Which Type of Senior Living Is Right for You?

As older adults consider where they want to spend their retirement years, they’re faced with a variety of options: independent living, assisted living, memory care, in-home care, and more.

If you’re not sure which type of senior living is best for you, this overview will help you take a deeper dive into your options.

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living is a great option for active older adults who want to live on their own but leave behind the burdens of home maintenance. Because independent living communities take care of things like apartment maintenance, grounds upkeep, and even housekeeping, you’re free to spend your time as you wish.

In an independent living community, you can take advantage of a number of amenities that you may not have in your current home, such as:

Fitness equipment
Outdoor social spaces
Beauty salon
Garden area
Library
Walking paths
Game room

Another significant benefit to moving into an independent senior living community is having access to activities and social events. It’s easy to stay active and engaged with daily on-site activities, which can include:

Artistic pursuits like painting and sculpting
Continued education through guest lectures and book clubs
Group exercise classes such as yoga and aerobics
Music-centered activities and performances
Afternoon social hours
Religious services

While your apartment will have its own kitchen, you can choose to dine on scratch-made cuisine in the community’s dining room. Many independent living communities also have a private dining room that you can reserve for private parties and celebratory gatherings.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities offer older adults the chance to maintain their independence while also receiving specialized senior care.

In assisted living, you can benefit from personalized support with things like:

Dressing
Bathing
Mobility
Medication management
Dressing
Grooming

Similar to independent living, seniors in assisted living enjoy living within a community of their peers, which helps them socialize and stay engaged. They can take part in a number of programs and activities, which are designed to help them find purpose and meaning in each day.

Assisted living residents also have a maintenance-free lifestyle, free from worrying about things like laundry, housekeeping, trash removal, or apartment maintenance.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care communities provide long-term care to those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of memory loss.

In addition to support with things like dressing, bathing, and medication management, memory care communities offer specialized activities, socialization opportunities, and fresh cuisine tailored to residents’ dietary needs.

In addition to secure entrances and exits, memory care communities may also employ unique designs to help seniors with memory loss stay safe and more easily navigate around their living areas.

How Does In-Home Care Work?

In-home care may be a good option for older adults who need some extra support but aren’t looking to move into an assisted living community.

In-home care is delivered by professionals like certified home health aides and registered nurses, who can help with personal grooming, bathing, medication management, laundry, errands, and healthcare coordination.

You will often see independent living residents leveraging in-homecare services so they can remain in their own apartment and still have access to the amenities, activities, and socialization offered by the community.

If you’re interested in discussing your senior living options, get in touch with us today.

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