Communities cater to loved one’s needs
Planning to transition to a senior living community of any kind can feel overwhelming.
Retirement options range greatly in independence and assistance levels; whether maintaining total self-sufficient status, or making the move to a retirement community, assisted living situation or a long-term care facility, there is a perfect fit for every level of need.
Retirement communities are uniquely designed to offer seniors comfortable independence, surrounded by peers and provided with services to make their lives as easy as possible. While originally centered on activities like golf or pool lounging, these niche hubs are quickly diversifying to meet the various interests of the baby boomer influx. There are communities built around healthy living, artistic interests, specific university alumni and so on. Most communities offer a range of activities and entertainment, giving residents the chance to expand their repertoire of skills and experience new things.
These communities are designed in similar fashion to other master-planned complexes, but are tailored specifically to seniors through age restrictions (typically age 55-plus), recreational amenities, exterior maintenance, additional security measures, etc. There are as many options as there are styles of ordinary homes – from condos to mobile homes, vacation-style homes to high-rise apartments and costs vary accordingly. Each resident is responsible for their own home’s purchase and general interior maintenance, and higher community fees can be expected to cover the “seniorfriendly” perks mentioned above.
The next level of care is independent living, which at first, glance might, be difficult to distinguish from the retirement communities discussed above. However, where retirement communities seek only to create a community of seniors, independent living communities function more like all-inclusive resorts. Monthly rental fees include services like meals, utilities, light housekeeping, landscaping, exterior and interior maintenance, transportation and activities and live-in security. The independent living option can offer many of the same benefits as living at home, but simultaneously meeting the needs age incurs. It can also be more cost-effective depending on former living expenses and what community is chosen.
For seniors who need a little bit more help, assisted living facilities offer residents the benefits of a private, home-like atmosphere coupled with support services to facilitate basic acts of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing and toilet aid. This longterm senior care option is the fastest growing in the nation, and offers a great compromise for seniors who want to maintain some independence without sacrificing daily comfort and care. Residents are provided with several meals, housekeeping and laundry services each day, and many facilities feature health and exercise programs, social activities, transportation services and medication assistance.
The final stage of senior living is the longterm care skilled nursing facility. Created for seniors who need 24-hour assistance and monitoring, these permanent homes offer residents every amenity needed to make their time comfortable, including on-site access to physicians and physical therapists, speech and occupational therapy, pain management care and hospice care. Many facilities also offer engaging social events and programs, chapel services, beauty shops and gourmet dining rooms.
One option that spans several stages of aging is a continuum of care community. These properties feature independent living, assisted living and nursing home facilities, and provide an integrated system of care that monitors a resident’s health and needs over time. With a comprehensive range of services, continuum of care communities meet various stages of need, and can give a smooth transition if residents need to move to a new phase of care. While often the most expensive option, these communities give residents a sense of security – they are working with the same staff to make evolving health decisions, and they are monitored closely to ensure health and mental stability. Residents are also able to maintain peer friendships and a familiar environment as needs change and new amounts of care are required. There are comfortable options for every level of need – community, security and helping hands are readily available, and finding the right fit is easy with a little bit of research and planning.
Consider this:
researching available options in the area and budget is crucial to finding the best fit and deal. Waiting until a loved one is in urgent need of a new living situation might force one into a high-cost facility, or one that does not meet expectations or needs.
– Kayleigh Plette
