With the variety of senior living options available to you, it may be difficult to determine which is best suited to your needs. Choosing where to spend your retirement years is an important decision, so it is important to learn as much as you can about each of your options to feel confident that you will make the right choice.
At SeniorSmart, we realize that the vast array of senior living options can be overwhelming. We are here to help you find the right choice for your retirement living needs. SeniorSmart members who enroll for our concierge-level services enjoy guidance on all the big decisions that arise in retirement. Call us today at 205.460.1124 to learn more about the valuable benefits of a SeniorSmart membership.
Independent Living: The Most Active Option for Seniors
If you can still function independently without needing assistance with daily tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing, you may enjoy an independent living community. As you research different independent living options in your area, you will find that independent living communities may also be referred to as:
- Senior apartments
- Senior housing
- Retirement communities
- 55+ communities
- Active adult communities
One thing to note is that 55+ communities are a bit different than traditional independent living communities. These are designed for self-sufficient adults ages 55 and up and usually include community events and activities. They often do not include dining services or housekeeping, as you would find in most traditional independent living communities. Each senior living community is different, though, and some may provide additional services at an extra financial cost.
Assisted Living: Ideal for Seniors Who Need Daily Assistance
If you have limited mobility and need a little extra help with daily tasks like eating, dressing, or bathing, an assisted living facility may be the right fit for you. Assisted living facilities may also be referred to as:
- Residential care facilities
- Convalescent homes
- Congregate care
- Retirement homes
Life at an assisted living community comes at a higher cost than independent living due to the higher level of care provided. Some of the services offered by assisted living facilities include:
- Help with everyday tasks (eating, dressing, bathing)
- Dining services
- Housekeeping
- Medication management
- Transportation
As you can see, the staff is more hands-on at an assisted living facility. You may also receive daily wellness check-ins, which can provide peace of mind for your loved ones.
Memory Care: Around-the-Clock Care for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it is important to have 24/7 care to ensure your health and safety. Due to the confusion associated with these conditions, a facility with memory care can provide constant monitoring to keep them from wandering off or getting lost.
Memory care tends to be offered as a designated section in senior living facilities. Some skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities may include separate areas devoted to memory care.
Some of the services offered by memory care include:
- Assistance with eating, dressing, and bathing
- Meal services
- Medication management
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Supervised activities
- Security features
The extra attention and security offered by memory care can keep you safe and ensure you receive the care you need.
SeniorSmart: Helping You Choose the Right Senior Living Options
Once you are clear about your needs in retirement, it will be easier to narrow down your senior living options. The main differences between each of your options revolve around the level of care provided by each. As time goes on, you may need to reevaluate your options and move up to a higher level of care. When you need help making the right decision for senior living options, you can count on SeniorSmart to guide you. Call us today at 205.460.1124 to get started with our concierge-level services.
