Senior Living Options: Cracking the Code

iStock_000018435449SmallIndependent Living. Assisted Living. Nursing Home. What do these terms mean? How are they different from each other? And which one is right for you? Take a look here to learn what each one is all about.

Independent Living

Maybe you’re starting to think that a little more help would make life easier. You’re still living in the two-story house you raised your kids in. Maybe your spouse is gone, or maybe not, living is just getting to be too much.

Your daughter wonders aloud if you’d be happier in a retirement community where everything is on one floor and someone else takes care of all the maintenance, and even cleans for you. You give her the thumbs up to do a little research and she finds a local independent living facility that has apartments, condos and freestanding homes. There are lots of social activities and if you don’t feel like driving, there’s a van to take you to the store or the doctor.

You schedule a tour and love the place so much you decide to sell the house and move in.

Assisted Living

So you’ve been in your home or your independent living apartment for several years. You’ve made some new friends and have enjoyed all the amenities. But your vision is getting pretty bad and using the stove is not so easy anymore. Or safe.

You had to give up your car. You can’t even see your medications, which is a little scary. You’ve come close to falling a couple of times.

Some of your friends already moved to a nearby assisted living facility when they started to need more help. You think maybe it’s time for you, too. You can have your meals in the dining room with your friends. Or there may be times you’ll want to eat in your apartment. If you want it, you can get help with your meds and assistance getting in and out of the shower safely.

The services and help you need is your choice – you still maintain your independence. The options are there for you to choose from.

If there’s an emergency, someone’s on call 24/7. No need to worry who to call for help when you need it. And your family will be able to relax knowing that you’re in a more supportive environment.

Nursing Home

You don’t need it yet, and may never need it, but it’s nice to know that if that day comes, you can get even more help in a skilled nursing home. You’re already familiar with it. You spent a few weeks there when you were recovering from a hip replacement and the medical care you received was excellent. The physical rehabilitation team had you back on your feet in record time.

Continuing Care Community

Some people prefer the “one-stop-shopping” convenience of moving to a continuing care retirement community, where all three of these living situations are available, and moving from one setting to another is seamless.

This is a wonderful time we live in. There are more options than ever before. It’s just hard when you don’t know what they are!

Once you understand what is available to you, it will be easier to make the decision that’s right for you.

If you would like additional information, including which particular Connecticut facilities may be best for you or a loved one, contact our geriatric care coordinator, Joanne Foss at (860) 236-7673.

You may also find this article helpful: Senior Housing Options: Making the Best Senior Living Choices.

Related Posts:

3 Key Steps to Take Before Hiring an In-home Caregiver
How to Stay Out of a Nursing Home (and Get the Care You Need at Home)

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