If you or someone in your family is nearing retirement, chances are they are contemplating moving into a senior living community such as memory care homes. The reasons to move to one such community can be several. Some people choose to move because they are lonely and seek communal support.
Others move because they're unable to take care of their everyday tasks and need some assistance. The rest may choose because their family is unable to care for them or arrange for the required medical care.
If you Google personal care homes near me, you should see plenty of options. The sheer number of choices may throw you off. Therefore, when the time comes for you to choose from multiple housing options, you need to know your options. You have options like aging-in-place, assisted living, and several more.
In this post, we talk about 4 kinds of housing options for seniors who are nearing retirement age. Let’s take a look.
Active Adult Communities
These communities are essentially neighborhoods that are designed to cater to older adults. Typical housing arrangements are apartments, mobile homes, condos, townhouses, and regular houses. The age requirement for living is around 55 or so years of age.
The residents get to enjoy complete freedom so they can live on their own. They manage and take care of their homes independently. Active adult communities allow older people to be surrounded by other people their age which gives them a safe and homey environment. Many of these places offer a range of recreational, educational, and social activities.
Independent Living Communities
Also known as retirement homes or retirement communities, independent living communities give the older adults the choice to buy as well as rent out a residential unit. Many of the retirement homes offer meals as part of their service package. Other typical services include laundry, transportation, and housekeeping. Most residents living in retirement homes are generally able to look after themselves without demanding assistance for everyday tasks like taking medication, getting dressing, walking, bathing, etc.
That’s why independent living communities are fit for older people who are in early years of their retirement age and are rather fit health-wise. It’s good for them because the community allows them to live on their own without depending on others and also be a part of the community. The residents can live freely and fairly actively while also enjoying services like meals and housekeeping.
Assisted Living Residences
Assisted living is similar to retirement homes in many aspects. The one aspect where they differ is that the former offers personalized care to the residents living there. For example, the resident has the freedom to get assistance for tasks like bathing, taking medication, and getting dressed.
Some residents may even be equipped to help people with certain conditions like dementia. Therefore, assisted living is good for older adults who need help with everyday tasks but are still somewhat active.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
These retirement communities are designed to cater to the needs of a wider range of adults. The residents can pick from a variety of residents built on a huge campus. The residents can pick from assisted living, nursing home services, and independent living. With changing needs, retirees can move to other residences that are better equipped to handle their growing needs including medical care.
This kind of arrangement is useful for many adults as it lets them choose from multiple services straightaway while also leaving room for future planning. The best part about a continuing care retirement community is that the person can spend their entire life in one place. Naturally, these communities are more expensive than all other senior living options.
Things to Consider
Needless to say, the decision to move to a senior living home is a tough one. The transition can be particularly difficult for certain adults and families. Therefore, everyone should be a part of decision-making. It is recommended that you talk to friends and family members. Talking to your health care provider can help you weigh your pros and cons so that you can pick the right kind of living option.
If the older adult is unable to make the transition due to health concerns, some caregiver or a family member should be involved in making the choice. If you are trying to figure out which living option is best for you, the following steps may ease the process for you:
● Take the financial factor into consideration. The financial ramifications include the overall budget, pension, cost of Medicare, etc. Talking to a financial advisor may be best.
● List out all your medical, physical, and emotional needs. See which of the living communities are best able to cater to those needs.
● Schedule a visit with multiple residences. Go there and get a feel of the place. See which place clicks.
● Be sure to read the contract carefully. It’s best to work with a lawyer to get it reviewed.
It is good to work in collaboration with your family members and loved ones. They may help you pick a residence best suited to meet your individual needs.