Aging is a time of adaptation and change, and planning for the future will make sure your loved one's needs are fully met. When the time comes to move to a senior living community, there are many options.
Home Care
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If the goal is for the senior to remain living in their own home, but they need some help with activities of living, home care is a good option. Home care services range from bathing and dressing, housecleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, medication management and more. Not all home care agencies provide registered nurses for skilled medical care, so check with the agency to ensure the elder's needs are met.
Independent Living
When an elderly person still has the physical and mental capacity to live independently, but wants companionship with others who are their age, independent living could be a good option. Independent living communities promote seniors' active lifestyles while offering a secure environment and providing specific services and amenities related to elderly people's needs. If your elderly parent is not in good health, or cannot care for themselves without assistance, they are not a candidate for independent living.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a housing option for seniors who cannot live independently and need help with some activities of daily living, including minor help with medications. An assisted living facility provides mobility assistance and daily living care for bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and eating. Apartment-style living is common, with studio apartments and one, two or three bedroom apartments with kitchens, private bathrooms and couples can usually live together.
Continuing care retirement facility
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) include independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care in one location, so seniors can stay in the same general area as their housing needs change over time. Elders usually have the luxury of living in the same apartment or house while living independently or in assisted living; however, once the elder moves into skilled nursing, they usually move to a different part of the building or campus.
Skilled Nursing (Nursing home)
Skilled nursing homes are for elders who have health conditions that require constant monitoring and availability of medical personnel. Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes or extended care services, provide 24-hour supervision, meals, activities and health management support for their residents. A licensed physician supervises each resident's care and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always on the premises. Skilled nursing care and medical professionals such as occupational or physical therapists are also available. Many communities provide specialized care for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, often known as memory care.