The housing options for seniors can vary; what works for one family can be completely different from what works for another. It’s always advisable to exhaustively research your options before making a decision that will ensure the highest quality of life possible for your loved one. Here are some of the options you might consider:
Living at Home
Many seniors feel that living in the comfort of their own home is most desirable. It’s likely where they’ve lived for a long time, and they may prefer the feelings of normalcy they experience there. Fortunately, private nursing care makes living at home possible even when the loved one needs assistance. To continue to live at home, an older person should be physically and mentally capable of living an independent life with a little help, if help is needed.
Living in an Active Adult Community
An active adult community can consist of houses, townhouses, apartments, condos, or even trailers. Most of these communities are open to people who can live an independent life and are at least 55 years old. The residents are capable of caring for themselves and their homes. The communities typically offer social activities that encourage seniors living in the community to interact with one another.
Living in an Independent Living Community
An independent living community is also called a retirement community or a retirement home. A unit in this type of living environment can be purchased or rented. People living here may have access to transportation and household services, and their meals may be included. The majority of the seniors living in an independent living community are independent. This is an ideal option for many semi-active seniors who enjoy living in a community with people their age and like having someone clean their house and prepare their meals.
Living in an Assisted Living Residence
Living in an assisted living residence is somewhat like living in an independent living community. Personal care is offered in an assisted living facility, however, and people with dementia live in units that are designed for people with this illness. Fairly active seniors who require assistance with everyday chores may want to consider living in an assisted living residence.
Living in a Nursing Home
A nursing home may also be called an extended care facility. Nurses and medical professionals are typically available round the clock to give the patients the health care they need. Depending on the situation, some people stay there on a temporary basis while others remain there indefinitely. If your loved one requires round-the-clock care, you may find that living in a nursing home is the best option.
Living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community
More expensive than all the other options is the continuing care retirement community. Here you can choose to live an independent living lifestyle, an assisted living lifestyle, or a nursing home lifestyle. Since all of these residences are in the same location, you can easily change your residence when your situation changes and you discover that you need additional medical assistance. Moving into a continuing care retirement community makes living in the same community for the remainder of your life possible. Doing so sets up a plan for the future.
What You Need to Do Before You Move Into a Senior Community
Before deciding to settle into a senior community, discuss what you are thinking of doing with your family and your friends. Ask your doctor for advice. Your health care professional should be able to help you decide which senior residence is best for you. If you are not well enough to make the right decision, have a family member do it for you.
You should also analyze your financial needs and create a budget plan. Choose a senior community that meets all of your needs. Locate senior living residences in your area. When you find them, request that you be taken on a tour of these places, then evaluate them. Before you sign a contract, carefully examine it. Let your lawyer look it over. Ask your family for help with selecting a senior residence.
Also, ask your physician to explain how to determine if you or a loved one is suitable to live in a senior community. Get information about the type of care needed. Ask your doctor if living in a senior community temporarily or permanently is recommended.