Senior Housing Options Explained
As you get older and settle into retirement, you might become concerned about ensuring you’re properly prepared for your future. Of course, you want to live in a place where you’ll be comfortable and have time to focus on the things you find most important, but what about your health needs?
The good news is today’s older adults have a wide variety of senior housing options available to fit every lifestyle, budget and health concern. Whether your search for retirement communities and other living options has been prompted by the desire to lead a more carefree lifestyle, or you’re facing a chronic health condition and will need more care, knowing the differences and options available will ensure you’re making a choice that allows for a happy, fulfilling future.
Planning for a Vibrant Future: Today’s Senior Housing Options
The key is to make the right choice for your personal needs and desires. This means taking several things into consideration, such as the housing style you like, whether that’s an apartment or a free-standing cottage, your current physical, emotional and mental health, your individual financial situation and any safety issues that could arise in the home. Keep these factors in mind as you begin to think ahead for your future and you’re guaranteed to make the best decision that will allow you to truly thrive in the years to come.
It’s also important to do some research about the types of senior living communities and options available in your desired location. These are the main types of senior housing options available to older adults today:
Independent Living in a Retirement Setting
Housing options in this type of community often include senior-friendly free-standing cottages, condominiums or apartments that are safe and accessible for retirees who may be looking to downsize their homes. As part of the community, residents usually enjoy a mostly maintenance-free lifestyle, with help with home maintenance, transportation and sometimes a network of services should you require more assistance at some point. However, supportive services like assisted living and skilled nursing care are not available onsite, which means should your needs change in the future, you’ll be forced to move again at some point.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
One of the most comprehensive, robust types of senior living communities are continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), or life plan communities. A CCRC offers a true way to age in place with a full continuum of care for future peace of mind. Move into a CCRC when you are independent, active and ready to enjoy a fulfilling retirement. Take part in a wide array of daily social activities, enjoy fine dining options and maintain your independence with innovative wellness programs. Should your health needs change, you’ll enjoy priority access to supportive services like assisted living and skilled nursing care, all in the location you already call home.
Assisted Living Communities
For seniors facing an ongoing decline in their health and mobility and who need some daily help with activities such as dressing, bathing or medication management, assisted living communities offer this higher level of care. A team of medical professionals is available around-the-clock to address any needs, but residents are encouraged to maintain as much independence as possible. Assisted living communities offer the same type of amenities as independent senior living communities on top of the supportive care they provide.
Memory Care Neighborhoods
Memory care neighborhoods are often located in a specialized area of an assisted living community or skilled nursing center and offer personalized support for those living with Alzheimer’ disease or other forms of dementia. The staff is specially trained in the treatment of the daily issues associated with memory loss, and the care is provided in a comfortable, home-like environment. Residents enjoy structured activities and 24-hour support to ensure they are enjoying the highest quality of life.
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers
For those in need of short- or long-term care following an illness, injury, surgery or chronic medical condition, skilled nursing centers offer a higher level of medical care and 24-hour nursing services. A professional team creates an individualized plan of care based on each resident’s specific needs. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are also provided to restore independence and get residents back to their normal routines.
In-Home Healthcare
For those seniors who would like to age in place in their homes, in-home healthcare services may be available to provide help in the comfort of your home. Personal care assistance, companion services or skilled care are administered by professionally-trained caregivers, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or home health aides to keep you comfortable, healthy and thriving while remaining in your own home.
A Plan for Life at The Moorings at Lewes
The Moorings at Lewes is the only continuing care retirement community near the Delaware beaches, offering a variety of vibrant senior living options with peace of mind for your future. Enjoy a full calendar of social activities, an array of unique services and amenities, and all that the Lewes area has to offer for an engaging lifestyle. Ready to learn more? Schedule a personal tour by contacting us today.
