There are many types of senior living retirement options available. The one you choose will undoubtedly be based on your individual care needs and financial circumstances. In today’s post, Ivy Knoll, an independent living facility in Northern Kentucky, explains the most common senior living housing options.
What types of senior housing options are available?
Retirement Community
Retirement communities are often age-restricted communities (55+). No skilled care or personal care is available. These retirement homes are ideal for residents that remain largely healthy, mobile, and autonomous.
Residents can live in a single-family unit, apartment, townhouse, or condo. These can either be rented or owned. It depends on the community. Elderly residents can befriend or connect with neighbors.
Independent Living
Independent living facilities are perfect for older adults who wish to live in an active community and participate in events with people of a similar age group. These facilities often have little to no health care services on the premises, but can sometimes involve marginal care through what is called “enhanced independent living.”
Ivy Knoll, however, is an exception to this rule. Our independent living facility in Northern Kentucky offers personal care and long-term care services for residents that have difficulties with mobility and self-care. We even have one hospice patient.
Residential Care Home
Also known as adult care homes, board homes, or personalized care homes, these small facilities offer highly personalized services to small groups of adults.
A residential care home is perfect for someone in need of some assistance with daily activities. In some states, these are more affordable than assisted living or nursing homes.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are for adults that are no longer completely safe living at home alone and require a bit of additional help with activities like eating, bathing, dressing, or taking medication.
The level of care offered in an assisted living facility can range from minimal to more extensive, though it is not nearly as intensive as a nursing home. This is an ideal option for seniors that can still live independently.
These centers have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities and events
Memory Care
Memory care facilities host a larger number of staff, all of whom are professionally trained to care for individuals with dementia. These professionals are charged with ensuring residents do not wander off the premises unsupervised.
Elderly parents struggling with dementia are perfect candidates for this type of housing. Memory care units have security features that keep residents safe. Oftentimes, memory care can be added on as an additional service in assisted living facilities.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
Nursing homes are a common choice for aging adults. These homes provide a level of care that is the next step above assisted living facilities.
This is the best choice for elderly persons who need direct, frequent care and assistance that is tailored to specific medical needs and conditions: Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related diseases are common.
Skilled nursing facilities offer 24/7 nursing care from licensed medical professionals, including registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or vocational nurses (LVNs), and certified nurse assistants (CNAs).
Respite Care Service Homes
These are typically assisted living facilities or nursing homes that care for individuals that require only short-term assistance.
In respite care, residents can receive help 24 hours a day and get access to additional support while recovering from surgery or illness. Living in this type of facility gives their at-home caregivers a well-needed break in the process.
Which Retirement Home is Right for You?
The best way to decide which level of care is appropriate for you or a family member is to assess their competency when it comes to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Our friendly and personable staff at Ivy Knoll can help you or a loved one make the transition to a retirement home easier.
Contact Ivy Knoll and Schedule a Tour of Your New Home
We’d love to show you around. Schedule a tour of your new home here at our independent living facility. We work to foster and create an atmosphere of care and acceptance for our residents. Contact us today at (859) 481-3800 for more information.