This article briefly summarizes the different types of Senior Living Options.
What Are 55+ Living Communities?
55+ Communities are sometimes called age active adult housing, qualified communities or age-segregated communities based on the age of the potential resident. These residential communities range from single-family homes in a gated community to apartment complexes or condos. Their amenities usually include such things as: fitness centers, golf course access, cooking classes, game rooms, clubhouses, pools and spas, tennis courts and other community amenities. Residences in 55 communities are usually bought and not typically rented, although there are many communities renting, rather than just purchasing. Many communities have monthly or yearly resident fees in addition to the cost of the home.
What Are Independent / Retirement Communities?
Independent Living Communities are sometimes also called Retirement Communities. These types of senior care are most noted for their “apartment style” settings with limited assistance when it is needed. Most Independent Living communities has a shared dining room where most of the residents go to for all their meals. Depending on the community and state regulations, there may or may not be limited care services available for the residents. In some communities, residents are allowed to hire private caregiving services if they have needs for “hands-on” care. Overall, this apartment style setting is more for active seniors who may benefit from increased socialization.
What Are Assisted Living Communities?
Assisted living community settings vary across the nation. In most of the nation assisted care could be considered independent living with added services to assist those who need “hands-on” care. This personalized care may include assistance with; bathing, dressing, grooming, showering and toileting. Some assisted living services are also provided in residential settings. In these settings, seniors receive either a private or shared room in a residential neighborhood home. Assisted Living communities may also provide transportation to doctor’s offices, crafts, outings to outside stores or events. Assisted Living is more costly than Independent / Retirement communities but usually less than memory care.
What Are Alzheimer’s / Dementia / Memory Care Communities?
Alzheimer’s / Dementia / Memory Care Communities are for residents with middle to late stage memory conditions. These facilities can be located in larger “assisted living” type of communities or in smaller residential settings. These communities specialize in this special needs care and may also have the actual building set up to enhance memory functions and to decrease potential confusion for residents.
Activities focused on memory recall from past experiences are usually the staple of activities in these settings. Residents who are appropriate for this setting are usually the residents that are already residing in a assisted living environment who has begun forgetting how to perform daily activities of life or who have been getting lost, wandering or going in other people’s rooms thinking it was their own.
Special licensing is required in certain states.
What Is A Nursing Home?
A nursing home is the highest senior care environment and requires the skilled nursing services of a physician, nurse, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist or a respiratory therapist. These facilities are mostly paid for by Medicare and Medicaid. A nursing home care facility is usually used more for a short term rehabilitation stay than a long term care option unless the senior is on a Medicaid program.
Most seniors will never need a nursing home due to the increased services that assisted living and Dementia/Alzheimer’s/Memory Care Communities can perform. Private pay is rarely used in this care setting due to recurring cost ranging from $250.00 to $400.00 per day. Nursing homes are considered the most restrictive environments for seniors.
Special licensing is required in certain states.
Article by CarePatrol, “Better Senior Living Choices” – call 866-560-5656 or visit: http://www.carepatrol.com/
Senior Living Options
