Article Contents
Are you at that point where tender care is necessary, and is your buddy Joe coming in often to help around the house? You should look closer at your health and living arrangements then. Making healthcare plans for your retirement and keeping your wallet in check can be just as intimidating as learning to rock climb after hip surgery. Lucky for you, we have a guide on senior living options!
Now, imagine a building or a neighborhood full of people like you who need various degrees of care or assistance from professionals – that’s senior living. You can insist on receiving that at home and are not alone. Around 77% of age 50 and older adults share your feelings. The good news is that there is in-home care available, but if cost is an issue, you can check out other living options for seniors. Let’s dive in and see what suits you!
Types of senior living options
Senior living is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many options based on your health, vision, and financial well-being. There are creative and unique solutions to your quest out there, but here we’ve listed the popular yet different types of senior living services.
This involves your money growing wings and flying off. To stay prepared, refer to Genworth, which will provide information on your costs and available options based on your chosen area of residence.
Assisted Living
Remember Joe, who’s been helping a lot? A day without him might mean you either can’t move around much or you didn’t take your medicine on time. This is where Assisted Living comes in. Read about it and see if it’s a match. Maybe Joe could have a few more days off...
Factors to consider when choosing assisted living options for seniors:
Who is it for
Assisted Living options are viable for those who want independence but need regular help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as getting to the toilet, bathing, and so on. This living option is also great for those who need help with more complicated tasks like cooking, shopping, etc., otherwise known as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).
Accommodation
- It can be either private apartments or shared rooms.
- It may be a community as well.
- Other service forms, such as independent living or nursing homes, may be available.
Medical care
- Nursing is available for medication dispensing, vitals checks, and coordinating medical care. However, it may not be available 24 hours a day.
- Aides are available for help with ADLs and IADLs.
- Physician services are sometimes offered on-site.
- 24/7 emergency care available.
Other Services/Amenities
- All meals and snacks are provided.
- Housekeeping and laundry services are available.
- Recreational activities are possible. There are fitness facilities as well.
- Transportation to doctor’s appointments is available.
Contact with family
- On site visiting and family participation in community events is enabled.
- Phone or social media communication is possible.
- The family is enlisted as an emergency contact.
Pets
- Furry friends are allowed. However, there may be restrictions on breed, pet size, and number.
Cost
Average monthly cost for assisted living: $3,000 – $7,000.
You can read more about assisted living here:
Independent Living
Are you a free bird with good health who wants to be unburdened from the responsibility of maintaining your home? Look no further because independent senior living could answer those dreams!
You know what’s independent living so here are some factors that can help you decide:
Accommodation
- Independent living options for seniors consist of several different types of communities.
- A studio flat or one/two-bedroom apartment is available.
- These communities have smaller homes, apartments, and mobile parks.
- Assisted Living and memory care may be included. Depending on the size of the community, independent living may be on different floors.
Medical Care
- Taking medications is the responsibility of the resident.
- On-site physician services may be an option.
Other Services/ Amenities
- Community of like-minded individuals.
- All meals and snacks are provided.
- Support with ADLs may be available through a private pay option.
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry are included.
- Golf courses, swimming pools, clubhouses etc.
- Transportation to medical appointments is available.
Contact with family
- Friends and family can visit.
- Regular communication on the phone.
- Outings and participation of family in community events are encouraged.
Pets
- Pets are allowed in most Independent Living communities.
- The resident must solely care for their pet.
Cost
Average monthly cost for independent living: $2,000 – $5,000.
For more information on independent living, check out:
Memory Care
Memory Care communities act as expert puzzle solvers, supporting those with dementia, cognitive impairment, and other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
Although the residents may be prone to confusion, occasional wandering, or memory loss, these communities have expertise in caring for patients with care and compassion.
Here are some details to consider for memory care:
Accommodation
- Most Memory Care “units” are in the same building as Assisted Living, while others are solely based on this form of care.
- Locked and secure units to prevent wandering and for the safety of residents.
- Communities are smaller so that staff can provide one-to-one and specialized care.
Medical Care
- Medical care available for dementia or amnesia patients
- Access to round-the-clock nurses, doctors, and professional caregivers
- Cognitive and physical therapy
- Medication management
Other services/ amenities
- All meals and snacks are provided.
- Transportation is available for outings and doctor’s appointments.
- Assistance with ADLs and IADLs.
- Housekeeping and laundry is included.
- Wellness programs, entertainment activities, and social events occur regularly.
Contact with family
- Friends and family can visit.
- Regular communication on the phone.
- Outings and participation of family in community events are encouraged.
Pets
- Pets may be allowed, but it depends on the patient’s ability to care for them.
Cost
Average monthly cost for memory care: $4,000 – $8,000.
To understand memory care better, read:
Nursing Home Care
Nursing Home care is the “last resort” for seniors who need the highest level of care outside the hospital. This will take a toll on your wallet, but luckily, programs like Medicaid are available to keep you afloat in the long run.
Factors for nursing home care:
Accommodation
- Private or semi-private rooms are available.
- Nursing homes may be stand-alone or part of other care facilities or communities, such as assisted living or memory care. This helps with the transition of patients who need a change.
Medical care
- 24/7 medical supervision by expert doctors and nurses.
- On-site physicians and medical equipment are available.
- Short-term rehabilitation services, e.g., cognitive and physical therapy.
