Senior Housing Defined
The term Senior
Housing encompasses a vast array of services, lifestyle and living
arrangements. Four basic areas are defined for you here:
Assisted Living Community
Assisted living bridges the
gap between living on your own and living in a nursing home. Assistance with
daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, housekeeping and
transportation is provided. The assistance needed may not require the
round-the-clock, skilled health care a nursing home provides, yet needs cannot
be met living in a more independent setting. Choices will vary from single or
double rooms to suites and apartments. In some areas of the country, assisted
living residences may be called different names, such as personal care,
residential care, or domiciliary care. Assisted living residences may be part of
a retirement community, nursing home or elderly housing facility, or they may
stand-alone. Whatever the setting, assisted living offers the opportunity for
residents to continue living as independently as possible.
Continuing Care Retirement Community
The continuing care retirement
community (CCRC) is also known in some regions as a life care community.
Religious organizations, fraternal groups and other nonprofit agencies sponsor
most CCRCs. These communities provide comprehensive residential and health care
services. This type of community is different from other housing and care
options for older people because it offers a long-term contract that provides
for housing, services and nursing care, usually all in one location. The CCRC
continues to meet resident’s needs in a familiar setting, as they grow older. A
CCRC resident can take advantage of a wide variety of activities and services
conveniently offered within the community. There are no restrictions on
lifestyle.
Independent Senior Living Community
Independent Living Communities,
often referred to as Retirement Communities, Congregate Living or Senior
Apartments, are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own, but
desire the security and conveniences of community living. Some Independent
Living Communities offer abundant recreational activities, which may include
swimming pool/spas, exercise facilities, Clubhouse/Lounge and Library/Reading
Lounges. Communities may also provide laundry facilities, linen service, meals
or access to meals, local transportation, and planned social activities. Health
care is not provided with your normal fees, but many communities will allow
residents to pay for a home health aide or nurse to come into their apartment to
assist with medicine and personal care.
Specialized Senior Care Community
Specialized
Care is often related to Alzheimer’s and dementia care
and services. For those in early to middle stages of the disease, care can be
provided in a residential setting unit, such as an assisted living center or a
congregate care community, or may also stand-alone.
Facilities typically offer personal care assistance, supportive services such as housekeeping and transportation. Centers that specialize in this area are usually purpose built with the Alzheimer and dementia patient in mind.
