A Look at the Care Options in Senior Living Communities
No matter your age, it’s never too early to start thinking about being ready for when it’s time to retire, whether that’s where you want to live, how you will live, or what senior living care options will be available. Having a plan in place in advance can help you avoid having to make a quick decision following a crisis, something no one wants to do.
Senior living care options: a growing need
As today’s population ages, more and more seniors are investigating what today’s senior living communities offer in terms of housing, lifestyle, and care.
- The 2020 US Census reported that one in six Americans was over the age of 65 (55 million). By 2060, the senior population in the U.S. is projected to exceed 95 million.
- 70% of seniors will need some form of care in their lifetime.
- Assisted living is the most common senior living for adults over 74.
The good news is that today’s senior living care options have come a long way, whether it’s a community with several levels of care or a stand-alone assisted living or memory care community. A sharper emphasis on wellness and healthy aging, coupled with exceptional services and amenities and countless opportunities for healthy socialization, have resulted in more and better choices.
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What to know about senior living care options
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Older adults who are living successfully on their own, without need of assistance, are good candidates for independent living. With no home maintenance weighing them down, independent living residents can be as active as they choose, benefiting from an environment focused on their wellness and satisfaction. Convenient services and a long list of desired amenities and activities result in a lifestyle that offers engagement, companionship and independence.
ASSISTED LIVING
Assisted living is an option for those seniors who either need assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management), or who would prefer living in a group setting as opposed to being alone at home. Residents enjoy access to a range of amenities and services, activities, programs, and more designed to promote health and longevity. The goal is to maintain independence as much as possible and enjoy a high quality of life.
MEMORY CARE
According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, memory care is the fastest-growing sector of the senior housing market, Memory care specifically addresses memory issues and the cognitive decline that can occur because of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Specially trained caregivers offer highly personalized care and direct residents in activities designed to improve cognitive function and provide engagement during the different stages of the disease.
SKILLED NURSING
Sometimes an older adult requires a higher level of care, including custodial care (getting in and out of bed, assistance with bathing, feeding, etc.) as well medical care that can only be administered by a licensed physician or nurse. Of all the senior living care options, skilled nursing would be most appropriate, as it provides 24-hour care that is more intensive than what is available in other levels of care. Residents benefit from individual care plans and services such as housekeeping and laundry, transportation services and more. Social and recreational activities are often available. In addition, residents often have access to on-site physical, occupational and speech therapies.
We are here to help you
At Avalon Park, we understand that gaining a clear understanding of all your senior living care options can seem overwhelming at first. That’s why we suggest taking your time to decide what would best meet your needs, or those of your loved one. As senior living professionals, we are eager to share our expertise with you and answer any questions you may have.
And we invite you to learn more about our exceptional independent living community, where you can live well and live better. And should your health needs ever change, a local health and home care provider has an office right on our campus. They will be happy to arrange appropriate care and support to be delivered right to your apartment.
Everything you need is here. Contact us today to set up your personalized tour. Learn how a move to senior living can give you the lifestyle you deserve – download our guide, Choosing the Right Community.
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