Senior living communities are growing in popularity. More and more seniors are choosing to live in a variety of age-restricted communities, where they can live among people of a similar age and enjoy amenities tailored to their demographic.
There are several types of senior living communities today that can take care of a variety of needs. Find out what your senior housing options are and which ones can help you enjoy a better retirement.
Types of Senior Living Communities
Retirement Villages
A retirement village is an age-restricted community and housing complex, usually made up of senior apartments or a housing complex. Typically, accommodation is restricted to those age 55 and up and ideal for seniors who want to live in a community with those of a similar age.
In addition to independent accommodation, retirement villages also include amenities and services such as their own swimming pools, tennis courts, and community centers where social events and classes take place.
A retirement village is a great place for seniors who are independent and active, but want to enjoy the peace and quiet of a community made up of older adults, as well as the social opportunities living in such a community opens up.
Independent Assisted Living Communities
Like many seniors, you want your independence, but it doesn’t have to mean taking care of everything on your own. As you age, it’s easier to remain an active senior with a bit of help. Many seniors want to downsize to cut down on costs, as well as give up having to worry about housekeeping and chores like shoveling snow, mowing the grass, cooking, and cleaning.
For seniors who want to stay active but let go of some of the day-to-day chores of homeownership, some retirement residences now provide independent assisted living experiences. These retirement residences provide exercise classes, arts classes, theme nights, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a vibrant social life. They may also assist with transportation to shopping, medical appointments, and the community at large. It’s worth looking for senior living communities near you that offer independent assisted living.
Enhanced Assisted Living Communities
An enhanced assisted living community has a full-time custodial staff and medical staff such as practical nurses. They help arrange visits to the doctor, transportation to those appointments, medication management, and help with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, and toileting assistance.
Enhanced assisted living communities provide care for older seniors with chronic health conditions that restrict their ability to live independently. They may offer memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and provide advanced care for cognitive issues such as Snoezelen Rooms (multi-sensory rooms designed as a therapy for people with brain injury or dementia) and providing a safe and supportive environment that helps with residents’ well-being.
As a senior, your well-being depends on your independence, health, and social life. Staying at home isn’t the right answer for everyone. Senior living communities make it easier to foster a vibrant social life, enjoy your freedom, and take advantage of assistance as you need it.