Senior Living Options
Looking for information on senior living options?
You've come to the right place!
Your parents are living independently, probably in their own home, but you're wondering what their options are should they need additional care. Should they be moving into assisted living, skilled nursing, or a continuing care retirement community?
What are their senior living options and how do we choose?
This guide will cover the information you need to make educated decisions about the housing arrangements for your parents, including:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
- Memory Care / Alzheimer's Care
Independent Living
Description: Also called retirement communities or senior apartments. They are designed for older adults who want to enjoy recreational and social activities with others their age. They are designed to allow residents to live on their own but with the security and conveniences of community living.
Services: Some facilities may offer laundry, cleaning, transportation, social activities and access to meals.
Assisted Living
Description: Assisted living communities are one step above independent living in terms of services available. They are a combination of residential housing, personal support services and health care services. They do not provide skilled nursing care but are focused on maximizing the residents independence with access to personal care assistance.
Services: Include access to personal care support (dressing, bathing, grooming and other daily living activities) as well as features found at independent living communities including: laundry, cleaning, transportation, social activities and access to meals. Depending on state/provincial regulations, may provide assistance with medication management.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Description: Designed for individuals who require 24 hour nursing care. Nursing care is provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurses aides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Services: Include room and board, housekeeping, laundry, activities, medication management, assistance with personal care, protection and supervision, and access to therapy services.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
Description: Designed to provide all levels of care in one location, from independent living to skilled nursing. The client can remain at the same location even when their level of care changes.
Services: Packages and services vary between communities but can include room and board, housekeeping, laundry, activities, medication management, assistance with personal care, protection and supervision, and access to therapy services.
Memory Care / Alzheimer's Care
Description: Designed specifically for individuals with memory impairments. Many have building features specifically for individuals with memory impairments, including color coded hallways, secure wandering paths, visual cues and locked access for security and protection. Staff are also trained to work with individuals with memory impairments.
Services: Services are similar to assisted living facilities and can include: room and board, housekeeping, laundry, activities, and assistance with personal care. Depending on the state or province, they may also provide medication management.