- Long-term rehabilitation services for chronic/fatal illnesses
- Medication support.
- Treatment for severe Alzheimer’s.
Other Services/Amenities
- Assistance with ADLs and so on.
- Meals, housekeeping, laundry, etc., are available.
- Planned recreational activities are offered.
Contact with family
- Friends and family can visit
- Regular phone or video calls can be made.
- There are scheduled community events and activities.
Pets
- Rarely allowed in nursing homes, however, therapy animals may visit.
Cost
Average monthly cost for nursing home care: $7,000 – $10,000.
For more about nursing home care, read:
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Imagine a utopia where assisted living, independent living, and memory care existed in one entire community for seniors—that’s Continuing Care Retirement Communities. This place would have it all. It’s basically independent living, but better—it’s ready to offer care for all phases of your life, and you can enjoy this from the comfort of your home!
Accommodation
- Apartments for seniors
- Subsidized housing
- Age restricted communities
- Senior cohousing
- Communities are smaller in size so that staff can provide one-to-one and specialized care.
Medical Care
- All kinds of medical facilities based on the level of care needed, e.g., memory care, are available.
- 24/7 medical staff available.
- Specialized care can be provided.
- Medication management is offered.
Other services/ amenities
- Meals and snacks are available.
- Housekeeping and laundry services are offered.
- Seniors can receive assistance with ADLs and IADLs.
- Recreational activities available
- Transportation is offered.
Contact with family
- Family visits are encouraged.
- Seniors can keep in contact through their phones as needed.
- Family and friends can participate in community events.
Pets
- Pets are typically allowed; however, restrictions may apply in assisted living and nursing care areas.
- Therapy animals often visit to support residents.
Cost
- The average monthly cost for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) is $4,000 – $10,000.
- Note that you may have to pay a membership fee before joining, so you should consult a financial advisor before joining.
Types of Retirement Communities
As you age, you’ll naturally want to be surrounded by like-minded people or those going through similar experiences. This helps create lasting and impactful bonds that will positively impact your physical and mental health.
If you’re considering relocating, consider these types of retirement communities that can offer you a fulfilling social life and the best level of care for your health:
- Luxury Senior Living: Luxury senior living is ideal for those craving a high-end life with amenities and benefits as a cherry on top. There are exclusive housing options with the best care and exciting perks, such as golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, and more.
- Family-owned small retirement communities: If you’re craving an intimate, cozy apartment to coexist in with other seniors under the loving care of staff, this could be the answer! It’s more budget-friendly, and the people there will feel like family.
- Gated retirement communities: These communities are perfect for those who want to live in safe and secure neighborhoods with fellow seniors. They offer privacy and regular amenities such as clubhouses, fitness centers, and so on.
- Big franchise retirement communities: Big franchises such as Brookdale and Sunrise offer senior care in safe and secure neighborhoods. The best part of these franchise retirement communities is that they are widely available throughout the U.S. and may be in your area! Rest assured that you’ll receive the same level of care and professionalism as policies and procedures standardize these communities.
Living options for older people with no money
We know you’re thinking, “What about us retirees with no savings”? That is the reality for many out there, so to overcome this (apart from your plan to pursue side jobs), we’ve listed the following retirement housing options:
Convenient Options
These options are possible if you need minimal care, and your health issues are manageable:
- Staying at Home.
- Living with Friends or Family or other seniors.
Subsidized and Public Housing
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing for seniors, such as apartments or single-family homes.
- The subsidized rent depends on your income.
- There will be waitlists, so get in with a HUD housing counselor.
Government Aid
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Low-income seniors can get rental assistance.
- Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: Receive rental assistance and certain extra services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
Additional Government Assistance Programs
- Section 504 Home Repair Program: pays for repairs or upgrades to your home so you can age in place safely.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): helps you cover the cost of energy-related repairs and heating and cooling your home.
- Medicaid waivers: for home health aides, housekeepers, etc.)
Nonprofit organizations
These organizations assist in reducing housing costs for seniors:
- Good Samaritan Society
- HumanGood
- Mercy Housing
- Volunteers of America
More resources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.)
- USDA’s searchable map of affordable housing for older adults
- National Resource Center on Native American Aging’s directory.
These articles can be useful:
Final Thoughts
Knowing all the options for senior living will help you choose the situation that best fits your circumstances.
Visit BoomersHub for all of your housing, financial, and healthcare needs. Prepare and plan to be secure for whatever the future holds.
FAQs
Can couples stay together in assisted living?
Yes, many options for assisted living allow couples to stay together. Before choosing such a facility/community, it is best to check the rules and look at the offered arrangements.
Check out Senior Living for Couples: Comprehensive Guide
What is senior living?
Senior living is a housing arrangement for elderly adults based on their lifestyle, financial situation, and health. Different types of senior living, such as memory care or assisted living, cater to the needs of seniors and improve their quality of life for longevity.
What is a senior living and retirement community?
This residential setting for seniors promises support services and residential options tailored to their needs. These communities often provide healthcare, social activities, and assistance with daily living tasks to make life easier for residents.
What is the benefit of moving to a senior living community?
Several benefits exist, including better social activity, accessible, supportive services, and a secure living environment based on the requirements of older adults. Seniors can thrive in a community while receiving assistance with daily activities and care as needed.
