For aging Americans (or adult children caring for elderly parents), the available options for housing and care can be confusing. Adults who seek independence without the stresses of maintaining a home or those requiring some assistance have three primary residence options. Those are senior housing, assisted living and home healthcare.
Senior housing is age-restricted (generally age 55 plus) housing that is purchased, rented or land leased and consists of individual houses or apartments. Senior housing is for those who can care for themselves but wish to do so without the pressures associated with home ownership. They may also choose to reside in senior housing for social and recreational reasons, as many of these communities offer resort-style amenities.
Also commonly referred to as independent living, congregate housing, supportive housing and retirement communities, senior housing is often marketed as being peaceful and serene, yet balanced with a wide array of recreational and social opportunities for the outgoing, healthy and active senior who requires no daily housekeeping, personal care, or nursing, and wishes to enjoy a simpler, less stressful home life.
A second option for healthy, active adults, assisted living communities are residence groups (generally apartment-like settings or individual homes) that are state-licensed for provision of meals, laundry service, housekeeping, medication reminders and assistance with the activities of daily life more readily than the senior housing setting affords. The exact provisions of licensed assisted living facilities vary from state to state, but they generally are simply senior housing with the added attention of personal care.
Assisted living candidates are generally in good health (don’t require nursing or specialized care), want to be social and take part in some offered activities and seek residential independence, but need some assistance with general housekeeping and personal care on a regular basis.
Home healthcare is a third option for aging adults or the disabled who wish to remain in their own home (or other individually maintained residence) for the duration of their life or until this becomes impractical. Basically, the senior or person with disabilities continues to live in their home with health or personal care providers coming to the residence to provide a range of services. These services span from medical and nursing care for even terminally ill patients, to social and therapeutic treatment for the disabled or those recovering from surgery or illness.
When making a decision regarding housing, consider which amenities and services are available as part of each community, then choose the one that best supports your specific needs for independence, socialization, level of care and peace of mind.