Exploring Senior Living Options

From Home Care to Assisted Living and Beyond

Choosing the right housing option is a big decision for seniors and their families, impacting comfort, care, and overall quality of life. Right at Home is dedicated to supporting seniors in their desire to remain at home for as long as possible, wherever home may be. Because needs and circumstances change, it is important to be informed about all available options if and when the time comes for a move.

Whether adapting to more intensive care needs or simply reconsidering living arrangements to better suit lifestyle changes, knowing the options for different types of senior housing can make transitions smoother and decisions more informed. Here’s a look at the most common options.

1. Aging in Place With Home Care

Many seniors prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. Aging in place involves adapting and managing the living space so seniors can live safely, independently, and comfortably. Home care services play a vital role in this by providing assistance with daily activities, medical needs, and personal care right in the comfort of one’s home. Home care can range from a few hours a week to round-the-clock care, depending on the individual’s needs. It’s an excellent option for those who require minor to moderate assistance and wish to maintain a high degree of independence.

2. Independent Living Communities

For older adults who are active and largely independent but seek to live among peers, independent living communities offer an attractive option. These communities often provide amenities, such as housekeeping, meals, and social activities, without the responsibilities of home maintenance. Residents can enjoy a community environment with the freedom to participate in as many or as few activities as they wish. And, in many instances, a caregiver from an agency like Right at Home can help those living in an independent community stay there longer before having to “move up” to an assisted living community due to the increasing need for help.

3. Assisted Living Communities

When the level of required care increases, making it challenging to manage independently at home, assisted living communities can offer a more suitable solution. These settings provide a balanced environment where older adults can receive personal care and medical support while still enjoying a level of autonomy. Assisted living is designed for those who need assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management, but do not require the intensive medical and nursing care provided in a nursing home.

4. Memory Care Units

For older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, memory care units are specialized facilities designed to offer a safe environment with structured activities to enhance the quality of life. Memory care provides intensive, specialized care for residents, including enhanced security measures to prevent wandering, therapies designed to reduce confusion, and programs tailored to maintain cognitive functions as much as possible.

5. Nursing Homes

At the more intensive end of the care spectrum are nursing homes, which provide 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities, and health management. These facilities are best suited for people of all ages who require constant medical attention and assistance with most or all daily activities. Nursing homes also offer rehabilitative care, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Many senior living communities offer all or a combination of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care.

Understanding the full spectrum of available options helps ensure that the choice an older adult makes is the best one for their current and future needs. Each type of housing offers different levels of support and independence, and what suits a senior at a certain stage of life may change as their needs evolve.

Be Aware of Local Options, Just in Case

Older adults who are aging in place should consider looking into local senior living options in case their needs change. Most residences offer free tours that might also include a complimentary lunch in their dining room. This would be a good time to find out about costs as well.

How Right at Home Can Help

Right at Home’s professional in-home caregivers provide services that support senior clients’ physical and emotional health, no matter where they call home. Our screened and trained caregivers can drive clients to and from appointments with doctors and other providers and help clients follow their doctors’ diet, exercise, and medication recommendations. Right at Home’s unique five-step process ensures the right fit for senior clients. Download our FREE Ways To Pay for In-Home Senior Care Guide, full of helpful information about funding sources available. Or, use our location finder to contact your local Right at Home and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.

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