Tell us if this following scenario sounds familiar: Over the course of several weeks, the following thought crosses one’s mind “It is probably time to look into senior living”, followed quickly by “but where do I begin?!”
Soon fingers fly across a keyboard typing “senior living near me” into a search bar. Page after page of senior living options is delivered in a matter of seconds, and it feels as if not even one of those results tells the searcher what they need to know.
Often the search for senior living is not preempted by a formal education of the intricacies of senior care. Is it assisted living that is needed or memory care? What are the activities of daily living? These types of questions can paralyze a search for senior living.
Start with the Basics: What is Senior Living?
Senior living is a term used as an umbrella for a variety of options for older adults including independent living housing, active adult communities, retirement communities, assisted living, memory care, CCRC (continuing care retirement communities also known as life care or life plan communities), long-term care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.
The different types of senior living offer a variety of residential options from cottages, condominiums, apartments, and suites, to companion living (with a roommate). Most offer services such as dining, basic housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and a calendar of social events and activities. Many offer health care services to support residents as they age and need assistance with activities of daily living such as medication management, bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
Though there are many different companies that offer senior living options, one thing should not waver: their commitment to creating a better quality of life for seniors socially, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Senior Living Defined
As shared above, there are many different classifications for community-based senior living. In general, your search can be broken out into the following categories:
- Independent Living:Simply put, Independent Living is a residential community for adults aged 55 and over that provides a variety of amenities, services, and activities for residents.
- Assisted Living: Assisted Living or Residential Care is a care and living solution for a senior that provides personal care support services in connection with a residential living community. These care services can include medication management as well as cues and reminders. Assisted Living can also aid with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
- Memory Care: Memory Care is a residential community with care services specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other related types of dementia.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: Skilled Nursing Facilities are in line with those traditionally considered nursing homes. This type of facility can provide high levels of medical care that must be provided by licensed health professionals including nurses and therapists.
- CCRC: A Continuing Care Retirement Community is a community that offers multiple levels of care on a single campus. CCRCs will sometimes offer all of the above levels of care on one campus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living
What is senior living?
Senior living is an umbrella term for a variety of housing and care options for older adults. Depending on an individual’s needs, senior living may include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).
What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?
Independent living is designed for older adults who are generally able to manage their daily routines independently but want the convenience, social opportunities, and amenities of a senior living community. Assisted living provides additional support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and other personal care needs.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a type of senior living designed specifically for individuals experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These communities provide specialized care, routines, activities, and environments designed to support residents with memory-related needs.
What are activities of daily living (ADLs)?
Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are basic tasks people typically complete as part of their daily routines. They can include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and other personal care activities. The level of assistance a person needs with ADLs can help determine which type of senior living may be appropriate.
What is a CCRC?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, offers multiple levels of senior living and care on one campus. Depending on the community, this may include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
How do I know which type of senior living is right for my loved one?
Start by considering your loved one’s current needs, including their ability to manage daily activities, medication, personal care, mobility, and social needs. A conversation with senior living professionals can also help you understand which options may best fit their situation.
What services are commonly offered in senior living communities?
Services vary by community and level of care, but may include dining, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, social activities, medication management, and assistance with personal care.
When should I start looking into senior living?
There is no single right time to begin. If you are noticing that a loved one is having difficulty managing daily routines, feeling isolated, struggling with household responsibilities, or needing more assistance than family can comfortably provide, it may be worth exploring senior living options.
How do I begin my search for senior living?
Start by learning about the different types of senior living and identifying your loved one’s needs. Then, research communities in your area, compare services and care options, ask questions, and schedule tours. You can also reach out directly to a senior living community for guidance throughout the process.
