Comparing The Types Of Senior Care Facilities

Senior care facilities are an essential and much-needed part of the community for seniors who live alone. Not only are they specialized in taking care of seniors, but they are also communities unto themselves. Here, seniors can interact and engage with like-minded individuals, which is vital for their mental and physical well-being. There are several types of senior care facilities available, and here is how they compare:

1. Independent living communities
These types of senior care facilities are housing arrangements designed for seniors who do not want to worry about the upkeep of their house. This includes any maintenance work related to a home, such as tending to the backyard. Some residences within the independent living community have features that make living for seniors easy and comfortable.

The living options include senior apartments, freestanding cottages, villas, townhomes, duplexes, and condominiums. One can select these depending on their requirements and budget. Their services include housekeeping, providing meals, ensuring security, and scheduling transportation to social events or doctor appointments. They have amenities like fitness pools, beauty and barber salons, art studios, woodworking shops, and a space for seniors to interact and engage in activities they like.

2. Memory care units
These cater to seniors who have been diagnosed with some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Dementia patients need around-the-clock care facilities and secure housing to live comfortably. Some are independent memory care facilities, and some senior living communities have a section dedicated to memory care units. It is known that seniors in memory care often do not have any other physical illness; however, because of dementia, it becomes unsafe for them to live in their homes alone.

3. Assisted living communities
Those residing in assisted living communities need help with their day-to-day lives and chores, like bathing, putting clothes on, managing treatment plans, and preparing meals. This type of living is also known as residential care or personal care. Individuals live as independently as possible and have a helping hand around the clock.

This type of care is suited to those with issues like arthritis or other chronic pain, which can be manageable, provided someone is around to help with the daily chores. Individuals employed here are trained to handle emergencies.

4. Skilled nursing care
This facility has trained medical staff and is treated as a rehabilitation center for seniors. It has licensed nurses, speech pathologists, audiologists, and physical and occupational therapists who can help seniors. These homes offer round-the-clock assistance to seniors. It is also essential to understand that these facilities are not permanent residences for seniors. Skilled nursing care is a temporary facility for particular purposes related to seniors’ health.

5. Adult daycares
These facilities provide individuals with structured care and assistance during the daytime hours. They are usually available only on weekdays and are often used temporarily for a couple of hours of assistance. Adult daycares are best for those whose caregivers are busy at work during the day. They assist seniors during that time and allow them to spend time with their peers.

Adult daycares are also called community or respite daycares, as they allow caregivers and family members to have some time to themselves and away from responsibility for a few hours. Caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting, especially for a family member who does it around the clock. Some senior daycare facilities specialize in dementia care, like memory care units. The staff is trained to manage seniors dealing with dementia.

Senior care cost and ratings

Many factors determine the cost of a senior care facility, so it is essential to consider all these factors. One of these includes the type and level of care that is required and provided.

Fortunately, senior living is getting more affordable with time. Popular options are available for seniors and caregivers when financing senior care facilities. This includes the following: 

• Individuals can sell their houses and use those proceeds to pay for senior care. Bridge loans and reverse mortgages are another way to finance this.
• Several seniors save and invest money; the dividends acquired can pay for these facilities.
• Another option is long-term care insurance, which helps pay for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) up to a preselected limit. Private health insurance and Medicare can also be used in some cases.
• Some or all of the costs of senior living may be tax-deductible.

According to some studies, the projected median cost of assisted living in 2024 is around $4,917 monthly. These costs also change according to the state and type of facilities, but it is prudent to consider an average of a higher amount.

Before You Go

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