The term “senior living community” refers to a specific type of community or housing arrangement that is tailored to the specific needs of seniors and provides them with a high level of long-term safety, health, and comfort. There may come a time when you or a loved one decides that relocating to a senior living facility is the best way to age optimally and guarantee access to high-quality care. Continue reading to find out what communities are available and which might be best for you or a loved one.
Different Types of Senior Living Communities
Remember, not all retirement communities are the same. As you assess your or a loved one’s needs, you should consider how the various types of communities differ.
1. Independent Living
Seniors in good health and who do not require assistance with daily activities can benefit from living in an independent community. Seniors can benefit from pre-arranged community activities, field trips, shopping outings, and on-site projects in most independent living facilities. There are no licenses or regulations for these apartments.
2. Assisted Living
People who want to maintain independence but require help with things like bathing, dressing, cooking, medication management, or housekeeping often choose assisted living facilities. These communities provide a less intensive form of care and support than nursing homes, but they are still able to cater to each individual’s needs.
3. Enriched Housing
In order to meet the long-term residential care needs of five or more adults, primarily those aged 65 and up, enriched housing programs are created and operated in community-integrated settings that mimic independent housing units. The program covers everything from housing to meals to personal care and supervision. Only government or nonprofit organizations can legally run enriched housing programs, and their funding mechanisms vary.
4. Skilled Nursing Care
In contrast to basic care, which can be administered by anyone, “skilled care” requires the expertise of professionals with specific training, such as registered nurses and physical, speech, and occupational therapists. Skilled nursing care encompasses a wide range of activities, from monitoring vital signs and medical equipment to administering injections and caring for wounds.
Healthcare professionals collaborate with these communities to provide services, such as monitoring patients’ responses to prescribed treatments and facilitating open communication about any health-related concerns residents may have. You may refer to this page for more details about skilled nursing care.
5. Memory Care
Communities specializing in memory care are designed to help seniors who are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive difficulties. To ensure that their residents’ health and social needs are met daily, these communities provide services that are similar to those found in nursing homes.
Fullerton memory care communities may be beneficial for people with different types of dementia because they offer specialized, round-the-clock support to help residents deal with memory issues, confusion, and communication challenges.
6. Continuing Care Retirement Communities
All levels of care, from assisted living to nursing homes, can be found on the same campus in a continuing care community. The residents are assured of “aging in place” or the ability to continue living in the same location even as their care requirements change.
Being able to stay in their familiar surroundings makes the transition to a nursing home easier for residents. They might demand an initial buy-in or an annuity purchase up front, followed by monthly payments that pay for services, luxuries, and necessary medical care.
