We all hope we can age gracefully and avoid issues like physical limitations and memory loss, but that isn’t realistic. Nearly forty percent of seniors (65 and over) report having one or more disabilities, and that number only increases with age. No one person ages the same, so that means that the care they are given can’t be the same either. That is why there are so many senior housing options available, to meet the individual needs of each senior, depending on their particular set of physical or mental concerns. The list of caregivers and facilities can be confusing, however, with a little homework you can find the perfect care for yourself or a loved one.
It’s important to first familiarize yourself with the basic senior care options available. These can vary in name from area to area, but in general, the following are representative of existing care levels for seniors.
Home Health Aides and Nursing
Home health is just that, healthcare provided in the patient’s home. For patients who can live safely on their own, but just need help with specific tasks, home health is a great option. The main difference comes from whether the person needs clinical or nursing support, or just needs help with non-clinical chores. Non-clinical aides can help cook meals, clean, and help the patient with mobility and hygiene. For patients that need more help like wound care or dressing changes, a home health nurse would be the best option. The main drawback for this type of care is that other than the company of the nurse or aide, it provides little in the way of entertainment or socialization. However, if staying at home is the primary concern, this is a great solution.
Independent Living
Independent senior living can take many forms. It can be a neighborhood, apartment building, or community limited to residents 65 and over. Or as it more often means, it is an intentional community (usually one building or apartment) built to cater to the physical and social needs of seniors. Regardless, independent livings spaces are for seniors who can still function well on their own, but are looking for less responsibility in the way of household chores, cooking, and cleaning. These communities provide these type of non-clinical services and usually 24-hour call support for emergencies. Plus, there are often planned social events or public spaces to gather, helping to mitigate the senior isolation so often felt in later years.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities take the intentional community one step further. These types of communities offer personal care, like hygiene and mobility help. They often have the ability to provide nursing care like medication reminders and more clinical personal care services, meaning there is nursing staff on-hand to complete these tasks. Programming and daily activities provided by coordinators are tailored to keeping residents active and social within their limitations.
Memory Care
Memory care communities are tailored to help resident’s diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's, or any other type of cognitive decline. They have specially-trained staff and more clinical help on hand to care for seniors who often have issues with mobility, speech, eating, and aggression. Memory care facilities alter their activities to cater to the abilities of their residents and help them keep as social as possible, especially with visiting family. Security is a heightened issue as wandering is a common dementia symptom. These communities are "locked" with gated perimeters and badge-key doors, but often have secure outdoor spaces for the residents to enjoy.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
For residents who need the highest-level of care, there are skilled nursing facilities. These communities are regulated by state and federal oversight and provide high-acuity care to patients, like those with tracheotomies, feeding tubes, and pulmonary care needs. They also care for non-mobile or non-responsive residents. Generally, socialization and activities are still encouraged, but the care and comfort of the residents is the highest priority.
How to Decide?
Now that you understand the difference between these senior living options, how do you make the right decision? You can always visit nearby independent and assisted living communities and talk with the families and residents. Online you can find senior housing websites that will let you see the services and amenities at a glance. While there, check out their senior housing reviews to hear more from past and present residents. Sites like Lilisity, show facility comparisons and let you learn more about what life is like in a particular community. There are many places and people who care for seniors. It's now up to you to find the right fit for you or your loved one!