Senior Housing

Independent Living

Independent living is a type of housing intended for self-sufficient older adults. The advantages include living in one's own home or apartment combined with the amenities of a senior residential community. Designed with safety, security, convenience, low-maintenance, and sometimes, recreation in mind, independent living provides several advantages for independent seniors.

Many senior housing communities provide amenities such as

• Housekeeping
• Communal meals
• Transportation
• Group activities

Independent living options include, senior apartments, retirement communities and low-income senior housing.

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities offer assistance with the non-medical aspects of daily living activities, such as grooming and eating, as well as provide support services and supervision. Assisted living is a viable housing alternative for senior who do not require a nursing home or skilled nursing, yet desire some privacy and independence.

Assisted living housing varies considerably, from small, shared homes to large full-service establishments. Assisted living housing is typically paid for with private funds. Examples include:

• Residential care facilities
• Community residences
• Domiciliary care
• Personal care homes

Nursing Home

A state-licensed facility, nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care as well as a professional health staff that attends to the physical, emotional, day-to-day, and recreational needs of the residents. A nursing home is considered for seniors with chronic or long-term illness or injury, as well as for convalescent care. Nursing home facilities may accept governmental assistance, such as Medicaid or private insurance. A nursing home may also be known as a convalescent home.

Retirement communities

Retirement communities provide a variety of housing options in one area, from private residences to skilled nursing facilities. The repertoire of care and amenities allows retired individuals to live in one locale and have access to services and health care as their needs change. Each retirement community has unique requirements for residency, which include age, income, health status, and/or financial resources.

Alzheimer Unit

Alzheimer units are often part of an assisted living or nursing home facility. Care is designed with the unique needs of seniors who have Alzheimer's, dementia, and related disorders.

Evaluate Senior Housing Choices

With the many options in senior housing, the choice may seem overwhelming. Following are considerations and guidance for targeting what you need to know to choose the best senior housing for you or a loved one.

• Length of Care: Evaluate if short, intermediate, or long-term care is needed.
• Privacy: When privacy is a principal concern, independent living, assisted living, and retirement communities are preferred over a nursing home.
• Medical Needs: Assisted and independent living offers minimal to no health care services, while skilled nursing and nursing homes offer the maximum; choose accordingly.
• Personal Needs: All forms of senior housing, except independent living, offers some form of day-to-day personal care; although, these services vary considerably with each facility. Otherwise known as activities of daily living (ADL), ensure that the ADL services offered, from mobility to medication help, are sufficient.
• Independence: What are the desires of the senior and are they practical for their medical and day-to-day needs?
• Social / Recreational / Spiritual: Evaluate the communal activities, religious, and recreation services offered, including communal meals, exercise or sports facilities, hobbies (gardening, crafts etc.), reading materials, religious services, and so on.
• Financials: Determine the need for private or public funding and compare the costs of nursing homes that fit the senior’s needs.
• Home Evaluation: When you find senior housing that may be suitable, do an onsite evaluation of the premises and make any necessary notes to determine the residential fitness. Use the notes to compare senior housing alternatives.
• Professional Advice: Seek out the senior’s current health, social work, and financial professionals for recommendations and advice. Alternatively, seek out a geriatric care professional.

More Housing Information

SeniorOutlook.com, a site dedicated to senior housing, lists over 3,000 communities and properties. SeniorOutlook.com offers fast and easy access to information on housing to meet a variety of needs.

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