When looking for a senior living community, the first thing to consider is what the senior needs. Knowing what they like or require will assist the family in narrowing down senior living options based on what is best for their loved one.
Some seniors require professional care due to chronic illnesses or mobility issues. It would, therefore, be ideal to place them in a community that can help them live and feel their best with 24-hour assistance. Others have minimal health needs and just want to maintain an active, easy, and social life, preserving their way of life as much as possible.
This guide unpacks the different types of senior living options to help families zero in on the best choice that aligns with what their seniors need.
Independent Living
Independent living works out best for seniors who are primarily independent and wish to live a life free from the burden of home maintenance and chores such as food preparation. As families look to get senior living options for independent living, what they need to do is look toward those communities offering an active lifestyle, social interaction, and release from house maintenance concerns.
These facilities are designed for seniors who are independent and can handle daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals themselves. However, they might need minor support at some point and need a safe environment with safety features such as guard rails and anti-slip floors.
The rent will normally cover all home maintenance, housekeeping, and perhaps some meals. Residents reside in apartments or small houses, which are often very well-equipped to encourage socialization and recreation with a fitness center, game room, and organized outings.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, popularly known as skilled nursing facilities, offer a different level of care to seniors who require more advanced medical services. These homes are meant for people who need constant medical supervision due to limitations of physical mobility or advanced chronic disease and even perhaps mental incapacitations caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
There are various types of nursing homes, all providing a continuum of care for medical services that include 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services, and accessibility to specialists such as physical and occupational therapists.
Assisted Living
In cases where a senior cannot accomplish all activities of daily living yet does not need around-the-clock medical care, assisted living is the right facility. Community life and apartment living give seniors the essence of independence while delivering added support services needed to complete selected activities–things such as bathing, dressing, eating, or getting from one place to another.
Many assisted living communities also offer transportation, medication management, and physical or occupational therapy, among other services. Unlike nursing homes, however, assisted living facilities do not offer extensive medical care but offer an extra layer of support for seniors who may need assistance with basic tasks and do not require constant medical attention.
The choice of senior living options is a personal one and has to be made by the individual after considering personal needs, preferences, and financial situation. Understanding different types of senior living would help families choose the right facility for their loved ones.
Such facilities provide care that promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life. This can include independent living, assisted living, personal care, and even nursing home arrangements. Therefore, families should strive to match one’s living situation with how much care they need.
