As we get older, our personal needs change. Daily tasks become more difficult, and we need to rely on others to help us. When the aging process hinders our abilities, we may need to consider different housing options.
Whether you are making a decision for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, it is important to know about all the senior housing options. Each type of assisted living facility offers different services and at varying costs. Therefore, you should know what to expect and what you are paying.
Seniors have different needs later in life, and the place where they live should accommodate those essentials. When it comes to senior housing, consider the differences between retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
Each of these types of housing offers different levels of care. For example, seniors that are still independent and need little to no help with daily activities do not need to be in an around-the-clock medical facility. Similarly, older residents with disabilities may need more hands-on care.
A retirement community is best for high-functioning adults 55 years of age or older. Retirement communities often have social gathering spots and recreational activities appropriate for the age group. Some amenities you might find in a senior community include:
- Recreation centers.
- Golf courses.
- Shopping center.
- Dining halls.
Since residents in these communities are healthy and high-functioning, medical and daily assistance is not available. However, some locations have transitional housing for those who will move into nursing homes or assisted living.
Assisted living facilities are for semi-independent seniors who need some medical and daily care. While the staff is available 24/7, residents live as they usually do in private apartments or condos. These facilities often have pharmacies and therapeutic services.
Nursing homes are for those who need the most care. Nursing home residents live at the facility full-time in private or semi-private rooms. In addition to 24-hour medical staff, residents may receive regular therapy and other services as part of their care plan.
Find out what to expect when living in an assisted living facility on the next slide.
