4 Best Housing Options for Seniors
When searching for the best place to spend the coming years, seniors have a wide range of options. Everyone’s needs are different, which is why there are so many senior housing options available. These different options can prove confusing, but you can find the right one by examining the kind of independence levels, medical treatments and daily care that they offer. Evaluate your choices and make an informed decision with this guide to the best housing options for seniors.
Skilled Nursing (Nursing Homes)
For some seniors, thorough medical care is an essential part of their housing decision. If you or your loved one requires full-time nursing and medical services, a skilled nursing facility might be the best option. In addition to medical care, these facilities provide personal care services, such as help with dressing, bathing and eating. Residents may also receive physical, speech or occupational therapy.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are a balance between the medical care that skilled nursing provides and the wider independence residents get from housing or senior communities. Assisted living facilities don’t offer the skilled medical services of a nursing home, but they provide aid and care for seniors who struggle to live completely independently. This often means providing meals, helping with daily chores and maintenance, and providing access to more intensive health and medical services.
Independent Living
Independent living communities, like retirement communities or senior housing complexes, offer maintenance-free homes, condos or apartments for seniors. This is one of the best housing options for seniors who are active and independent. Residents have access to amenities like fitness centers, pools and community centers. However, independent living communities don’t usually provide medical care, meals or daily check-ins. Seniors who can live independently but still require these services can hire outside care providers to visit them in their homes within the community.
Home Care
For many seniors, home care is the best option available. There are many fantastic benefits to aging in place, and seniors often wish to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. There are many different types of home care providers. Some offer minimal assistance, such as delivered meals or transportation services. Others will assist with daily care like dressing, bathing or keeping the house in good shape. Seniors can even receive more specialized medical care through options like telehealth care or home hospice care. The variety of services available allows more seniors to stay in the home they know and love as they age.