Senior Living

Once upon a time there were "Old Folks Homes," places where the elderly went to spend their final days, sitting in boredom in dreary buildings with institutional dining rooms and stark sleeping rooms with wheelchairs lining the corridors. Pretty grim!

Fast forward to the 21st century where an industry has grown that is full of choices for youngsters 55 years and over. There are a variety of options to choose from depending on a senior's needs, desires and cognitive capability.

Types of living accommodations include: Senior Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Board and Care, Alzheimer's/Dementia Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Continuing Care Residential Communities, and In Home Care. As my grandmother used to say, "There's a top for every pot." Each of these alternatives offers unique opportunities for seniors. The following brief descriptions may help untangle this often confusing and emotional decision:

Senior Apartments
Independent apartments that have age restrictions usually starting at 55.
There may be a meal program offered and housekeeping services available for a fee. Amenities may include a club house or meeting room, transportation, fitness center, and most participate with the Lifeline or emergency response system.

This is most appealing to active seniors. Apartments often include single family homes, condominiums, and mobile homes.

Independant Living
Apartment communities for independent seniors with 24 hour on-site supervision. Services generally include meals, housekeeping and laundry (sometimes at an additional charge). Social activities both recreational and educational are offered.

Assisted Living
Fast becoming the largest and most appealing option for aging, active seniors.

Assisted Living offers a combination of residential housing and personalized care services tailored to the needs of each resident. These services, termed Activities of Daily Living (ADELs), are essential to Performed on a daily basis, they may include dressing, bathing, grooming, feeding, toileting, transferring, and escorting. It is usually the inability to perform ADELs that results in a resident moving into Assisted Living. Assisted Living Communities range in choice from apartment accommodations to smaller board and care homes. Amenities include three meals, housekeeping, laundry, social, educational, devotional and recreational activities, transportation services, exercise and wellness programs. Residents do not require skilled nursing care, though most communities have a skilled medical professional on staff. Caregivers in Assisted Living are available 24/7.
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