As people age, their needs change. For many older adults, living independently becomes a challenge, and they require assistance with daily living activities. This is where senior communities come into play. A senior community provides housing options and a range of services to support senior living. However, navigating the senior living landscape can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the terminologies. In this article, we’ll discuss ten senior community terms you need to know.
Independent Living
Independent living is a housing option that offers the elderly the freedom to live independently in a community setting. It’s ideal for active older adults who don’t require assistance with daily living activities. Independent living communities provide amenities such as transportation, housekeeping, and meal services, as well as social and recreational activities.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a housing option that offers aging folks assistance with daily living activities like dressing, bathing, toileting, and medication management. Assisted living communities provide a range of services to support older adults’ health and wellness needs, including 24-hour supervision, medication management, housekeeping, and meal services.
Skilled Nursing Communities
A skilled nursing community, also known as a nursing home, provides 24-hour medical care to aging people who require specialized care due to chronic medical conditions or disabilities. Skilled nursing communities offer services such as wound care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized type of assisted living that caters to older adults with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Memory care communities provide a safe and secure environment with specialized care and programming to support older adults’ cognitive function and quality of life.
Life Plan Community
A life plan community, also known as a continuing care retirement community, provides a range of housing options and care services to support older adults’ changing needs as they age. Life plan communities offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care on one campus, providing a continuum of care for aging people.
Respite Care
Respite care provides short-term care services to older adults, typically for a few days or weeks, to provide relief to their primary caregivers. Respite care can be provided in an older adult’s home or in a community setting, such as an assisted living or skilled nursing center.
Home Care
Home care provides aging people with assistance with daily living activities in their own homes. Home care services can include housekeeping, meal preparation, medication management, and personal care services, such as bathing and dressing.
Age-Restricted Communities
Age-restricted communities are housing developments that are designed for adults aged 55 and older. These communities typically offer amenities such as golf courses, swimming pools, and fitness centers and are designed for active aging folks who want to live in a community setting.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
CCRC is a housing community that offers a continuum of care for older adults. CCRCs typically offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus, providing a range of care options to meet aging folks’ changing needs as they age.
Hospice Care
Hospice care provides end-of-life care and support to elderly folks who are terminally ill. Hospice care is typically provided in an older adult’s home or in a specialized center and focuses on providing comfort and dignity to the aging person during their final days.
Time to Familiarize with the Senior Living Landscape
Navigating the senior living landscape can be overwhelming, but understanding the terminologies can make it easier. These ten senior community terms are essential to understanding the senior living options available. Whether you’re considering independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing care, there’s a senior community option to meet
