A person’s lifestyle can greatly change as he advances in age. Due to changing times and health conditions, a senior citizen may have a hard time keeping up with activities and daily routines. But the good news is seniors have the option of choosing a place where they can continue improving their physical health and well-being. If you or someone you know is at or beyond retirement age, it’s time to check out what living arrangement options are available.
- Independent Living at Home
Living independently at home means the senior opts to stay right where they are, either by themselves or with their family. This option works best for seniors who have few, if any, medical problems. While this is the least expensive option for healthy seniors, it’s not a practical arrangement for those who require constant medical assistance.
- Independent Living Community
Sometimes it gets lonely being the only senior around. Independent living communities, which are basically apartments where all tenants are seniors, are great for healthier, independent individuals who wish to enjoy a community that caters to elderly people. Most living communities hold regular events to encourage socialization with fellow seniors.
- Home Care
If a senior wants to stay at home but needs assistance for everyday activities, he can sign up for a home care program. The program will provide the senior with a caregiver to assist in different tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and showering. Home care may or may not include medical care, so it’s important to clarify the scope of assistance that a home care agency can provide. If medical care is included in the program, then this option can also benefit seniors who have health conditions that demand constant attention. A consideration for this type of care is that home remodeling may be necessary to accommodate the senior’s needs.
- Skilled Nursing Facility
A skilled nursing facility offers a high level of care provided by certified nurses and therapists. This living arrangement best benefits seniors who have a condition that requires constant medical attention, are recovering from a surgery, or dealing with a long-term illness.
- Memory Care Facility
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia require a great deal of attention that members of a busy household may not be able to provide. Alzheimer’s patients often require around the clock support and a comprehensive list of activities to keep them safe and improve the quality of life. Memory care facilities feature semi-private units for seniors as well as extra security measures to prevent residents from wandering off.
- Hospice
Hospice care is specially designed for seniors with terminal illness. Unlike the other options, hospice care concentrates on supporting seniors not just medically, but also spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Hospice care provides support to the seniors’ families and helps them come to terms with the patients’ eventual passing. Hospice can take place at home or at a special facility that offers a more home-like feel than a typical nursing facility.
Knowing what option works best for your senior is the key to providing them with a comfortable and fulfilling life.
