Senior living options vary from place to place. Where you decide to live is based on factors such as health, income, and the kind of environment you prefer. By the time you have reached this stage of life, you often do not wish to live in a large house where you raised your family. You will want to simplify things somewhat since you won’t need all that room. After all, who wants to spend extra time cleaning and maintaining the upkeep of all that extra space when this is the time of your life when you should be able to slow down and enjoy things more? Let’s explore this senior living guide to see what options are available and what they have to offer. This can help you determine which senior living option is best for you.
Private Home or Apartment
For many seniors, moving to a smaller home or an apartment is ideal. This option allows you to maintain all the independence you previously had but reduces the amount of space you have. There is less need for cleaning, fewer items to keep track of, and you can come and go at will. This situation is ideal for someone who still drives and can manage to get around well. An apartment also offers the closeness of neighbors for companionship, and many apartments offer amenities. For instance, you’ll find community areas where you can meet and socialize with other apartment dwellers.
Senior Living Community
These communities can be quite extensive. Many senior living communities consist of apartment buildings that surround a circular courtyard. These communities may offer a pool, workout room, facilities for hair care, and other amenities. In some of the more upscale communities, regular excursions are made available to community members, and you may find yourself spending a day at an outlet mall or touring Niagra Falls. Others plan regular community events such as BINGO night, weekly movies, or holiday meals where you can socialize with other residents. In these communities, you have your independence and can socialize as much or as little as possible.
Family-Style Living
This is a fairly new option that is becoming more popular. For the senior who finds themself not wanting to be alone or unable to function quite as well as they did in the past, this type of environment can be excellent. These homes usually consist of three to four individuals and a caretaker. Each individual has their own room, and most have either their own bathroom or share with one other resident. Meals are prepared by the caretaker and eaten as a family unit. The caretaker also does the housework. Sometimes activities or outings are planned, and other times it is up to the residents to determine how they spend their time. In this type of setting, independence is normally based on ability. The home environment allows for a small intimate group that can become close.
Long-Care Facility
Long-term facilities offer two types of care. They are ideal for individuals who have days that are good but may need ready access to medical help. The individuals here may have their own small apartment, complete with a stove and refrigerator. They can cook whenever they want and follow their own schedule. If they drive, that is also an option. Yet, if the individual doesn’t feel like cooking, there is a community dining room available. Activities are planned daily but are optional and there are normally people who do your cleaning and laundry. Yet, if you are someone who may be prone to falling or have another chronic condition such as diabetes, medical help is normally on the premises so you have ready access to it.
Learn More About Your Options With SeniorSmart
At SeniorSmart, our goal is to help seniors from every walk of life to make informed decisions. Whether you have questions about your senior living options or the next step for retirement, we have answers. Call us today at 205.460.1124 or contact us online to learn more.
