When it is time to choose senior adult housing, the variety of choices and options for senior care can be confusing.
The different types of senior housing fall into roughly three categories.
They are: independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes.
Before the search for senior housing begins, take a few moments to consider the following questions to help determine the level of care needed.
- Mobility: Does the senior move about independently? If using a cane or a walker, are they independent, require occasional assistance, or do they require constant supervision to prevent falls? - Nutrition: Is the senior able to prepare all meals independently, need help with one main meal, or need all meals provided along with some assistance at the table? - Bathing/Dressing: An independent senior will be able to perform all activities of bathing, shaving, and dressing without assistance.
Others get by with just a reminder.
Some require complete assistance in daily care.
- Toileting: Are there issues with incontinence, or management of a colostomy or catheter? Some may have only occasional incontinence; others require assistance on a daily basis.
- Housekeeping: Some need housekeeping only weekly while others need complete housekeeping services daily including laundry.
- Medications: Is the senior independent in taking medications or are reminders needed? Licensed personnel are required to give medications and for more complex medical care such as intravenous medications or wound care.
Once you have an idea of which services are wanted or needed, it is easier to determine the best senior housing option.
1.
Independent living Active seniors, who are independent in their daily activities, often want a community setting that offers social and recreational activities along with a focus on services such as transportation to shopping, housekeeping, or laundry.
Independent living is for the senior looking for security, services, social activities and a retirement lifestyle, but physical and medical needs are minimal.
Independent living communities are made up of single-family homes, apartments, or a combination of both, usually in a private and often age-restricted area.
The communities have common areas for such activities as social gatherings, hobbies, a library or reading room, a swimming pool, or an exercise facility.
The houses or apartments are set-up with kitchens, but a central dining area where meals are served is also available.
Housekeeping and laundry services are available if desired.
Medical care is typically not offered, though services may be available on site for easy access.
Independent living is also known as senior apartments, congregate housing, or retirement communities.
2.
Assisted Living Assisted living is for senior adults that need assistance with the daily activities of bathing, toileting, dressing, or meal preparation.
If a resident uses a cane or wheelchair but continues to require assistance with mobility, assisted living is a more appropriate choice.
The care provided is non-medical care only.
Housekeeping and laundry services are generally provided.
Staff is available to provide extra observation for safety when mobility is an issue, or if the senior needs help to get to the dining room.
The staff can give a reminder to take medication but cannot administer the medication.
Nursing care is not part of assisted living.
Assisted living spaces are generally private or double rooms with common areas nearby for daytime gathering.
Some facilities may have small studio apartments equipped with alarms and additional staff for oversight.
Assisted living may occur alongside Independent Living arrangements.
The difference is in the added services and additional staff available to assist in daily activities.
Assisted living is also known as Board and Care, Residential Care Facilities, or Adult Foster Care.
3.
Nursing Homes Nursing homes are for those that need skilled medical care available 24 hours a day for medication administration, chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other complex medical needs.
Nursing homes also offer physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.
Care is provided by trained medical staff overseen by a Registered Nurse.
A physician is either available on site or by telephone.
Nursing Homes are also called Skilled Nursing Facilities or SNF's.
4.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Retirement communities with multiple levels of care are known as continuing care retirement communities.
They offer multiple senior care options in one location; Independent Living, Assisted Living facilities, and Nursing Home care.
A resident moves in at the independent living level, later moves to assisted living, and when needed, to the nursing home, all within the same community.
There is a vast array of senior housing options.
Knowing the terminology will get you to the right facility where the professionals can help further decide the best placement option.