As people get older,  life changes and it is only natural to think of the next stages in your life. Depending on what stage you are in or what level of care you need will determine what your next move might be.  In today society there are lots of senior housing choices.   Right now 70 is the new 50.  People are living longer and are in better mental and physical shape.  When you are entering the next phase or stage of your life – prepare yourself so that you are in the best position to enjoy your older years.  This requires some thought into the type of housing/care you or a loved one might need in the future.  There are many great options to choose from.  I recommend to always have a plan just in case.  Below is a list of different housing and care options that will assist you in making the right decision on the next stages of you or loved one life.

Types of Senior Housing

• Active Adult Communities (55+): This type of housing is one of the most popular. Many 55+ communities are being built. These communities are often age targeted or age restricted. These are typically maintenance free and offer a monthly association. Most of these communities offer single family homes, cottages, patio homes, condos or town homes. These types of communities offer lots of amenities as well. Typical amenities are pools, clubhouse, various activities, fitness center, and walking trails. There are a variety of communities in all prices ranges and amenities.

• Senior Apartments: These are regular apartments with typical amenities, but the only difference is they are age restrictive. Typical age restrictions are 55 and 62 years of age. Senior apartments typically have two types of payment plans. One is a reduced rent for people that can qualify. The second is market rate that mirror the rental rates of standard apartment communities. Both types offer many amenities such as pools, fitness centers, clubhouse, various types of activities.

• Independent/Retirement Communities with Services: These are retirement communities that have many of the amenities, social activities, and services as other housing options offer. The difference in these independent communities is that some offer health care services, and can accommodate older people with chronic health problems. These communities offer a restaurant style meals and many social activities. The usually have exercise facilities, planned activities, and resident clubs.

• Assisted Living / Personal Care Homes / Senior Living Communities: These communities offer help with all aspects of daily activities such as administering medication, or supervision with self-administered medication, eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.

• Memory Care Communities: These are very specialized communities that only work with seniors that have been medically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory related disorders. These facilities typically provide 24 hour staff, meal plans, activities and programs to help stimulate the mind and body.

• Skilled Nursing (Nursing Homes)/ Physical Rehabilitation Communities: This type offer hospital type attention in an institutional setting. The amount of services, food, activities, personal care attention, and structure of the facility can vary depending on the nursing home. Some nursing homes may specialize in short term or acute care, intermediate or long term skilled nursing.

• Rehab: This type offers rehabilitation services to restore and strengthen abilities of that person. This can be done in an inpatient or outpatient treatment plan.

• Hospice: This service can be provided at home or a senior care facility. Hospice services can include pain management, physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

• Home Care: The services are usually offered licensed home health care service providers and companies that provide medical and non-medical assistance such as: bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and transportation.

• There are different levels of senior housing based on the level of service a loved one needs. Do your research on the different type and levels of care and services before you make a decision. Call me, I will be glad to talk with you about the next steps for your loved one.