Senior Housing Options
There are a number of elder housing options. The following will provide you with a description of each housing options so that you can make an informed decision on which option will best suit your needs.
Each option has its price, financially, socially and emotionally. As the elder, or caregiver, it rests upon you to research each option available to you in your community in order to make the best decision for you or your loved one.
Housing Options Explained:
Home Care Services
This housing option is one that our loved ones choose when they can. Home care provides our loved ones the ability to stay in their own homes independently. The security that we have for our own homes and belongings is unmeasurable.
Home care services allow seniors and disabled individuals to receive needed assistance while remaining in their own homes. This option is generally best for patients that prefer a high degree of independence and are averse to leaving their homes, but require some assistance.
Benefits:
Caregivers may help with ADLs, provide assistance with medical needs, offer transportation services, and act as companions.
Cost:
Independent caregivers may charge 20-30% less than those who are from agencies.
Home care providers provide needed daily assistance in:
- Bathing/dressing
- Meal preparation
- Bill paying
- Driving to appointments/stores
- Companionship
Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes may offer the same degree of assistance provided at nursing homes or assisted living facilities, but in the setting of a private home with a small number of residents and live-in caregivers. Residential care homes are best for patients that require a lot of assistance and support, but are overwhelmed by the large number of residents at other types of facilities. Residential care homes usually offer a family atmosphere with regular one-on-one attention.
Amenities:
May include the following:
- Standard to premium rooms
- Beautiful garden
- Dining area
- Beauty Salon
- Activity Area
Cost:
The cost of stay may vary according to the services needed and location of the residential care home.
Senior Living Communities
Know, also as Retirement Communities and 55+, Senior Cooperative Living, Senior apartments communities. These communities are for Seniors who self-sufficient but don’t want to be encumbered with the daily upkeep of a home.
Senior Living Communities provide:
- Various residential activities, trips, movies, card/board games, golf
- Full Kitchens
- Meal plans
- Gyms
- Social interactions with peers
- Independent living
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are becoming more popular as many seniors and families like the degree of independence they provide for seniors that cannot live alone, but don’t require the amount of support provided at nursing homes. Assisted living communities offer residents private apartments, but caregivers provide regular support and assistance with ADLs and medical needs. Staff is available 24/7 and some or all meals may be supplied.
These communities provide care and housing to our elders who need more assistance with daily care but are not yet at the level of care that is provided at a nursing home.
Assisted living communities have grown as an option for our elders who are still independent but require some assistance with daily living tasks. Assisted Living communities provide social gatherings/activities/trips that are organized for the residents.
Task that are assisted:
- Meals/eating
- Medications
- Bathing/dressing
- Physical mobility
- House keeping
- Transportation
Amenities:
May include the following:
- arts and crafts rooms
- game rooms
- reading rooms
- Beauty Salon
Cost:
The cost of Assisted Living Facilities may vary from $2,000 – $5,000 per month. It is important to check whether the patient has Medicaid eligibility.
Nursing Home Care
Nursing Homes provide care for their residents 24/7. Nursing Homes are generally for our Seniors who need more medical and personal care assistance. Seniors with high level medical needs or with complex medical conditions find the help they need in nursing homes. Nursing Homes provide long-term care for our most needy Seniors who require skilled nursing care.
Care given:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Wheelchair/walker assistance
- Meals
- Assistance with eating/drinking
- Laundry services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Amenities:
May include the following:
- Flexible visiting hours
- Private rooms
- Religious services
- Facility transportation services
- Private Rooms
- Beauty Salon
Medical services:
- Blood pressure check
- Sugar level blood testing(Diabetes)
- Wound care
- Temperature
- Medications
- Nursing homes may also provide short-term rehabilitation for those residents recovering from surgery or injury.
- There may also be an Alzheimer’s unit within nursing homes.
Cost:
The cost of stay may depend on the length of confinement, type of illness, seriousness of condition, room size, whether Private or Semi-Private, and Medicaid eligibility.
Alzheimer/Memory Care Facilities
Memory care units are often housed within nursing homes or assisted living facilities and may also be called Alzheimer’s care or dementia care units. These facilities provide specialized services for patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and are designed to protect against wandering behaviors and other risks. Care is geared towards mitigating the symptoms of cognitive decline and offering a high quality of life.
Similar to assisted care facilities and nursing homes Memory Care/Alzheimer facilities provide a safe and secured environment for their residents. These facilities provide 24/7 support and care for our loved ones with memory difficulties.
Memory care/Alzheimer facilities are secured facilities that have locked entrances and exits to make sure that a resident doesn’t wander off.
Often these facilities provide secured garden areas for the residents and their visitors to relax in.
Services:
- Daily Care
- Meals
- Personal Care
- Laundry
- Transportation
- Medication
- Social Activities
- Physical Therapy
Amenities/Services:
May include the following:
- Medication management and administration
- Specialized diets and direct feeding assistance
- Dressing and grooming assistance
- Bathing Assistance
Cost:
With a more personalized care planning, the cost for memory care units confinement may grow exponentially. A 24-hour care is crucial especially for those with severe cases of alzheimer’s or dementia.
Retirement Communities
Retirement communities may be referred to as independent living or senior housing. These communities are best for seniors that have few medical problems and can generally take care of daily needs independently. Depending on the community, amenities like pools and social activities may be provided and beauty services may be available.
Amenities:
May include the following:
- Pools
- Social Activities
- Beauty Salon
- Multi-purpose activities and crafts rooms
- Library
- Dining Areas
- Basic utilities
- Healthcare
- Security
- Golf Course
- Yoga Club
Cost:
Depending on the chosen plan, some retirement communities have available all-inclusive package plan for those who can afford and enjoy the amenities offered.