If you’re considering retirement, planning is a good idea. You’ll want to choose where you’ll live when you retire and how much money you’ll have for your new lifestyle. A senior community is one option for seniors who want to age in place after their active years.
Senior-friendly independent living communities vary greatly in terms of cost, amenities, and services offered. Here are some basic terms that can help you understand the difference between different types of retirement communities:
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a senior housing option that provides supportive services for individuals who need assistance with day-to-day tasks. These tasks include bathing, meals, housekeeping, medication reminders, and transportation.
Assisted living communities may have one or more dedicated team members assigned to each resident’s care needs. These professionals often work under the direction of a licensed nurse on the professional at the community.
Personal Care
Personal care refers solely to support provided by nonmedical professionals, such as nurses’ aides or home health aides, who assist individuals with activities of daily life (ADLs). These activities can include dressing or bathing older patients so they can remain safely at home. This option is available over moving an older loved one into an assisted living community where round-the-clock medical supervision might otherwise be necessary for safety reasons.
Independent Living
Independent living is for people who can live independently but need help with daily activities. Independent living communities focus on maintaining independence and self-sufficiency. Typically, these communities offer residents meals, housekeeping, laundry service, and transportation.
Nursing Home
A nursing home provides medical care and supervision for people who require assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing. The state licenses nursing homes, and residents generally must be over the age of 65.
If you’re considering a nursing home for yourself or a loved one, remember that this assisted living community is not appropriate for everyone. For example, if your loved one has dementia or requires more intensive care than a nursing home can provide, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Memory Care Community
Most people don’t realize that there are many options for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Memory care communities provide a safe and supportive environment for residents with memory loss. Memory care aims to help residents maintain their independence while providing the assistance they need to live well.
The primary difference between traditional assisted living and memory care is the supervision staff members provide.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about retirement communities and the different types of retirement communities. Understand that not all retirement communities are the same, and they have many different levels of care.
For example, some may have an assisted living facility on site, while others won’t. Some may offer only independent and assisted living, while others may provide nursing home care. Depending on your needs as you age, this could be very beneficial because it can help ensure you get what your family needs when they need it most!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or more information about how we can help your loved ones live out their golden years in peace and comfort.
