Senior Living Source
Assisted Living and Senior Care Options
More than just a directory, SeniorLivingSource.org is a free referral service that can help you reach out to many communities to request free information from them, or even a free consultation. If you're not sure which senior housing type is needed, the Senior Housing Evaluation Tool will walk you through the process of determining which types of housing are appropriate.
About Assisted Living and Other Senior Care Options
As older adults enter their golden years, many develop certain needs which can't be addressed through standard living arrangements. Some seniors need help around the house with cooking, cleaning and yard work, while others may require constant medical attention from nurses or physical therapists. Other seniors may be extremely independent but yearn to be around others their own ages. Some people aren't phased by getting old; for others, the experience can be disconcerting or overwhelming.
Senior housing provides comfort, relief and assistance to meet the needs of the aging population. Older Americans have various senior housing options to choose from. Some senior living facilities provide constant monitoring and regimented activities, while other types provide housing communities for active, able-bodied seniors. Older adults who are considering senior living should speak with their doctors to help weigh their options.
Active Living Communities
Older adults often require assistance in their daily lives, but many seniors are independent enough to take care of their own needs. These older adults are prime candidates for active living communities, where seniors have access to healthcare resources while maintaining their active lifestyles. Active living communities are similar to traditional retirement homes, retirement centers and senior apartments. The defining characteristic of an active living community is an emphasis on healthy, physical activities such as biking, swimming, walking, tennis and golf.
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Assisted Living
Older adults who need an increasing amount of help in their daily lives are candidates for assisted living communities. Residents of these communities live in apartment-style units, but their buildings usually contain communal dining rooms, living areas and activities rooms. Assisted living communities employ housekeeping staffs, caregivers, cooks and healthcare professionals who can help residents with numerous daily tasks. Like independent living communities, assisted living communities also provide a wide variety of social and leisure activities.
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In-Home Senior Care
In-home services provide living assistance to older Americans without requiring them to leave their homes. With healthcare costs continually on the rise, the number of seniors requesting in-home services has increased significantly over the years. Approximately 7.6 million individuals in the United States receive home health care from certified care providers, according to U.S. Census data. In addition to the costs savings, many seniors register for in-home services to maintain their familiar surroundings. They want to sleep in their own beds, cook in their own kitchens and tend to their own gardens. There's something to be said for receiving long-term care at home.
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Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities -- also known as retirement communities or active living communities -- are designed for seniors who are mostly independent but could use some occasional help. Residents of independent living communities live in houses, cottages or apartment settings, and they enjoy social events such as game nights, shopping trips and exercise classes. Some retirement communities have walking trails, tennis courts and other facilities for maintaining physical fitness. These communities allow able-bodied seniors to continue living their independent lifestyles while still having access to healthcare or caregiver assistance.
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Memory, Alzhemier's, and Dementia Care
Memory loss is a rehabilitating condition which affects more than 5 million Americans and is especially prevalent among the elderly. Older adults who suffer from memory loss may experience mood swings, disorientation and confusion. Ordinary tasks such as bathing, cooking and cleaning can eventually become overwhelming. People with memory loss or dementia -- which is often caused by Alzheimer's disease -- may become lost in their own homes or neighborhoods, or have trouble recognizing longtime friends and family members. Memory loss can be frustrating and emotionally devastating for everyone involved.
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Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are the most intensive form of senior housing. These apartment-style communities are for seniors who need around-the-clock monitoring and continued medical attention. Nursing homes employ caregivers, nurses and therapists to address the many needs of their residents. Some nursing homes provide special facilities for residents with dementia, memory loss and permanent or developmental disabilities. There are also nursing homes for residents who are battling serious ailments such as heart disease or cancer.
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Respite Care and Short Term Care
Becoming a caregiver is one of the toughest jobs a person can have, and it doesn't always happen by choice. Each year, thousands of people make the conscious decision to provide crucial living assistance for their friends, family members or spouses. Countless others are thrust into caregiver roles when loved ones are stricken by injuries, illnesses or disabilities. For some, providing care is as easy as helping out with chores around the house. For others, being a caregiver is literally a full-time job.
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Retirement Communities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Retirement Communities, also known as CCRCs, bring security and stability to older Americans by providing them homes for the rest of their lives. With several types of dwelling units and trained caregivers and medical officials on staff, CCRCs have the resources to meet their residents' ever-changing needs.
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Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are for independent, able-bodied seniors who want nothing more than to live with others in their age groups. Many senior apartment complexes are similar to standard apartment buildings. However, these complexes meet federal housing guidelines that allow them to prohibit younger people from moving in. Most senior apartment buildings set minimum age requirements of either 55 or 62 years old. The majority of senior apartments rent at just below standard market rates. Luxury apartments are available for wealthy seniors, and low-income senior apartments are available for older adults who would struggle to pay average rental rates.
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Skilled Nursing Facilities
Elderly adults who need regular monitoring and living assistance often move into skilled nursing facilities. Skilled nursing facilities are residential and rehabilitation centers that employ caregivers, nurses, therapists and other trained staff members. In addition to providing treatment for illnesses, injuries and other medical conditions, skilled nursing facilities are designed to satisfy residents' emotional and psychological needs as well. This means providing ample opportunities for socializing such as group activities and regular communal meals.
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Residential Care Homes
Many seniors can mostly take care of themselves as they advance into old age, but they may not require the constant supervision and monitoring provided by nursing homes. Seniors who are independent enough to mostly care for themselves are better suited for residential care communities.
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Hospice Care
As terminally ill patients near the end of their lives, many turn to hospice care for comfort and pain relief. Hospice care plans are crafted by doctors, patients and their families to address the patient's physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice care is ideal for end-of-life treatment because it can be administered anywhere. Some patients choose to accept care in a hospital or nursing home setting, while others choose to spend their final months in the comfort of their own homes. The sole intent of hospice care is to do what's best for the patient.
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