As we age, it becomes more and more important to adapt to lifestyle changes, and planning for future housing needs is essential for preparing for a comfortable life as a senior citizen.
Unfortunately, finding the right housing option can be difficult and stressful, especially when dealing with a serious medical condition. Furthermore, it is essential to prepare for how housing needs may change over time.
There are many housing options available to take care of the needs of elderly individuals.Every elderly adult has different needs and preferences, so there is no option that is perfect for everybody.
However, it is important to be aware of the many senior housing options available and how they differ from each other. Finding the right home is vital for seniors to maintain the lifestyle they prefer while managing their health and financial needs.
Learn more about the different varieties of housing options available to choose the best fit to ensure a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle for seniors.
Find Out About Independent Senior Living Communities
Senior living communities are arrangements that have been exclusively designed to accommodate seniors 55 years of age or older.
Senior living communities can come in a variety of different housing ranging from apartment-style living to independent homes in a close-knit community.
These senior communities usually have an association that provides a variety of amenities and services to residents. Independent senior communities may work best for older adults who want to live in an active community with other residents their age.
The social aspect of senior living communities allows residents to connect with their peers and have activities nearby. This can be ideal for seniors who require minor assistance with their day-to-day tasks but still want to maintain their privacy and independence.
Senior living communities are beneficial because they are usually compact and easy to navigate, with no maintenance or yard upkeep to worry about.
In some cases, seniors may receive assistance with domestic tasks like cooking or housekeeping. All of the extra amenities and services provided in these communities typically make this a medium-cost option for senior housing.
Learn About Assisted Living Facilities
Seniors who can live independently but need assistance with their daily activities, such as cooking meals, maintaining their home and traveling to appointments, may prefer housing at an assisted living facility.
These facilities often offer 24-hour assistance for residents, which provides them with more safety and security than independent senior communities.
Many of these facilities also have a group dining area and common areas for residents to socialize and participate in recreational activities.
While assisted living facilities still promote independence and privacy, residents can call and request the assistance of a staff member whenever they need to. Staff members at reputable facilities will work to develop personalized plans in order to meet the needs and accommodate the disabilities of residents.
These personalized plans also help residents maintain the freedom to do what they can for themselves.
Elderly individuals may find assisted living facilities to be a good housing option if they require more help with personal care than they have available at home or in a senior independent living community.
Living in one of these facilities can cost a lot more per month than other types of living facilities, and costs can vary greatly between them depending on the level of care that is needed.
About Nursing Homes or Skilled Nursing Facilities
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are usually a good housing option for seniors who need supervised care around the clock.
Similar to assisted living facilities, nursing homes provide residents with custodial care, which includes help with getting in and out of bed, feeding, bathing, and dressing.
In addition to these daily services, residents also have access to a licensed physician and skilled nurses or other medical professionals who are always on the premises. It may be best for those who have medical and personal care needs that are too difficult to handle at home or at a facility that offers fewer services.
Older adults may also choose to stay at a nursing home if they temporarily need a higher level of care after a hospitalization.
The licensed physicians and nurses on the grounds can help care for residents while they recover from injury or illness. In these cases, residents can return home or to another facility after they have recovered.
The facility’s licensed physician usually oversees the care of each residen,t and other medical professionals, such as physical or occupational therapists, are often on staff.
Some nursing homes may provide specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s or those who suffer from dementia.
Depending on the level of daily assistance required and the type of nursing facility, the costs may vary. However, they tend to be much higher than standard facilities due to the round-the-clock nature of care.
Learn About a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the most comprehensive form of long-term care and housing for seniors.
These facilities include independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care for seniors in one centralized location. This allows senior citizens to remain in the same general area for the rest of their lives, with increased care as their needs change over time.
Residents of a CCRC will typically begin in the independent living area of the community. As residents need increased levels of care, they can be moved to different parts of the same community.
This type of housing is also beneficial because spouses can remain close to one another, even if one requires a higher level of care than the other. This option is best for seniors who want to spend the remainder of their lives in one area with all of their daily needs managed with the help of professionals.
These facilities offer the most comprehensive care for residents over a long-term period, so they are also the most expensive housing option for seniors.
There is usually an entrance fee to join a Continuing Care Retirement Community that can range anywhere from $100,000 to $1,000,000.
Seniors living in these communities will also be required to pay a monthly fee, with prices increasing as needs change.
