A Comprehensive Guide to the Types of Retirement Communities

According to recent Census data, over 22 million Americans are now over the age of 75. In fact, the size of our senior population is growing rapidly, creating a new scale of demand for senior living options.

Every day, we talk to families who aren't sure where to turn. Maybe the community you've spoken with has a waiting list or doesn't offer the services your loved one would most benefit from.

Our job is to make this process easier, and that starts with explaining the types of retirement communities your loved one should consider. Read on to discover the basic retirement community options and who they benefit.

Active Senior Apartments

On one end of the spectrum of the different types of senior living are active senior apartments. This is typically the most affordable option, and apartments include everything residents will need for self-care, from laundry machines to full kitchens. Active adult communities often include access to:

• Community clubhouses with resort-style amenities
• Social and recreational activities
• Professionals on site 24/7 for as-needed assistance

The apartments themselves are spacious and attractive. These apartments and their accompanying services are perfect for independent seniors looking to live in a community with other retirees. They may also include limited or add-on services such as housekeeping and dining.

Senior Independent Living

Independent living communities have quite a bit in common with active senior apartments. Residents will also enjoy spacious apartments equipped with full kitchens, laundry machines, and more. In addition to the amenities mentioned above, residents will access:

• Restaurant-style fine dining
• Concierge and housekeeping services
• On-site health and wellness programs

As the name suggests, residents in independent living are self-sufficient in many ways. However, they can enjoy a break (temporary or otherwise) from many daily chores, like cooking and cleaning. Due to an increase in available services, independent living comes at a slightly higher cost.

Senior Assisted Living

Oftentimes, families are looking for something closer to assisted living for seniors. Assisted living takes a much more hands-on approach. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:

• Grooming
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Ambulating
• Eating
• Managing medications
• Housekeeping and laundry

Modern assisted living communities incorporate more than just basic day-to-day care. Residents will also enjoy an active lifestyle with access to:

• Robust daily activities
• Three gourmet meals a day
• Health and wellness programs
• Community lounges

Plus, wellness network partnerships will make continuity of care simple.

Senior Memory Care

While some cognitive changes are a natural part of aging, significant memory loss is not. According to the CDC, roughly 10% of the US senior population is living with dementia. These seniors require specialized care

Memory care residents may receive:

• Research-backed activities for cognitive support
• Personalized care
• Nutritious dining plans
• Daily care from staff members with specialized knowledge and skills

This is the perfect environment for seniors with early to moderate stages of dementia. Choose programs designed to create health and safety for seniors with significant memory loss.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing is the most involved level of care in retirement communities. Trained nurses are available 24/7 to:

• Oversee medical equipment such as IV bags
• Check vitals
• Administer medication
• Check and replace bandages and dressings
• Provide assistance with ADLs

In retirement communities, skilled nursing is not considered a full-time living arrangement. Instead, it's used for seniors who temporarily need full-time medical care. For example, seniors recovering from surgery may benefit from skilled nursing.

Common FAQs About Retirement Communities

Now that you know the different types of retirement communities available to seniors, let's wrap up with a few more tips. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about senior living.

Do Active Adult Communities Offer Privacy?

Some seniors are reluctant to move into a retirement community because they worry that they'll be giving up their privacy. This often stems from outdated ideas of what senior living really looks like.

With the exception of some skilled nursing communities, retirement communities almost always include private quarters. While seniors will take advantage of many shared amenities, including communal dining rooms and activity lounges, they'll always have access to their own accommodations, ranging in size from studios to two-bedroom apartments.

How Can Families Pay for Retirement Communities?

The cost of different retirement community options will typically reflect the amenities and services offered. For example, active senior apartments tend to cost less each month than assisted living or memory care.

Most families pay for senior living using a combination of:

• Personal savings
• Retirement funds (e.g., pensions and social security)
• Investments and other assets
• Insurance (available only for certain medically necessary services)

It's useful to review all finances before creating a senior living budget. The National Institute on Aging provides a thorough overview of documents to review and prepare for future planning.

What If My Loved One Needs More Care Later?

Is it better to seek senior living options before your loved one needs assistance or wait until they do? After all, won't they just need more care later?

The good news is that many retirement community options offer tiered levels of care. This can eliminate the need to move your loved one to a whole new location should they develop conditions that require hands-on attention from staff members.

Discover the Right Types of Retirement Communities

Our population is aging, and many families are searching for the most appropriate retirement solutions for their loved ones. We hope this guide has shed light on the types of retirement communities and accommodations available today.