Senior living communities are incredibly common throughout the country. As you or your loved one ages, you may find you need help completing certain tasks. This is where senior living communities come in. If you are considering your options and beginning to plan for the future, here are just some of the basics about senior living communities.
A brief definition
A senior living community is an overarching term for the various types of residential living options available for older individuals. Certain communities may feature various options and levels of care or have dedicated sites for one type of community. There is a focus on maintaining independence and dignity, as well as encouraging engagement with lively social calendars and exciting activities.
Who are they for?
There are various factors that will determine whether senior living communities are necessary and which option is most suitable. The Activities of Daily Living, and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living are sets of daily self-care tasks that the majority of people can perform without help or prompting. However, as you age, you may find you need more and more assistance. This is when senior living communities come in. Your physician or adult care worker can assess you and decide on whether senior living is required and what kind would be most suitable. According to Brightview Bethesda assisted living, some of the most common reasons for choosing a senior living community are access to assistance and safety/security.
What are the options?
Many senior living communities offer a range of services and amenities. These can include fitness centers and gyms, salons, restaurant-style dining, and organized trips and transport. They often have social events to encourage residents to feel part of the community and programs that promote enrichment in various areas. This includes art or fitness classes, cooking demonstrations or lectures, as well as trips out to events such as concerts.
Independent living
Residents in independent living communities like in resort-like accommodation, with private rooms and sometimes private kitchens and cooking areas. There is a big focus on living independently as possible, but will extra care and support available when needed.
Assisted living
If you need extra support with your daily life, assisted living may be the perfect option. With private rooms, restaurant-style dining, and services like laundry, housekeeping, and medication management, residents can spend more time doing the things they enjoy.
Memory care
Memory is a type of senior living community aimed at those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other memory-related illnesses. It focuses on creating a safe and secure living environment, with enriching and engaging activities and social events and great medical care and support.
Respite care
This is a short-stay option, which is really useful to explore the options that are available to you when more permanent care is required. It is for individuals who are cared for at home and can allow caregiving family members to take a break whilst knowing that their loved one is in great hands.
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