Options for Senior Living

Seniors often come to a time when they have to decide which new living situation is right for them. The choice could come about due to the death of a spouse, a change in health or a financial change. There are several options for seniors facing this decision. They should base their choice of senior living on their finances, family availability, health and the quality of life at available facilities.

Living With a Loved One

• Some seniors are lucky enough to have a loved one who is willing and able to have them move in. This option requires a loved one who has the time and resources to care for an elderly person. In the event that the senior is in need of daily medical care, the family member would have to be either experienced in medicine or able to accommodate a schedule of daily visits from medical health professionals. If a family member is able to do this, it can provide comfort and financial stability that the senior may not have elsewhere.

Independent Senior Living

• Independent senior living communities typically consist of apartments or houses built with the needs of seniors in mind. Easily navigated floorplans and safe bathing facilities are just some of the considerations that go into building independent senior housing. Many of these independent living communities for seniors offer social activities, such as Bingo night, holiday parties and potluck dinners.

  Independent senior living communities differ from assisted living communities and nursing homes in that the seniors who live in them do not require daily assistance. However, some retirement communities accommodate both independent seniors and seniors who require assistance. This works well for seniors who do not wish to move again if their health declines.

Assisted Living at Home

• Financially stable seniors who do not wish to leave their homes have the option of in-home care. This allows seniors to stay in the home they are currently living in while getting the care they need from professionals. Options for assisted living at home range from an assistant to help with chores and errands to providers of complex medical care. These programs are often costly, so this is an option only for seniors who can afford the upkeep of their home and they care they need.

Assisted Living Community

• Assisted living communities are similar to independent living facilities. Seniors still get their own room, apartment or home. There are typically social activities, as well. The difference is the level of help staff gives to residents. There are usually dining facilities, so seniors do not have to cook, transportation, and emergency call lines in each residence. Help with bathing, cleaning and laundry is typical of assisted living communities.

Nursing Homes

• Nursing homes, also known as rest homes or convalescent homes, are similar in structure and environment as hospitals. However, they differ in the type of care. Nursing homes are for seniors and other disabled persons who are not independent, but do not need hospital services. Help in bathing, going to the bathroom, eating and administering medication are some of the services seniors can expect in nursing homes.