There are many alternatives to owning your home or living in a traditional apartment. These are tailored to fit the lifestyle you want or to fill the personal and health care concerns you may have. Your decision about which type of housing you need should be based on your personal lifestyle preferences, health or personal care requirements, and your plans for the future.
As the population of the United States ages, this option is becoming more in demand. In these communities, younger, active, senior adults are entirely independent and the only restriction is the age requirement.
These developments can be offered as apartment rentals, condominiums, individual houses, or town homes. Often social and recreational amenities are offered, such as golf, tennis, or health clubs. The residents may purchase their homes and pay association fees which cover maintenance, security, social activities, and other services. Because residents actually own their homes and may sell them at some point in the future, values may go up or down.
Senior living apartments are ideal for those who can still live independently, but do not want the worries and maintenance of home ownership. These are also a popular alternative for those who live in apartments or condominiums but would like to have access to more conveniences and services.
There are different types of independent apartments available with differing services and amenities. Many offer optional services such as dining—serving from one to three meals a day. Housekeeping and linen services may be available as well.
Many independent apartments offer personal and health care services. They could have regular health clinics to maintain wellness. Several independent communities have access to home health services for those who need help with personal or health care. You may find some offer separate assisted living apartments providing help with activities of daily living such as dressing and grooming, mobility, and health services.
Most independent apartments are equipped with emergency call systems in place in case of illness or accidents. Outer doors may have controlled access for added security.
Transportation is often available and many communities have their own van or mini-bus to transport seniors to events, shopping, or appointments. Activities are usually abundant and can include parties, cultural and educational events, and church services. Many buildings have libraries, beauty/barber shops, craft rooms, game rooms, workshops, and private dining rooms for family gatherings. Some apartments allow residents to bring their small pets.
Generally, a one-year lease is required, along with a monthly rental fee. The fee varies with the size of the apartment. Services such as dining, or personal and health care can be purchased on an a la carte basis, as individually preferred.
Continuing care retirement communities provide the full continuum of housing, health services, and nursing care in one location where residents can receive the services they need as they grow older. Most residents move into the independent area initially, where they receive amenities and services similar to independent apartments. If higher levels of services are required, residents may receive home health care in their own apartments, or move to a separate assisted living area. If skilled nursing is required, the nursing center is generally on-site and residents have priority access to care.
An entrance or endowment fee is required to obtain an apartment. Usually a physical exam is also needed. Residents pay the entrance fee and also a monthly fee to cover other services such as dining, housekeeping, and more.
In a continuing care retirement community, residents no longer worry about who will take care of them in the future if additional care is required. The entrance fee and monthly fees cover, in advance, some or all services and care—a form of insurance for a resident’s later years. For example, a resident may move in and be in good health. Over the years, a resident’s health may decline and assisted living services may be required. If health continues to decline, skilled nursing is also available.
Seniors who are still very independent may choose this housing option. In shared housing, seniors may live with six to twelve other senior adults. Services are limited but may include visitations by health care professionals, and assistance with meals, either prepared on-site or delivered. The seniors themselves may often take the lead in helping the others. The downside of this option is you may not choose with whom you live. A thorough check into this type of housing is strongly suggested.
Assisted living settings can vary. Often independent apartments offer “housing with services” or seniors may choose a free-standing assisted living building. Assisted living services can include help with personal care such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and mobility, and may include personal laundry and escort services for appointments. Health care services may include medication monitoring, regular medical checks, insulin help, and more. Most often, services are purchased in packages that are tailored to each individual. Assisted living often serves those suffering from the beginning to moderate stages of memory loss.
A room, meals, and services are provided in this type of housing option. Services usually include 24-hour supervision, personal and health-related services, and support. Some offer memory loss care. Often these communities are within or a part of skilled nursing centers.
Often located within nursing care communities, adult day programs are designed for those who live alone, need more social interaction, or as support for family caregivers who need to work or would like time for themselves. They have health monitoring services, meals, and may serve those suffering from the beginning stages of memory loss.
Memory Loss Care
Specially-designed communities are available for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. These are designed to be home-like and consistent in their staffing and schedules to assure residents and reinforce abilities. They include meals, personal care, health services, and specific social and educational activities. Memory care may be found in free-standing buildings, or within assisted living or skilled nursing centers.
Skilled nursing care, often called nursing homes or health centers, offer nursing services to those who require 24-hour care. Along with nursing care, these communities provide a full array of personal, dietary, therapeutic, rehabilitative, social, and spiritual services. Many health centers provide care to those with memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, or other long-term impairments. Residents may pay for their care with private funds or long-term care insurance, others may rely on Medicare to cover some of the costs, or Medicaid when income allows.
Residents may only require short-term transitional and rehabilitative care for recovery after a hospitalization from illness, accidents, or surgery. Many health centers have special rehabilitation areas specially-designed to help these residents recover as quickly as possible and return to their homes.
Respite care is offered as a solution for home caregivers who must be away or would like time for themselves. Nursing care is provided for a temporary time, until the caregiver can return. Many assisted living communities also offer respite care for those who require temporary personal and health services.
Hospice care and other specialty support is also available for those suffering from terminal illnesses.