There are a lot more options for senior housing than you might think. And yes, that means you or your loved one have more to choose from other than a nursing home.
As our loved ones age, their ability to care for themselves diminishes significantly, especially when there are medical conditions involved. While it’s not difficult to recognize when it’s time to consider senior housing for your aging loved ones, it can be a challenge to choose the place that’s best for them.
If a loved one will need senior care soon, here are some options that you can consider:
1. At home
There are a lot of home healthcare franchises that you can choose from when considering letting your senior age at home. It’s the best option for older adults who are still mobile and relatively independent. And if there are no family members available to take care of them, a home caregiver can help take care of their other needs such as cleaning, cooking, and grocery shopping.
However, bear in mind that when older adults decide to age at home, the house needs to be modified to be senior-friendly (wheelchair ramps, bathroom handlebars, additional lighting).
2. Retirement communities
Retirement or assisted living communities are designed to let older adults live relatively independently with a certain level of assistance. Older adults who choose to live in this type of community stay in their apartments and have staff come to assist them with medication management, cooking, bathing, cleaning, and other everyday tasks.
With this type of senior housing, your aging loved one can enjoy relatively independent living and a healthy level of socialization with other people in the community.
3. Nursing home
A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is a housing option for older adults who have debilitating illnesses and are unable to care for themselves, thus requiring 24-hour supervision. If your loved one is no longer independent, a nursing home is one of the best places to get professional 24/7 care.
4. Residential care home
Residential care homes let their residents age in a residential setting instead of their own homes, often in small facilities that give more personalized services. This type of senior housing is ideal if your loved one requires a certain level of individualized care, and is a generally affordable option for aging adults.
5. Day social care
Many seniors who live alone are susceptible to depression because of isolation and loneliness. To combat this, day social care facilities are available wherein older adults can eat, rest, and socialize with others without staying overnight. Staff can also assist their clients with things like eating and going to the bathroom, as well as help seniors travel to and from the facility.
6. Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
This type of housing eliminates the need for a senior to transition to new places as they age. A CCRC has separate parts for independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, but all in a single facility. In this way, aging adults stay in one location for the rest of their life.
When the time comes, it’s best to be ready with a decision about where your senior loved one should stay. As early as possible, and while they are still clear-minded, speak to your loved one about these options and encourage them to choose for themselves.
