Is Senior Housing Right For You?

As you get closer to retirement, you have to think about where you want to live out your senior years.  Trying to figure out the right this out can be a daunting task.  You may want to age in place or you may want to move to a senior housing facility.  There are lots of factors to consider when you are looking into senior housing.  The search can be overwhelming and frustrating, but by doing your due diligence now you will be able to benefit by living your senior years in comfort.

The first thing you need to consider is if you are in need of the assistance that senior housing provides.  Here are 6 signs to watch for.

6 Signs That Indicate Its Time For Senior Housing

1. If you are worried about your safety in your current home it is time to look into senior housing.  These safety issues can stem from falling more often or your current home having challenges like steep stairs.
2. If you are having increased issues with forgetting things, this can be dangerous.  You might forget and leave the stove on or forget to turn the water off when running a bath.
3. As you get older, personal care becomes harder to do.  If you find that you are scared to shower because you might slip in the tub or if you have problems with simple hygiene tasks, you need to look into your senior care options.
4. Having a hard time maintaining your home and finances.  If your trash is overflowing, your home is no longer tidy and your bills are piling up then seek help.
5. If the need for help from your loved one’s is increasing, this is a sign that it is time to look into senior housing.
6. Staying social as you age is very important. If you find yourself spending more of your time at home and alone this can lead to depression and illness.

Senior Housing Options

Now that you have evaluated if a senior housing facility is right for you, lets look into the different senior housing options at at are available.

In Home Care

In Home Care is a great option for seniors who want to stay in their home, but need help.  With in-home care you can find caregivers to help you with the tasks that you find difficult.

Home-Health Care

Home Health Care identifies the expert side of residence services offered by Medicare.  Home Health contains services such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-language pathology (treatment ) Services, Medical Social Work, wound care, IV or nutrition treatment, and Injections which may be administered at home  with doctors orders.

Home-Health Care can provide food, activities, transport, and care for people needing help with daily living activities.

Adult Day Centers

Adult day centers are similar in concept to child day cares.  Seniors go in the morning and stay until the facility closes.  These facilities provide meals, activities, transportation, and hands-on care for those needing assistance with daily living activities.

Independent/Retirement Living

Independent or Retirement Living Communities is most suitable for people who can handle their health care needs on their own or with help from private or family caregivers in an apartment setting.  Independent Living doesn’t provide health care services or help, but might provide transportation, housekeeping, social activities, and a meal program.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living Area (ALF) offers a structured setting for individuals who have a number of care needs, but want to live within an apartment setting.  The requirements of seniors that live in an Assisted Living Community are individuals needing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s).

Nursing Homes

Conventional Nursing Homes are a lot different now than from a decade ago.  The word “nursing home” has been phased out because it has been divided into two groups: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF).  Intermediate car facilities offer help with bathing, getting dressed and eating.  Skilled care nursing is given by registered nurses.  This includes medical monitoring and treatments.  Both of these types of care can be provided under the same roof.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also referred to as CCRC’s, provide continued care within a campus or community. CCRC’s provide care until  “till end of life”.  They provide increased levels of care because demands change for seniors in their facility. CCRC’s include Independent Living choices (apartments, or single level houses), Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facility services.  Some provide Memory or Dementia Care units. CCRC can be pricey.

You should continue to learn about senior housing options after you have determined that senior housing is right for you.  Only through careful research and understanding of your needs will you be able to figure out where the ideal living situation will be fore you as a senior.