Know Your Senior Living Options

Active adult communities, also known as 55+ communities, are a popular choice for independent empty nesters age 55 and older who are looking to socialize with others their own age. 55+ communities promote an active social lifestyle. They often offer hospitality services and outdoor maintenance, as well as amenities like pickle ball courts, fitness centers, pools, and clubhouses. Learn more about active adult communities.

Independent living is best suited for healthy active seniors who require minimal or no assistance. Amenities and services such as multiple dining venues, wellness classes, activities and transportation are also common offerings. Residences may be freestanding cottages, townhomes or apartments which may be obtained through an entrance fee or rental arrangement. Access to higher levels of care may be offered. Discover the benefits of Independent Living.

Assisted living is for seniors who revere their independence, but who could benefit from some assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating and taking medication. Assisted living communities provide senior-friendly apartment designs and a lifestyle that promotes healthy, active living and plenty of social engagement. See if assisted living is right for you.

A continuing care retirement community – or life plan community – provides a continuum of care on one campus. If needs change, residents can transition from independent living to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing care without having to move. Continuing Care Retirement Communities usually require a one-time upfront entrance fee and a predictable monthly fee that covers maintenance and a wide variety of services and amenities. Learn more about CCRCs.

Memory care can be the right choice for families who have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Memory care communities offer a safe, secure, residential setting and offer 24/7 care, a specially trained staff, innovative technologies and interventions, and memory programming and therapies. The lifestyle is also designed to not only enhance quality of life for residents, but also peace of mind for families. Is memory care right for your loved one?

Skilled Nursing Facilities – or nursing homes – are for seniors who require around-the-clock medical care, assistance and caregiving. Many people often incorrectly associate nursing homes with assisted living communities, but these facilities are equipped to manage more complex or chronic medical conditions and often provide rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapies. The average length of stay in a nursing home is between 20 and 38 days. Residents are often those who need more recovery time after surgery or illness. For more on Skilled nursing care.

Home health, hospice and respite care are other senior care options. Home health care services include comprehensive skilled nursing care and rehabilitation therapies. Home care is often prescribed when more care is needed after hospitalization. Hospice care is non-curative comfort care for those facing life-limiting illness. While there are freestanding hospice communities, care is most often provided at home. Respite care refers to a short-term stay for an older adult in an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility. Learn more about your options.