Senior Housing Options: From Independent Living to Full Care

If you have reached a time in your life when you are ready to move on from your family home, you have likely begun exploring senior housing options. According to the American Health Care Association, there are more than 30,600 assisted living communities across the United States. And this is just one of many senior housing choices.

In this post, we aim to demystify the senior housing scene. We will explore independent living for seniors, full-care communities, and everything in between. So buckle up and prepare to discover the perfect community in which to spend your golden years.

Senior Independent Living

If you'd like to focus on enjoying life without the inconvenience of running your own home, independent living for seniors is the ideal option.

As the name suggests, the focus is on independence. Enjoy a spacious rental home with fantastic additional services like housekeeping and grounds maintenance. You also get to benefit from the following community amenities:

On-site dining options
Activity calendar
Clubhouse with communal spaces for relaxation
Community of like-minded people on site
Fitness classes and other amenities, depending on the location
Salon and beauty shop

A team of professionals is on hand to handle all practical matters, but the community does not provide care or medical services.

Who Is Senior Independent Living For?

It is the perfect choice for seniors who are fully independent and do not require caretaker support at this time. Free yourself from the hassle of running your own home and get on with living life to the fullest!

Senior Assisted Living

Assisted living is the answer if you're looking for senior living arrangements that provide 24/7 caretaker support.

It is designed for adults who need assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). The Cleveland Clinic defines ADLs as:

Bathing
Personal hygiene
Grooming
Going to the bathroom
Eating
Dressing
Managing money

Senior assisted living can help you relax and enjoy life, knowing that helpful professionals are available at all times of the day and night. However, it's important to note that these are not the same as skilled nursing communities.

There are no medical staff members on hand, although staff can help organize your medical appointments and ensure you receive the attention you need. Staff can also help with medication management but cannot prescribe medications.

As time goes by, your care needs may increase. Your individual care plan can be updated to cater to this. These elderly housing options are also carefully designed with the needs of seniors in mind, making them easy and safe to navigate, even with limited mobility.

Who Is Assisted Living For?

It is perfect for older adults with one or more care needs but who still want to maintain a lifestyle that is as independent as possible.

Memory Care Communities

While developing memory problems is not an inevitable part of the aging process, according to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, almost 1 in 10 US seniors has dementia. A further 22% have mild cognitive impairment. As seniors' needs increase and it is no longer safe for them to live in their own homes, memory care communities provide safety and so much more.

The best memory care communities focus entirely on the individual. They take the time to get to know each resident well and understand what makes them who they are. This includes working with family members and the resident to build a clear understanding of their life story, interests, and culture.

Key Principles of Memory Care

Specialist caretakers and medical staff work together to provide tailored care in a safe, nurturing environment. Days are filled with activities to provide mental stimulation and a sense of community. They follow these guiding principles:

Communication with all parties involved in care
Ongoing training for team members
Dining tailored to the needs of adults with memory issues
Enriching activities and sensory experiences
Neighborhood designed for safety, security, and convenience

These features help make life enjoyable and foster the sense of security seniors need to truly thrive.

Who Is Memory Care For?

Signs your loved one with a memory condition is ready to transition to a memory care community include:

Increasing difficulties with ADLs
Behavioral changes
Poor health habits
Unsafe living conditions
Problems with wandering

As a family, you may be finding it increasingly difficult to provide the care your relative needs. Or a doctor may recommend that the time has come to consider an increased level of care. While it is a hard decision to make, your focus on the best interests of your loved one can help you find the perfect community that will provide the care they need.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing communities, also called nursing homes, are full-care communities that provide medical care in addition to the caretaker support provided by assisted living communities.

The National Institute on Aging states that skilled nursing communities may provide:

Nursing care
24-hour supervision
All meals
ADL support
Therapies, possibly including physical, speech, and occupational therapy

Skilled nursing communities also reassure families that their relatives are well cared for. They have likely reached a time in their lives when their medical and care needs can no longer be fully met in the home. Nursing communities can set the family's mind at ease by knowing their loved one is constantly supervised and has medical professionals on hand 24/7.

Who Is Skilled Nursing For?

Full-care communities are for elderly people who have medical conditions or disabilities that require 24-hour care from medical professionals. They are also suitable for seniors who require a high level of assistance with the activities of daily living.

Explore Senior Housing Options

Each of the senior housing options discussed above has benefits for seniors at different stages of life. Finding the right option will help you or your loved one as they age.