Senior Housing Options: What You Need to Know
It can be difficult to find good housing options for older adults. Whether you're a senior yourself or have a senior-aged parent, it's important to be aware of the available types of housing options for senior citizens.
Some older adults prefer to stay in their own homes, while others find that a more supportive environment is a better fit. There are several different housing options available for older adults, finding the right senior housing depends on each individual's needs and preferences.
In this post, we'll outline some of the most common choices for housing for senior citizens.
Housing Options for Seniors Citizens
Aging in Place
It's natural to prefer to stay in our own homes rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. After all, you've spent a lifetime creating wonderful memories there!
There are certainly many benefits to aging in place but it's important to be aware of the potential challenges that come along with aging at home. Planning ahead is definitely essential in making sure your home is as safe and comfortable as possible.
One of the biggest challenges of aging at home is maintaining your independence. As our physical and cognitive abilities decline, everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and even getting around the house can become more difficult. This can be frustrating, and it can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. That's why it's so important to stay active and connected to your community as you age. There are many ways to do this, whether it's joining a senior center or taking part in activities at your local library or community center.
Retirement Housing
Retirement housing is an umbrella term used to describe a type of housing option for senior citizens who are no longer working. Retirement homes are usually smaller than traditional homes and often have amenities like security, transportation, and recreation facilities. Many retirement homes also offer social activities and events for residents.
There are a number of benefits to living in retirement housing, some of which include safety, security, socialization opportunities, and access to services. The price of retirement housing varies depending on the location, size of the unit, and amenities offered. However, the average cost of retirement housing is $2,000 per month. Services typically included in the cost of retirement housing are utilities, housekeeping, laundry, and 24-hour security.
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are a type of housing option for senior citizens who want to remain independent but may need some level of supportive services. Senior apartments typically provide residents with access to social and recreational activities, as well as housekeeping and laundry services. They may also offer transportation to medical appointments and other outings. The cost of senior apartments can vary depending on the several factors, but most communities offer a range of pricing options to meet different budget needs.
Senior Cohousing
Senior cohousing is a type of intentional community that integrates both private and clustered spaces. Members of a senior cohousing community typically live in their own private homes but share common amenities and facilities, such as a clubhouse, gardens, and walking trails. Senior cohousing communities are designed to promote social interaction and provide opportunities for residents to enjoy an active, engaged lifestyle.
Most senior cohousing communities charge monthly or annual membership fees that cover the cost of common amenities and facilities. Some senior cohousing communities may also charge fees for supportive services such as transportation assistance or meal programs.
Retirement Communities
Another senior housing option to consider is moving to a retirement community. Retirement communities offer a unique and appealing lifestyle for seniors who are looking for an alternative to living at home.
There are many pros to moving to a senior community, including social and recreational activities, 24-hour security, and transportation assistance. Most retirement communities also offer a wide range of amenities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, and sometimes even spas!
Best of all, many retirement communities offer a wide range of services and activities at an affordable price. In fact, the average cost of living in a retirement community is often significantly lower than the cost of living in a traditional senior housing community.
Independent Living Communities
An independent living community is a housing option for seniors who want to live independently but do not want to maintain a home. These communities provide residents with a private apartment or condominium, as well as access to common areas and amenities. Services and amenities vary but may include housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and 24-hour security. Independent living communities also typically offer social and recreational activities.
The costs of living in an independent living community vary depending on the location and size of the unit but are typically much lower than the costs of maintaining a private home. Some also provide help for homeless seniors.
Residential Care Home
A residential care home is a safe and comfortable housing option for senior citizens who can no longer live independently. Residents receive around-the-clock care and support from trained staff, and they also have access to on-site amenities and activities. On top of this, care homes typically offer transportation services and a variety of social events.
The main benefits of living in a care home are the peace of mind that comes from knowing that help is always available, as well as the opportunity to socialize with other residents.
When it comes to price, it will greatly depend on the level of care required and the location, but most homes charge a monthly fee that includes rent, utilities, and meals. Some care homes also offer skilled nursing care for an additional fee.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a type of retirement community that provides a continuum of long-term care services, which typically includes independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. CCRCs is a housing option that is designed for seniors who wish to age in place and have the peace of mind of knowing that they will have access to the level of care they need when they need it.
Services and amenities offered by CCRCs can vary, but often include things like housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, fitness and wellness programs, social activities, and 24-hour security. Many CCRCs also offer on-site access to medical care. Because CCRCs provide a continuum of care, residents typically have the option to move to a different level of care within the community as their needs change, without having to relocate to a new facility.
One important thing to consider is that the cost of living in a CCRC can be higher than in other types of senior housing, but it is important to keep in mind that the cost typically covers not only independent living accommodations and services but also future assisted living and skilled nursing care, should it become necessary. For many seniors and their families, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all future long-term care needs will be taken care of can be well worth the cost.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living is a type of housing option designed for older adults who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Senior citizen assisted living communities are typically smaller than nursing homes, and they provide a more home-like environment. Residents live in their own apartments or individual rooms, and they have access to common areas, such as a dining room, library, or TV room. Most assisted living communities also offer amenities such as laundry and housekeeping services, transportation, and recreational activities.
The costs of assisted living vary depending on the location and amenities of the community. However, most assisted living communities charge a monthly fee that covers all or most of the services and amenities they offer. Some communities may also require a buy-in fee or deposit. Medicaid and long-term care insurance policies may cover some or all of the costs of assisted living.
Nursing Homes
When people think of nursing homes, they often envision a sterile, cold, and impersonal environment. However, today's nursing homes are much different than they used to be!
Most nursing homes provide a wide range of services and amenities to make residents feel comfortable and at home. Services can include meals, laundry and housekeeping, activities and social programs, and transportation. Nursing homes also offer a variety of care options, from short-term stays for rehabilitation to long-term care for those with chronic health conditions.
The cost of nursing home care varies depending on the location, type of facility, and level of care required. In general, however, the average cost of nursing home care is $7000 per month. Medicaid does cover some nursing home costs for those who qualify, but most private insurance plans do not. For those who cannot afford the cost of nursing home care, there are often government or charitable assistance programs available.
In Conclusion
As people age, they often face difficult choices about where to live. The traditional model of seniors living with their children is becoming less common, as more and more adults choose to stay in their own homes or move into retirement communities. There are a variety of housing options available for senior citizens, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
We hope this Senior Assistance Club guide on housing options for seniors has shed some light on your options. For more tips, make sure you browse our collection of articles on housing and home care!