Finding the right senior living housing option is crucial for your loved ones’ quality of life. There are a variety of choices available, each with its own benefits and considerations. To help, here’s a thorough breakdown of common senior living options to consider.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Senior Living Options
Many seniors prefer to age at home but sometimes moving to a senior living community is the right choice. So, how do you know if it’s time to consider a senior living option for your loved one? Watch out for these signs:
- If your loved one is feeling isolated in their current living environment.
- If your loved one wants a sense of community.
- If they need help with home maintenance tasks.
- If they need help with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, meal planning, shopping, and managing medications.
- If they are diagnosed with memory problems.
If possible, it’s important to involve your loved one in the decision. Make sure you find a senior living option that fits their lifestyle and unique desires and needs.
Independent Living Communities
As the name suggests, independent living is best for independent seniors. These seniors are still independent and active and don’t need specialized care. Independent living communities promote and encourage an active and engaging lifestyle.1
Your loved one might be an ideal candidate if:
- They don’t require assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or medication management.
- They appreciate the convenience and social aspects of community living.
- Want to downsize from a larger home and reduce their household responsibilities.
Independent living communities typically offer attractive amenities to enhance their quality of life. Some common amenities to look for include:
- Dining services
- Social activities
- Housekeeping
- Transportation
- 24-hour Security
- Fitness centers
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living communities, on the other hand, are designed for seniors who enjoy living independently but require support with daily activities.2 This may include:
- Getting dressed
- Bathing
- Preparing meals
- Housekeeping
- Taking Medications
It’s important to note, that the level of support in an assisted living facility isn’t as extensive as a nursing home, but many locations can tailor their services to your loved ones’ needs. The ideal candidate is a senior who wants a home-like setting but requires (non-medical) assistance with daily living.
Seniors will be equipped with private living quarters, which may range from a basic one or two-bedroom apartment equipped with a kitchen, sink, and microwave. Common amenities include laundry and housekeeping services, scheduled transportation, nutritious meals, activities and outings, and classes. Apartment sizes and amenities can vary greatly, so it’s important to do your own research and compare facilities in your desired location.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, also known as long-term care homes and skilled nursing facilities, are designed for seniors living with chronic conditions that require around-the-clock care. They’re a great place to live when seniors need short or long-term care that requires the aid of a nurse.3
The ideal candidate for a nursing home is an older adult with a chronic and/or progressive physical or mental condition or disability that prevents them from performing essential daily activities. This may include being unable to bathe themselves or unable to eat or use the bathroom independently. These types of living facilities offer 24-hour nursing care, and additional rehabilitative therapies, such as occupational, speech, and physical therapy.
Seniors with acute illnesses, conditions, or injuries can also benefit from a skilled nursing facility. In these cases, the individual will go to the nursing facility after they leave the hospital and will remain there until they recover. Services can vary based on the facility, so it’s important to research and compare to find the right one for your loved one.
Memory Care Facilities
Living with dementia can be scary and frustrating but it can also be distressing for family members. If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety and daily care needs, memory care facilities can help.
Memory care is a unique type of nursing home or assisted living. Memory care facilities have smaller staff-to-patient ratios to meet the needs of their occupants. This type of care will make sure their social, medical, and safety needs are met, ultimately improving their quality of life. Essentially, the goal of memory care is to maintain your loved one’s safety, dignity, and independence.4
When searching for a memory care facility, be sure to prioritize properly trained staff that are empathetic. Keep in mind that the level of care needed depends on each individual. In the early stages, your loved one may benefit from a hybrid memory care/assisted living approach. Whereas, advanced stages will require 24-hour supervision and care.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are unique senior living options that offer continuous care within a single community. This type of care can cater to the evolving needs of older adults by providing multiple levels of care from independent living to skilled nursing care, all on one campus.5
Residents will have access to a range of services and amenities, such as access to healthcare professionals, medical services, fitness facilities, housekeeping, laundry services, and meal assistance. The biggest benefit of this type of senior living is it allows your loved one to age in place. You’ll find comfort in knowing their healthcare needs will be met without needing to move to a different facility.
How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community
With so many types of facilities, choosing the right one can be overwhelming and stressful. The first step is to make a list of wants and needs.6 Important things to consider include:
- Location: Many seniors want to be close to their families and in areas that they’re familiar with. Start by choosing a city and then narrow your search to facilities within that area.
- Level of Care: It’s important to choose a facility that offers the right level of care for your loved one. Consider working with their doctor to determine the right care for their needs.
- Cost: The price will vary greatly depending on the level of care needed. While it is important to find a facility within budget, it’s also important to prioritize the quality of care.
- Activities and Amenities: For optimal quality of life, it’s important to find a facility that offers the right activities and amenities. These can vary greatly from facility to facility, so it’s best to make a list of what your loved one enjoys and narrow your search based on their wants.
After making a list, you can get started! Be sure to compare multiple facilities and always book a tour to get a first-hand view of what the facility has to offer. Remember, a little research can go a long way!
Learn More About Senior Living Housing Options
Choosing the right senior living housing option is crucial in ensuring your loved one is comfortable and fulfilled. By understanding the options available, you can make an informed decision that best suits the needs of your loved one. Remember, if they’re capable, always include them in this process. It’s important to approach the subject with respect and empathy. Research different options in your area together to find the right place that meets their needs.