to its Life Care residents and their families for 95 years, Doolittle Home now opens its doors to a new initiative, respite care. Families caring for an elderly loved one in their home or providing a high level of support to those still living independently, often find it difficult to plan vacations or other absences from their homes.
To meet that need, Doolittle Home now offers respite care of one week or more per stay in the main retirement section of the facility. Care provided would include the individual’s room, all meals and snacks, laundry, housekeeping and hairdressing services, medication administration and participation in all scheduled activities.
According to Joanne Pratt, president of Doolittle Home, "We can provide accommodations in the same home-like setting they are used to, every member of our staff is sensitive to the needs of the elderly, and our full range of services would be available." The minimum stay for respite care would be seven days, subject to room availability.
Full details of the respite care program are available by calling DeAnna Willis, executive director, at 508-543-2694.