7 Great Housing Options for Seniors

Nowadays, senior citizens have several great housing options to choose from. Ultimately, the type of home you choose will depend on your mobility, health status, and specific home care needs.

This guide discusses some common housing options for seniors, as well as the types of seniors that stay in each:

Active Adult Communities

Active adult communities are neighborhoods specifically designed for seniors or older adults. These communities are made up of either standard houses or townhouses. They can also contain condos, apartments, or mobile homes. Most of these establishments require an adult to be 55 years and above to live there. Seniors that live in active adult communities are fully independent and have no trouble living on their own. They can take care of themselves while they live close to each other. Most active adult communities are equipped with a wide range of educational, recreational, and social activities.

Assisted Living Residences

This living arrangement is similar to an active adult community. The main difference is that assisted living residences offer personal care services to seniors in need, including help getting dressed, bathing, and taking medications. Some assisted living residences also offer special units for seniors with early stages of dementia. If a senior citizen is still physically able but needs assistance with some activities, this is an ideal housing type for them.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are probably what you’re thinking of when you picture the conventional “retirement home.” Seniors can buy or rent living spaces in these types of establishments. In most cases, meals are also provided in independent living communities. Other services that might be provided include laundry, housekeeping, and transportation. In this living arrangement, most seniors can take care of themselves, or at least perform basic activities like getting dressed, bathing, and taking medications. This housing option is ideal for seniors who can do things independently but don’t quite feel comfortable living on their own. These communities create good social environments for seniors to live alongside people their own age.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are also referred to as extended care or skilled nursing facilities. These communities provide both senior living services and medical care. A nursing home has several nurses and professional healthcare providers on-site offering 24-hour service each and every day. While it does offer permanent residence, some seniors only stay here temporarily. For instance, a senior could stay in a nursing home to recover from a fall accident, surgery, or various health conditions. Either way, if a senior needs 24 hours of medical or personal care, this arrangement is often best. Seniors with underlying medical conditions can also use the services of a nursing home.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

These communities are ideal for many senior citizens. Continuing care retirement communities feature many homes in one area. With this setup, seniors can choose from assisted living, independent living, or nursing home options all in the same location. This is especially helpful because it allow individuals to change residences within the same community as they get older and their needs change. This living arrangement works for most seniors because it lets them benefit from various services immediately.

Given the many benefits this housing type comes with, it makes sense that it would be the most expensive senior living option. Plus, residents of continuing care communities usually have to sign a contract and pay separate charges for the various services they provide.

Memory Care/Alzheimer’s

These are dedicated units in assisted living communities that offer special care for seniors with memory problems or Alzheimer’s. These homes have the proper equipment to treat such conditions and give memory-impaired seniors a better living environment. Furthermore, these homes have professionally trained staff that provides 24-hour care for seniors at all stages of dementia. They also provide therapy and nursing care services for those with such conditions. Caring for seniors with memory problems on their own can be very difficult. Furthermore, they need constant medical care, without which their condition can worsen. Memory care homes are specialized in handling these cases and help keep ailing seniors in good condition.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is ideal for seniors diagnosed with terminal illnesses who need specialized care. Some of the services provided in these homes are nursing and medical care. Furthermore, given the nature of terminal illnesses, other services like therapy and emotional support are provided here. Hospice care is also ideal for seniors dealing with the loss of friends or relatives. While these homes are often in different locations, you can usually partner with hospice care providers to offer these services in your own home. This is especially good when it’s only for a short-term period.