An Insight On The Types Of Senior Housing Options To Choose From

By Diane Davis


Several changes occur due to aging and it is necessary to adapt to them. Planning where you will live in old age will ensure comfort. Every elderly person is unique. Therefore, the senior housing options that are suitable for some people may not be suitable for you. You can select the most suitable option by considering your financial needs, lifestyle and health. Since there are several types of senior housing options to select from, you need to learn about their differences.

One of the housing options available for seniors is independent living communities. These communities are also known as senior apartments, retirement villages, 55 plus communities and congregate care homes. They cater for elderly people who are independent and do not have many medical problems. The residents of independent living communities stay in private apartments, which are fully equipped.

Seniors can also stay in an assisted living community. This type of community is ideal for seniors who cannot stay safely alone, even though they do not require the intensive medical care and attention offered in nursing homes. Those living in such a community receive help in taking medicine and performing their routine activities. These communities are also referred to as personal care homes or assisted care communities.

You can also stay in a nursing home, especially if you are ill or frail and require a lot of medical care and assistance. In a nursing home, the residents receive 24 hour skilled nursing care. You may also choose to stay in a nursing home for a short time to receive rehabilitative care if you are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery. Nursing homes are also called long term care facilities, convalescent care, nursing centers and skilled nursing facilities.

Senior housing options for people with Alzheimers disease or dementia are also available. Memory impaired people need structured activities and twenty four hour support so that they can be safe and have a good quality of life. Alzheimers care is provided in personal care homes, nursing homes and assisted living settings. These living environments have locked or secured areas to make sure that the residents do not wander off.

Seniors can also stay in residential care homes. These types of homes are often private and offer services to people living in one place. Caregivers who reside in the homes assist the seniors. These homes are ideal for elderly people who prefer to live in communities that are homely and private. Seniors receive help in doing their daily life routines. These homes are also known as group homes, board and care homes or adult family homes.

You can also choose home care services. This arrangement will enable you to stay in your own house and still get the assistance you need to remain independent. Generally, you will get assistance with preparing meals, bathing, dressing, transportation, paying bills and making appointments. You will also receive companionship and emotional support from the caregivers.

Another housing option for seniors is respite care, which is also known as adult day care. It allows seniors to have short term stays in communities that can meet their needs. Most nursing homes and assisted living communities have respite care programs. Typically, residents stay for a period of one week to a month based on their situation.




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