Choices for Elder Care
Many options are available for senior housing today. At one time, older adults lived with their families. However, in today’s busy world and changing family dynamics, many older adults now live in alternative housing. A variety of options are available: Senior Only Apartments, Home Health, Adult Day Services, Short Term Housing for Seniors, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing Homes.
Note: Because facilities vary in types of services offered, below is a general definition of each housing option.
"Senior Only" Apartments
Some older seniors sell their homes of many years and move to an apartment. This frees up equity that can then supplement income through interest or dividends earned through investment of the capital. The move also frees seniors from home maintenance and grounds-keeper chores. For others living in a large complex of all seniors also affords a greater sense of security than living in a private home.
Home Health
Seniors in need of homecare still live at home and have a hired agency/person come to their house to assist them with their day-to-day needs. Some of these services may include housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, transportation to physician appointments, and companion services.
Adult Day Services
A place that provides respite, or short term breaks for family caregivers by caring for their loved one (i.e. vacation/trip for caregiver, caregiver needs to go to work, etc). Adult Day Service facilities also provide therapeutic care for cognitive and physically impaired adults.
Senior Short Term Housing (Vacation and Snowbirds)
Senior Short Term Vacation Housing offers the chance to try before you buy. It allows one to take advantage of a senior community in a distant location. People too frail for the rigors of hotels and restaurants for multiple days, can vacation at a slower pace with needed care available to them.
Independent Living
Independent living may include apartments and condominiums with no supportive services or supervision or social activities, unless arranged and/or paid for in advance.
Assisted Living
Independent living with a full range of supportive services, including medication management, and ongoing social activities. Other services may include assistance with bathing and dressing, housekeeping and laundry service, and meals. Care staff are on site 24/7 to meet resident needs in a home-like setting.
Memory Care
Provides care to individuals with some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Facility is usually secured to prevent resident elopement. Also more independent living with a full range of supportive services, including medication management, and ongoing social activities designed for individuals with dementia. Other services may include assistance with bathing and dressing, housekeeping and laundry service, and meals. Dementia-trained care staff are on site 24/7 to meet resident needs in a home-like setting.
Nursing Homes
Dependent living with a full range of supportive services and activities in a medical setting. Medically complex patients are cared for and treated by a Registered nursing staff.
For more information on senior housing, please contact a Village Business Institute consultant at (701) 451-4900 or toll free at 800-627-8220.