MUSCATINE, Iowa — In 1900, the average American  could expect to pack a lifetime into a life span of 45 years.

By the new millennium, 33 years had been added to the average American’s life span, according to the National Vital Statistic Reports. And along with all of the medical and technological advances that  add vitality to their lives, the population of seniors continues to grow as Baby Boomers age.

Baby Boomers is a phrase used to describe the significant increase in births that occurred in the United States after the end of World War II from  1946-60. In 2006, the oldest members of that group turned 60 years old.

According to the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 10,152 of Muscatine County’s 42,756 residents are age 55 and older, nearly a quarter of the population.

As that population increases, need and demand for a variety of services that will allow them remain as independent as possible is surging.

In Muscatine County, professionals who work with seniors say the opportunities are expanding for those looking to make the most of their retirement years.

Independence

Barb Krall, executive director of Senior Resources in Muscatine County, said the concept of supportive living began emerging after she began working in the area of senior care 24 years ago.

Krall, who came to work for Senior Resources in Muscatine County 10 years ago, said seniors have more services than ever before that assist them in remaining independent and active.

Senior Resources services,  such as Meals on Wheels, are freshly prepared meals                     

delivered to a person’s home at an affordable rate.

The agency also provides help with home repair and maintenance issues for senior who need assistance.

Caregivers who prefer to keep their loved one at home can inquire about the Senior Resources Adult Day program where seniors participate in social activities and have lunch together as they work, run errands or take time for themselves.

Another alternative to moving to a full-service long-term care facility are senior living communities where the monthly rental fee for an apartment also covers a variety of services and resources.

Senior Resources Inc. doesn’t promote one supportive living option over another, said Krall, but she and her staff are in favor of any services that enhance the quality of life for area seniors.

Affordable housing with a dining room and other services are available for people 50-years and older at The Clark House, a Housing and Urban Development site which is overseen by Muscatine’s public housing.

Seniors age 62 and older can also apply for affordable housing through two more Housing and Urban Development sites in Muscatine: Hershey Manor, which is overseen by the city and the Muscatine Towers apartments which are owned by the Seldin Co. out of Omaha.

These complexes feature community dining and pull chords that residents can use in case of emergency. In addition to the dining rooms, there are lobbies where people meet and share information about activities and events.

The cost for these apartments is calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Cindy Vest, manager of the Muscatine Towers, said some residents find moving to affordable housing eases the stress of keeping up with the costs of maintaining a house.

“Some people would be lost without these places,” said Vest. “They can’t care for their own homes any longer, but they aren’t ready for a nursing home either. There’s a need for these apartments in our society.”

Vest said some residents are widows and widowers who move to Muscatine from other cities so they can be near family members.

Independent living

 Social contacts increase in independent living communities as residents enjoy activities and the convenience of apartment living.

Mary Hildebrandt, human resources coordinator at Carrington Place in Muscatine, said the independent living apartments there include a beauty shop, activities such as bingo and transportation options. A noon meal is served in the dining room and pull chords installed can be used to signal the need for emergency assistance.

“Our residents can start with independent living and then, as their needs change, we can offer more skilled care in other areas of our facilities,” said Hildebrandt.

Simpson Memorial Homes Inc. operates the Heath Manor Independent Retirement Apartments in West Liberty.

Monthly payments for independent living apartments average around $1,250 a month in Muscatine County.

Assisted living

Assisted living community members come and go as they please as staff attends to daily needs such as laundry, cooking meals, light housekeeping and maintenance of the community grounds. Transportation is provided to medical and other appointments and a variety of activities and immediate access to emergency help is provided.

“I think one of the greatest advantages of assisted living is the exposure to a group environment,” said Tracey Sulzberger, director of assisted living at Lutheran Homes in Muscatine. “Everyone loves dinner which is served in the dining room. They get dressed up like they’re at a hotel and it’s neat to watch.”

Sulzberger said her staff  introduced the residents to the Nintendo Wii games, and they really enjoy that.

Some residents prefer to do their own laundry and other chores, but they have a choice.

“Instead of working to maintain things all the time, they can let us do those things while they enjoy their lives,” said Sulzberger.

Muscatine’s newest assisted living facility, SunnyBrook at Riverbend, is slated to open this fall, and will feature a state-of-the art design and many modern amenities including a bar and lounge area, cozy libraries with fireplaces and spacious dining halls.

In Muscatine County, the cost for assisted living apartments begin around $2,400 a month.

Shelley Wicks, administrator of Simpson Memorial Home Inc. which also operates an assisted living complex in West Liberty and the Leland Smith assisted living residence in Wilton, said most residents who come to live in the retirement complexes are in their 70s and 80s.

“Many people don’t want to leave their homes until they absolutely have to,” she said.

That decision can be easier to make if a person is prepared, said Wicks, and she suggests that people consider purchasing long-term care insurance. Wicks, 57, said she and her husband are investing in long-term care insurance.

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, long-term care describes services beyond medical care and nursing care used by people who have disabilities or chronic illness. Long-term care insurance helps pay for these services and helps ensure policy-holders can make their own choices about what long-term care services they receive.

Ordinary health insurance policies and Medicare usually do not pay for those services. Medicaid, a federal/state health insurance program, will only pay for long-term care after a person has already spent most of their savings or other assets.

Some people take advantage of home health care opportunities which allow them to remain in their own homes and others may visit an extended care facility long enough to rehabilitate from an injury or surgery and then return home.  

“We’re living longer,” said Krall. “It’s wonderful that we have all these options for seniors. We’re all trying to provide this community with what it needs.”

Reporter contact information

Cynthia Beaudette 563-262-0527

cynthia.beaudette@muscatinejournal.com