As you enter into your senior years, it may be time to start thinking about your senior living options. While some people choose to remain living in the home they have inhabited for many years and raised their children in, plenty of other retirees may prefer to downsize or relocate.
The resources provided to SeniorSmart members and their families can help them make an educated decision about which senior housing options in Jefferson County are best for them. Give us a call at 205.460.1124 to find out how we can help you get the most out of senior living.
Choosing the Right Senior Living Options for You
To help you decide which senior living option will best suit your needs, the SeniorSmart team has put together a list of the many options available to you that highlights some of the differences. The main options for senior housing, besides staying in your family home, are:
- Independent living communities – This option is best for those who are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. These communities may provide benefits such as dining, laundry, and housekeeping services.
- Assisted living communities – Individuals who are mostly independent but need a little assistance with some daily tasks such as dressing or bathing may prefer the higher level of care offered at an assisted living facility. Some seniors who anticipate needing additional help in the future also choose assisted living. Like independent living communities, assisted living facilities typically provide dining, housekeeping, and laundry services. Many also provide transportation or medical services to their residents. If you or a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may want to find an assisted living facility that offers memory care services. These are often provided in a separate part of the facility so that the residents can be monitored and kept safe.
- Nursing homes – A nursing home provides the highest level of senior care. This may be the best option for those who need care around the clock, including those who require memory care. Whether the resident has physical or mental conditions that require constant monitoring, the staff at nursing homes will always be there to help. All of the services offered at independent living and assisted living communities are provided at nursing homes with the addition of constant monitoring and intensive medical care.
Finding Senior Living Options to Fit Your Budget
Regardless of your budget, there is a senior housing option that will work for you, and SeniorSmart is here to help you find it. When you are on a fixed income, here are some things to consider as you weigh your options:
- Downsizing is a good way to save money on housing when you retire.
- Senior living communities tend to have more affordable housing options.
- Senior living communities may include services that you would otherwise need to pay out of pocket for, which is another way you can cut your costs.
- Prices can vary greatly from one senior living option to another. If your budget is very tight, you may want to look into senior housing options that are less service-oriented. Consider which services are the most important to you and do the math. Figure out how much it would cost if you paid for those services separately versus the price of having those services included in the cost of living in that particular community.
- See if you qualify for low-income senior housing options. There are government programs offered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that can help subsidize housing for seniors.
SeniorSmart Can Help You Make the Right Decision for Senior Living
With so many options available for senior living, it is natural to have some questions before making your final decision. SeniorSmart is here to help our members as they explore their options for living out their retirement years. Contact us at 205.460.1124 to learn more about your senior living options in Jefferson County.
