Terri Ramsey Beavers Aging is a process that comes with living. And as cliché, as it sounds, it truly can be a privilege denied to many. However, understandably, old age is not always greeted with open arms. As the body ages, many elderly people find themselves in challenging situations, lacking the support to make this time in their life enjoyable.
Here’s the thing; once you reach retirement age, you have a whole new chapter ahead of you. Whether you are reading this guide as a child looking for a supportive environment for your parent, or as someone looking for a great place to live out your retirement, this guide will help you to explore your senior housing options and all the different levels of care available to make your senior years the best.
Make no mistake, your age does not mean you have limited options. In fact, it means that you have new options as an older American. In America, resort-style villas and communities are vying for your money the moment you turn fifty. And when you turn a more golden age after 5 or 10 years, you become eligible for communities that offer long-term care.
Retirement Community
If you are below the age of 62, but still interested in elderly care living, you may want to consider a retirement community. A retirement community is available for those who are healthy, independent, and active. However, should you need some help, you have it on hand. If you are experiencing less independence, then you can enter a continuing care retirement community.
Long-Term Care Facility
If you or a loved one are seeking a more supported environment, then you should consider a long-term care facility such as senior care New Jersey. These facilities provide individualized care and support as well as medical attention as well. In this category, you will find continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, and assisted care facilities.
Retirement housing
If you are considering a retirement community, then you should take note of the following:
– Retirement communities are designed for individuals above the age of 55
– Some cities offer more or less independence, depending on the community
– You’d be surprised to discover that some residents are not people, but pets.
Usually, members of the retirement community will live in a house or apartment just for them. This house or apartment will be one of several clustered together, providing socialization, which is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
Just because a person is above a certain age, and considered a senior, does not mean that they do not need the basic human need of social contact. Studies reveal just how significant social interaction is for the elderly, and these studies show that senior adults are more inclined to happiness and contentment when there is social interaction.
These communities allow members to gather together, whether they share common interests, hobbies, activities. Some resorts even provide activities such as game nights, arts, lessons, and many other options.
One of the defining characteristics of these communities is that there is the option of autonomy and complete independence. This is perfect for people who are still active and independent but who aren’t ready to enter into a more controlled care environment.
Senior Apartments
These apartments are a popular choice for seniors. This type of community of apartments will include access to transportation, social activities, and a dining area. There are often many amenities that residents can enjoy, such as a swimming pool or tennis courts. Housekeeping service is not mandatory and is an optional choice. Let’s take a look at some of the essential things about senior apartments to see if it is the right choice for you:
With regards to payment:
– Option for private payment solutions
– Housing vouchers applicable for section 8
– Supportive elderly housing, or otherwise known as Section 202 federal housing
With regards to age:
The age restrictions for these elderly living spaces and be different according to the community.
However, the following are generally applicable across the board:
– Private senior apartments are either age-restricted by 55+ or 62+
– Section 202 allows for the admission of some non-senior tenants. What this means is that younger residents may live with seniors. What’s more, some tenants who are not seniors are permitted to rent units
With regards to pets:
Again, this will vary according to the community. If the apartment says that it is a pet-friendly space, this allows for small to medium-sized domestic pets.
– There are a few apartments that will allow larger dogs, but you would have to hunt them down. Also, be prepared for the administrators to ask for a type of interview with your dog before they allow him
– More substantial fish tanks are generally not permitted
With regards to independence
Generally speaking, the majority of the residents in these types of apartments will be fit and able to live on their own without assistance. However, assistance and support are available and can be arranged.
Retirement Communities
This option offers a more extensive selection of living quarters, including small-scale condos and even single-unit family homes. The majority of the time, the residents are the owners. However, there are some available for rental. The community has a clubhouse, landscaping service, transportation, and other services and amenities. To pay for these amenities, the owners pay a fee. And should you require in-house care, this can be arranged as well.
With Regard to Payment
These dwellings are paid for with private money, and cannot be paid for by the state or with federal assistance.
With regards to the Age Restrictions
There is usually no strict policy regarding age. It is not uncommon for younger people to be residents.
With Regards to Pets
The rules and regulations regarding pets in these types of communities will differ according to the specific community.
With Regards to Independence
Naturally, not everyone who lived in these communities will need to same levels of care. However, these type of retirement communities is generally designed with the active adult in mind. But that doesn’t mean those requiring special care are not welcome, but the special care will need to be sourced privately.
If you are interested in a community where there is on-site care, then you should consider a continuing care facility.
Long Term Care Facilities
If you are looking for a facility that offers daily care or daily medical assistance, then you should consider long-term care. There are two primary facilities that fall under the category of long term care:
– Nursing homes
– Assisted living centers
You will also be able to find some retirement communities that have integrated long-term senior care with some of their residencies.
Assisted Living Centers
Otherwise known as personal care homes, these types of homes are usually for people that require assistance with personal care tasks such as showering or brushing teeth but do not require a nurse.
For those who suffer from dementia, Memory care is designed especially for this condition. Memory care is available in some personal care homes and also in combination with a nursing home. When in combination with a nursing home, it is called a continuum of care, or it is added as medical care.
With Regards to Payments
– Payments are typically made with a variety of sources. If this is the nursing home you need, it could be valuable to contact an estate planner
With Regards to the Age
Assisted living can be relevant to all types of age groups. If the facility is primarily meant for the elderly, then state guidelines out the age at 55, 62, or 65.
With Regards to Pets
Some centers may be open to receiving pets.
With Regards to Independence
The level of independence will be determined by the degree of support needed.
Nursing Homes
This accommodation is specifically designed to allow senior patients to have skilled nurses, occupational therapists, and RN on hand, 24/7.
Other options include in-home senior care, active senior housing, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, or even independent living facilities.
With Regards to Payment
People typically use both private and public funds.
With Regard to Age
While there are some nursing homes that provide care for all ages, many have age restrictions 55, 62, or 65.
With Regards to Pets
It is not typical to find a nursing home that allows pets.
With Regards to Independence
Patients typically need medical attention and require daily medical supervision. This affects the independence level as well as activity levels.
The facility you choose to use should be determined by your needs or the needs of your loved one. If no in-house medical care is needed, then it is a great idea to utilize an independent living house, retirement housing, or a retirement community. Find a community that you enjoy and that allows you to live out this next chapter of your life surrounded by friends and things that you love to do.