What are the best housing options for seniors?
Old age brings forth several changes that range from evolved lifestyles and reduced income levels. Also, preference changes and your house may no longer fit all your needs.
You and your family have a few housing options to consider based on your:
Mobility
Health status
Need for homecare
Lifestyle
Various housing options for seniors provide multiple services, and the choice depends on different reasons.
You might move into senior living communities because of loneliness and the need to be around other seniors.
In some instances, you might be unable to take care of your home and undertake daily chores. Besides, your family might not be in a position to cater to your medical care or safety.
Before considering the best housing option, there are factors that you need to consider. This is because the decision to move to a senior living community is challenging and brings up emotions for the parties involved.
The decision involves several people such as friends, family, and healthcare practitioners.
If you cannot decide due to health reasons, your doctor and family members can help make the best choice.
The following are the best housing options that you can consider for senior living:
Active Communities
Active adult communities are made up of houses that include condos, mobile homes, and apartments.
In most communities, you must be 55 years and above to reside in such areas.
In such establishments, you are fully independent and can manage your environment.
If you choose to reside in such a community, you live on your own near other seniors. Also, you get to enjoy a wide range of educational, social, and recreational activities.
Retirement Communities
These are independent living communities where you can rent or purchase your units. Meals are part of the package, while transport, laundry, and housekeeping may or may not be available.
In such communities, you mostly take care of yourself. Therefore, this housing option is suitable for you if you do not need help with daily tasks such as following a doctor’s prescription, bathing, and dressing.
This housing option is best for you if you feel lonely living alone and enjoy living with others. Also, it is suitable if you are active, independent, and enjoy prepared meals and housekeeping services.
Assisted Living Residences
In such residences, you can get personal care services if you need them. Such services range from adhering to your doctor’s prescription, bathing to dressing.
Some assisted living residences may include special units for individuals suffering from early and middle-stage dementia.
The assisted living residence is the best option if you are active but need help with personal care services.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
These communities include several residences in a group of buildings, and you can choose either independent living, assisted living, or nursing home services.
As your needs change over time, you can move to a residence that gives more assistance and care.
It works and meets the needs of most seniors because it allows them to enjoy the services while making plans for the future.
These communities make it possible for you to live in one surrounding for the rest of your life.
Because of the comprehensive services you can receive from such communities, the costs are higher than all other housing options.
Extended Care Facilities
In this regard, these are nursing homes that provide seniors with personal services and medical care. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are staffed at all times of day and night to assist you with any need you may have.
You might stay in these facilities either on a temporary or long-term basis. You can choose to stay temporarily to either recover from a health complication, fall or surgery.
This option is best for you if you need round-the-clock care. The services in such facilities cannot be provided in other senior living facilities or homes.
For seniors with a severe illness or disease that is no longer treatable, end of life care may be the best housing option. Illuminate Hospice is such a facility that provides both hospice and palliative treatment. In addition to the services mentioned above, Illuminate Hospice provides emotional, spiritual, and physical services that guarantee your comfort and helps in approaching end-of-life transition.
Medicare and Medicaid may cover the services provided at these care facilities.
Before choosing the best housing option, there are several factors that you need to consider. It will help if you select an option that is aligned with your needs and fits your finances.
The following steps will help in ensuring that you choose the best housing option.
Set realistic budget
List all your needs
Find available options in your area
Schedule a tour and evaluate the residences
Take time to go through and review the housing contract
Discuss all options with your family and decide on the best option.
Therefore, your best housing option needs to be within your budget, cater to all your needs, fulfill your evaluation criteria and stand out among all the available options for you and your family.