Senior Housing: What Are the Options?
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If you have an elderly parent or relative, it is almost inevitable that you'll be faced with decisions about his or her living arrangements. Some seniors can continue living in their current homes with no difficulties. Others, however, may need an alternative housing option to ensure they have adequate care and support as they age.
Investigating your options can seem daunting. There are many types of residential settings available, each of which provides their residents with different services, amenities, and levels of care. And because each resident's circumstances are unique, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right facility. The following is an overview of some of the main options to help you make a more informed decision.
Housing Communities – These housing options are geared towards generally healthy and independent older adults who prefer to live in a community comprised of their peers.
Age-Qualified Communities: Also known as 55+ or active adult communities, these are often planned communities that provide homes and amenities that appeal to adults age 55 and older. They are geared towards those who prefer to live with other older residents and often limit 80% of the residency to adults over a particular age. These communities promote an active lifestyle, and often include amenities such as exercise facilities, golf courses, swimming pools, and gathering places for social events. They generally offer a variety of housing types, including apartments, single family homes, and townhomes.
Age-Qualified Apartments: Also known as senior apartments, this housing option is typically available to individuals age 55 and older. Senior apartments are offered at a variety of price points: some are luxury apartments in high end buildings, many others rent for market rates or below market rates, and certain apartments are specifically reserved for low-income individuals. These apartments are designed to be accessible to elders and offer transportation services. In addition, they often include recreational and social services for their residents.
Co-housing: Co-housing refers to an “intentional community” of private homes surrounding shared space. While the residents privately own their homes, they share common facilities such as a kitchen and dining area and a laundry room. Shared outdoor space available to residents often includes parking, walkways, gardens, and open space. Residents may also share the cost of an on-site health care provider or aids. Residents jointly participate in decision making, generally through an HOA, condo association, or housing cooperative. Co-housing also features regular social activities such as meals, parties, and movies.
Caregiving Facilities – When an older individual regularly needs help with his or her daily activities, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes may be the most appropriate options.
Assisted Living: Assisted-living residences offer a long-term care option that provides housing, support services, and health care on an as-needed basis. Assisted living facilities cater to older adults who require assistance with everyday activities, but wish to remain as independent as possible. They provide help with basic activities, such as meals, bathing, dressing, and medication. Residents live in apartment-style homes in the majority of these residences, while some facilities offer group homes for their residents.
Nursing Homes: A nursing home is often recommended for those who cannot be cared for at home but do not need to live in a hospital. They provide skilled nursing care that is generally available 24 hours a day. Staff members help residents with most of their daily activities, and provide physical, speech, and occupational therapy for additional support. Some nursing homes have a hospital-like appearance, while others offer a home-like setting.
Independent Living, with Caregiving Resources – These types of facilities are often the best choice for elders who desire an independent living situation as well as the option of extra assistance with daily activities should they require it.
Continuing-Care Retirement Communities: These facilities, known as CCRRs, are a sort of hybrid between the independent-living options and caregiving facilities explained above. These “continuum of care” facilities provide independent-living apartments and homes and the social and recreational activities available in retirement communities. At the same time, residents also have access to assisted-living and nursing-level care if they need the extra support. Residents generally enter the communities while they are able to live independently. If their condition worsens, they have access to the levels of care provided in assisted-living or nursing-home facilities. Though these communities are often more expensive than others, they assure that the appropriate level of care will be available (and that a move to another facility will be less likely) in the event that a resident’s health or abilities decline.
Choosing to move into a senior living community is a big decision. It requires careful consideration of the individual needs and desires of the potential resident. When it comes to senior living residences, there is no shortage of options. In order to make the best decision for you or your loved one, consider the living style, services provided, level of care, and environment that best accommodates you or your loved one’s circumstances and needs.
