Helping aging parents and loved ones make good lifestyle decisions is an overwhelming and emotional task. Often, seniors face a myriad of health, social, and financial issues that prompt changes in living arrangements. Understanding the most common differences between the different types of senior care options will help you and your loved one make the best decision for everyone involved.
Aging In Place
Aging in place is the term used to describe living in the comfort of your home. Often, modifications to the home must be made so that the aging person can safely live at home over time. Home care services also provide various services to help seniors remain at home, including health care, emotional support, housework support, transportation, and more, creating a support system for seniors and their families.
Family Caregiving
This option involves utilizing family caregivers rather than professional caregivers or a facility, though it can incorporate a combination of services. For example, a senior may age in place and have a family member visit regularly or sit with them during the night. It also could be when the senior moves into a family member's home and home care services are used as needed.
Active Communities
An independent senior who wants to live in a home-like environment yet needs social support could move into an active adult community. In active communities, seniors typically live in independent residential housing such as apartments, condos, and townhomes that are rented or owned. While social services and recreational activities are available, active communities do not provide medical services.
Independent Living
Independent living provides more on-site services such as social and recreational activities, dining, security, fitness centers, and other amenities seniors can enjoy. Seniors who require some assistance yet are capable of living on their own do well in independent living communities.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities offer seniors multiple choices of care in resort-style amenities. These communities allow residents to move from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care as their needs change.
Assisted Living
If more hands-on care is needed than independent living provides, assisted residence delivers services seniors need to help with daily tasks but do not have serious medical needs. Assisted living facilities also provide meals and transportation to medical and other appointments.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes feature many of the services as other facilities but provide 24/7 skilled nursing to residents. These facilities are regulated with hours for visitation and security for residents in a clinical setting. Nursing homes are best for seniors requiring around-the-clock care in a safe environment.
Memory Care
With the increase in memory-related aging diseases, memory care facilities are meeting the needs of seniors who may otherwise be healthy yet can not live independently. These care facilities are specifically for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's, as their needs differ from those who don't have cognitive impairments.
