Guide to Different Types of Senior Living Communities
It's time to reinvent the way we think about senior living communities. Nearly 10% of adults over the age of 65 struggle with daily self-care tasks. Senior living communities provide different levels of care for your loved ones that allow them to live their happiest, most fulfilling lives.
Many people find themselves lost trying to decide on retirement community options. Read on to learn all about the different senior housing types!
Age-Restricted Communities
Age-restricted communities are the entry-level option for adults over the age of 55. These communities do not allow you to rent or buy unless every member of the household is over the minimum age requirement.
There are many benefits to making the move to one of these communities. One of the biggest considerations is that they are often less expensive than traditional housing options, which is great for folks on limited incomes. On top of the cost savings, they get to live in quiet, laid-back communities with like-minded neighbors.
These living options are great for people who are still able to live independently. Age-restricted communities do not provide care or meal services to their residents. There may be events or gatherings like you would find in traditional communities, however.
Independent Living Communities
Independent-living communities are the next step up from age-restricted communities. Many people graduate directly from their lifelong homes into independent living because they need extra support with daily care tasks like meal prep and cleaning.
Adults in these communities are mostly self-sufficient, however. The primary motivating factor that prompts the transition is the need to build social connections. Independent-living communities work hard to create connections through things like:
- Social gatherings
- Outings
- Group fitness programs
Independent living communities are almost exclusively rentals. The majority have dining rooms with regular meal service and optional housekeeping services. They also make it easy for home health aides to come in and assist residents who need a little extra help from time to time.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities provide a higher level of care to seniors. These communities look a lot like independent living communities, and some may even be a combination of independent and assisted living.
Residents in assisted living receive most of the same amenities and services that those in independent living communities receive. They also offer assistance with daily care tasks like bathing and medication management. If your loved one is unable to make it to the dining room, staff is available to deliver meals to their room.
If you're trying to decide between independent living vs assisted living, your decision may just come down to the level of care your loved one needs right now and how much they may need in the future. If your loved one has significant health and mobility issues, then the higher level of hygiene care and senior healthcare services in assisted living is the right option.
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care is one of the most comprehensive senior living options available. You might know them by the name "nursing home," but they truly provide advanced care.
Skilled nursing care is the best option for seniors who cannot care for themselves anymore. Physicians and nursing staff are available to provide care to residents 24 hours a day. They know how to handle complex and advanced medical conditions.
Skilled nursing care isn't all about medical care. Many offer social opportunities to enrich residents' experiences. There's also a dining room available for residents to visit with each other and their family members.
Respite Care Communities
Many people are lucky enough to have loved ones as live-in caregivers. This is a great solution for people who aren't prepared to move into a more permanent option or want to get more time with their family.
The biggest downside to having a family member as a caregiver is that they don't get a break. As a result, many experience burnout and are overwhelmed. Respite care is a fantastic solution for caregivers who need short-term relief from their duties.
Respite care is flexible according to your needs. Maybe your loved one needs to stay for a week while you go on a business trip. Maybe you need a bit more of a break if you've just had a child.
If you're having a hard time deciding whether respite care is right for you, look for the signs. More importantly, don't feel bad about getting the rest you need.
Memory Care
Recent studies show that 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease. Between Alzheimer's and dementia care needs, there has been growth in niche senior living categories. Memory care is one of the most common.
Memory care communities offer care for folks whose cognitive health is on the decline. The level of service and medical care is akin to skilled nursing communities, but they're tailored to memory care. Residents may live here temporarily, or it may be for the rest of their lives.
In-Home Care
Many seniors are reticent to leave their homes for any kind of assisted living or skilled nursing community. They still need help to manage their daily living tasks. That's where in-home care comes in.
Seniors may rely on home health aides to help with hygiene and smaller health tasks. Occupational therapists and nurses come several times a week to check on patients and keep them active. Finally, seniors who partake in in-home care get to maintain their social circle, but can also build on it by visiting their local senior activities center.
In-home care is not a perfect nursing home alternative, but it's great for people who don't need advanced care.
Navigating Senior Living Options Doesn't Have to Be Hard
Discussing aging is hard enough; navigating senior living options shouldn't make it harder for you and your loved ones. The great news is that we've come a long way and have a variety of retirement community options that support everything from independent living to respite care. Don't wait to get the support your loved one needs and deserves!
Are you looking for the best assisted living community Cedar Rapids has to offer? Your loved one is in good hands when they move into Prairie Hills Cedar Rapids. Contact us today to learn how our services and amenities can help your loved one live a happy and healthy life in their golden years!