Senior living is kind of a catch all term. It applies to a number of different living options for seniors.
If you’re looking into senior living options for you or a loved one, you might be a little confused or overwhelmed by all the options. Senior Apartments. Assisted Living. Nursing Homes. Hospice care. Memory care. And more!
But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!
In this article you’ll learn about 10 of the most common senior living options available. Plus some helpful information about each. So let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Independent Retirement Living – Senior Apartments and Condos
Independent retirement living is an alternative to conventional retirement living options. This is where a senior will live independently in an apartment or condo. However, that apartment or condo is located in a senior or, “Over 55” community.
It’s a great option for seniors who do not require specialized care and can still care of themselves.
Living in a community like this offers some very appealing benefits for seniors. They can take advantage of home care, weekly housekeeping, three meals a day, local transportation, and regularly scheduled activities. These activities can offer two huge benefits for seniors. They help them stay active and provide a great way to socialize and build relationships inside the community.
A monthly rental fee is required for this senior living option (see this article for info about senior living costs).
2. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
CCRC (continuing care retirement communities) offer different levels of senior care in one location. These levels of senior care ranges from independent retirement living to assisted living and nursing home services. This senior living option often requires a buy-in fee and a long-term contract as opposed to Independent Retirement Living.
3. Assisted Living
As you can tell from the name, Assisted Living communities provide round the clock assistance to residents based on their individual needs. This is a good option for seniors who are not totally self-sufficient. They may be able to take care of themselves for the most part, but do need some help with daily tasks. This may include assistance with housekeeping, meals, medication, bathing and dressing.
4. Alzheimer’s/Memory Care
Another aptly named senior living option is the Alzheimer’s or Memory Care facilities. These facilities provide specialized care and programs for seniors and individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia. In Memory Care facilities, safe and physically secure environment is provided to ensure the safety of its residents. They also offer specialized health services and programs for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
5. Respite
The next type of senior living option is respite. It is a short-term stay within an Assisted Living facility or even a Nursing Home. It provides residents with a trial-period stay so they can get acquainted with the service provider and see if it is something they want long-term.
6. Nursing homes
Nursing homes are probably the most common senior living option. This is why most people confuse and/or often associate it with other senior living options. Nursing homes provide round the clock skilled care for seniors on a long-term basis. It’s a much higher level of care and attention than assisted living.
7. Hospice Care
Hospice care is designed for the terminally ill individuals who are in the final phase of their illness. In hospice, the focus is on providing the best quality of life for the patient’s remaining days or weeks. Hospice may be provided in a range of settings including a private home, hospice facility, or a nursing home.
8. Home Care
Home care is for seniors who wants to stay in their home. This is when seniors receive in-home assistance based on what they need, and how often their needs have to be met. It can include daily activities such as bathing, housekeeping, dressing, meals, and medication. It can be available for private homes and in Independent Retirement Living.
9. Active Senior Housing
This senior living option is for those seniors who are still living an active lifestyle. In this type of community, seniors can continue working or being active in their own community. These communities usually have single-family homes and condos. They will have some community amenities like swimming pools. However, they usually don’t offer meals, housekeeping or health care services like independent senior living communities.
10. Congregational Retirement Communities
CRCs or congregational retirement communities are often associated with religious groups. Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterian, Anabaptist, and other non-denominational churches are a few prime examples of religions that provide religious communities for their seniors.
There are regular church services, religious counseling, and prayer during meals. This type of community is ideal for seniors who want to be in a faith-oriented environment. The level of care in a congregational retirement community varies, but in most instances, it is minimal.