We all know aging brings changes that can be sometimes difficult to accept. Seniors will experience a change in their needs over time, and some of those changes include not being able to live on their own and needing daily care. Although it’s a difficult decision to make, learning the different kinds of living options for seniors can help ease their minds a bit.
Below we explain the different types of senior living options that can help our aging loved ones feel more comfortable.
Types of senior living facilities
Assisted living facilities
Assisted living or personal care facilities are designed to help people who cannot live without assistance. They combine housing, health care, and support services. Seniors who need assistance higher than those of independent communities but not as extensive as nursing homes or hospitals can benefit from this type of housing.
If you want to place your aging loved one in a good facility that is among the best accommodations in the U.S. you might want to consider looking for one in Denver. That’s because Denver assisted living facilities aim to be beautiful, spacious, and have amazing programs that help seniors continue their life in a new home. Also, Denver has an AOA (Active Older Adults) program offering wellness, leisure, and exercise activities supporting healthy aging.
They are small apartments in a care community, and they’re best for elders who can live somewhat independently but require some assistance. The costs for this type of facility vary according to the type of living space and daily help required.
Independent living communities
Independent living is a senior housing community that provides supportive services like meals, housekeeping, and social activities. They are also known as retirement communities and allow a person to maintain complete autonomy. They’re a great option for seniors who can still do most things independently but prefer to live amongst their peers.
They encourage socialization and have scheduled social programs, and usually have on-site staff members providing minimal supervision for safety purposes. The best thing about these types of facilities is that they offer residents to maintain their independence.
Independent living communities offer seniors to live in an active community without worrying about daily chores like cooking and maintenance. They’re also considered mini-college campuses where people of similar age socialize by living together in a community. The cost of these facilities can be medium or high, depending on the location and services.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are designed to house and assist people with chronic health conditions that require 24/7 availability of trained medical personnel. These are considered the most restrictive senior living options because of the high level of supervision and care that they provide.
Skilled nursing care provides medical monitoring and full assistance for individuals with serious health conditions, and they’re under the direct supervision of licensed health professionals. They can be necessary for rehabilitation from an injury or illness over the short term, or they can be required over the long term for individuals with chronic medical conditions.
They offer supervised care with activities and meals, and they’re good for seniors with severe or debilitating mental or physical illnesses. Some nursing homes also offer special services for dementia or Alzheimer’s memory care. The cost can vary depending on the level of daily help and the type of living space.
Other types of living options
CCRC (Continuing care retirement community)
These are part assisted living, part independent living, and part skilled nursing facility. They’re good for seniors who want to live in one location, not worrying about arranging for future care needs. They’re also great for spouses who want to stay close although one requires a higher level of care. The cost for these facilities is the most expensive among all long-term-care options.
Residential care home
These are small facilities offering personalized service to small groups of seniors and are known as family homes, personal care homes, or board homes. They’re great for people who need more home-setting care and provide meals and assistance with activities of daily living. The cost can be half of the price of nursing homes, and in some states, they’re more affordable than assisted living facilities.
Final thoughts
Choosing senior housing options for an aging loved one can be quite overwhelming, but knowing the many options can help decide on the best one for them. Knowing the basics will help you narrow the list, and think about the daily needs of the senior and if it’s affordable. The move to senior living can be quite emotional but remember the transition can be smoother if faced head-on.