While senior housing options vary from community to community, what you can expect with each type is fairly consistent. Understanding which services are included can make it easier to make an informed decision about your loved one’s care.
Let’s take a look at the different types of senior housing options.
Independent Senior Living
Independent senior living communities generally aim to offer a more relaxed, luxurious retirement experience for those who don’t need much assistance at home. Most of these facilities offer organized activities, an on-site gym, social gatherings, and amenities like housekeeping, maintenance, and yard care. Additionally, some independent living communities provide meals; however, this is not standard.
Residents are able to set their own schedules, take care of themselves, and decide which activities to attend. Common living arrangements in these communities include condos, small homes, or apartments. Some facilities offer individual suites with their own bathroom, bedroom, living area, and kitchen.
Assisted Living Communities
A senior assisted living facility will typically offer many of the same amenities as independent communities, as well as help with some aspects of daily living. For example, many of these communities can assist with dressing, bathing, and taking medications. Residents typically live in apartment or suite-style accommodations.
Memory Care Communities
Memory care facilities are specially designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These communities help residents with daily tasks that are affected by memory-related diseases, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and more. Additionally, on-site professionals promote the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of clients. A variety of security measures are also in place in these communities to protect memory-impaired residents from harm.
Memory care facilities are more likely to offer private or shared rooms for added safety.
Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing is ideal for elderly individuals who need more help with daily activities or require advanced medical management (including indwelling catheters, colostomy bags, pressure ulcers, diabetes care, etc.). These communities are staffed 24/7 by qualified nurses, nursing assistants, and other staff. Long-term care facilities can accommodate many different needs, including care for those who are completely dependent.
Home Care
With home care, professional caregivers provide assistance to elderly individuals who remain living in their own residences. The level of care is based on the client’s needs and the recommendations of their primary care provider. Home care typically includes a number of services, including light house-keeping, cooking, general medical management, medication administrations, and more.
Respite Care
Respite senior care provides short-term assistance to seniors who are typically taken care of by family members or other unpaid caregivers. This service can be planned in advance or used in an emergency. For example, respite care can take over for a family member who is going on vacation.
Elder Living Advisors Can Help You Make the Right Decision for Your Loved One
Because care levels, insurance coverage, and other aspects of senior living are complex, it can be difficult to determine which senior housing option is best for your loved one. But you don’t have to go it alone – Elder Living Advisors is here to help. Our compassionate and knowledgeable senior housing advisors can help you make sense of the options available to you and choose the best possible community. For more information on senior housing in MA, reach out to us at (781) 999-3994.
