There are over 30,000 senior living communities active in our country. Each one provides something unique to its residents.
Choosing between senior housing options for your loved one can overwhelming. You must remember that assisted living provides seniors with everything they need to optimize their lifestyles. Understand the different types of senior living facilities and you’ll find the right one for their needs.
Today, we’ll help you out by going over the most common assisted living types. We’ll also discuss their benefits, and what your loved one’s day-to-day might look like.
Whether your loved one is struggling with the onset of dementia or they’re suffering from medical issues, keep reading and we’ll help you figure out what type of care they should receive.
Retirement Communities
Retirement communities don’t provide assisted living services as such. A retirement community is more of an umbrella term for places that house people entering their senior years. For example, a 55+ community restricts the age of its residents and includes a variety of housing options.
Rather than renting a space in a building or neighborhood, 55+ communities often require you to purchase property. Residents then pay the equivalent of condo/HOA fees to have their home maintenance taken care of.
Some retirement communities bear more similarities to traditional senior homes but offer high-end living and amenities under one roof. Residents should feel like they’re on a continuous holiday at an all-inclusive resort.
Continuing Care Communities
Continuing care communities are similar to retirement communities in that residents are healthy when they enter. The idea behind continuing care is that residents’ evolving needs are met. They sign a contract upon entering the community that guarantees they’ll be looked after.
Depending on the community, there may be a hefty entrance fee built into the contract. Some of the high-end communities charge hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to enter.
That said, when they pay the entrance fee, your loved one doesn’t have to worry about adding services later. As they get older and start dealing with the effects of aging, the care evolves. The benefit of this is that they don’t have to change living situations when a health issue arises.
Independent Living
Independent living choices are best for older adults who are looking to spend time with their peers. As opposed to retirement communities, independent living choices are akin to high-end apartment buildings.
Residents have their apartments, but there’s an emphasis on socialization with other residents. The community plans many social and physical activities to keep residents healthy and engaged.
Those in an independent living community don’t have ongoing healthcare needs. They’re best for those who don’t have the energy to look after their home any longer and would benefit from the downsize.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are like the middle ground between retirement homes and nursing homes. Residents continue to be independent but receive help with daily activities.
It’s best for those who have trouble bathing, cooking, remembering to take medication, and shopping. You’ll need to pay attention to their needs to assess if this is the right move.
The care provided by these communities isn’t overbearing. It’s enough to help your loved one maintain a high quality of life.
As with the other elder care facilities mentioned so far, there’s an emphasis placed on community. While your loved one will have a private apartment, there’s also a calendar of events and open activities to boost their social life.
Personal Care
Personal care is often confused with assisted living. In some states, they even receive the same license to operate. Although some of the services are the same, assisted living is a bit more intensive.
When your loved one enters personal care, they’ll receive day-to-day assistance with cooking and hygiene. Assisted living, however, sometimes provides medical services that personal care doesn’t.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are for those who need more intensive medical care. If your loved one has a chronic health condition, they will benefit from this. Nursing home residents don’t need to be hospitalized but do need nurses present.
All nursing home variations have doctors, occupational therapists, and other medical professionals on-site. Residents also get the same services as assisted living residents – help with cooking, bathing, cleaning, etc.
Nursing home staff will work alongside your loved one’s doctors. Together, they’ll tackle health concerns and recommend treatments that can better their condition.
In most circumstances, nursing homes are a long-term living solution for seniors. That said, an older person might enter a nursing home after an illness or injury causes temporary physical challenges.
Memory Care
Memory care is a unique type of assisted living. If your loved one is one of the 6 million Americans displaying signs of cognitive decline, memory care is the best option. There are specific challenges with dementia that require specific solutions.
These services are often available within assisted living communities. Those receiving memory care get 24/7 support to help them navigate their symptoms. All their daily living needs will be met, then they’ll get more specific treatments for their unique condition.
Memory care communities have more intensive security measures. They also engage residents with programs and activities to engage their minds. This could include gardening, music performances, and exercise.
You may not know if memory care is the right solution. It’s best to consult with your loved one’s doctor to decide. Memory care can be expensive, but good communities will offer flexible payment options.
Which Types of Senior Living Facilities Should You Look Into?
These are the most common types of senior living facilities. To decide which is right for your loved one, sit down and figure out what they need. Each senior living option offers unique benefits depending on your loved one’s situation.
SummerHouse Alexandria is Louisiana’s top assisted living community. We can help ease the transition into senior living for your loved one. We also offer a Fast Track program to get them into our community within 24 hours.
To book a tour of our community and discuss its benefits, contact us today.
