Many senior care communities offer a range of independent living, assisted lifestyle and skilled nursing facilities. They also offer short-term rehabilitation care, for those recovering from injury or illness who cannot be cared for at home. For families and caregivers, such facilities offer peace of mind and security, offering their parents, grandparents or relatives the benefits of independent living with full support for daily living and all necessary medical care.
Senior living options for different situations
While many families worry about their older relatives and parents living alone, seniors for their part are most concerned about being a burden to anyone. Facing injury, illness or the inevitable changes that come with old age, they have to consider the possibility of independent living and assisted living facilities when they cannot stay at home.
However, seniors and their families are pleasantly surprised to find that many senior communities offer a range of alternatives, including independent living apartments, assisted living and long-term skilled nursing care as well as short term rehabilitation care. More than half of all seniors find that they actually enjoy retirement more than they expected.
- Independent living Elder care options include independent living apartments with all appliances, large storage areas and garages or carports. These come with all services: cleaning, meals, laundry and transport. Many offer art, music and fitness classes as well as other activities and outings. Most seniors find that they enjoy retirement much more than they expected, making new friends and finding new interests. The secret to a happy retirement is good health, according to 81% of retirees in a recent survey. Staying busy is important, and the happiest retires are those who have three or four regular activities.
- Assisted living Assisted lifestyle gives seniors a mixture of independence and care. For those who need minimal assistance for daily living, assisted living rooms and suites come with staff who can help residents with such functions as bathing and dressing. They also have 24-hour supervision, meals and snacks, personal care, health care services, medication management, social services, transportation, laundry and housekeeping, and maintenance.
- Skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation care Skilled nursing provides 24-hour nursing care, well-balanced meals, and activities for those in need of constant medical care as well as help with all daily living activities. They also offer short-term rehabilitation care for seniors recovering from injury or illness who cannot be cared for at home for any reason. Trained medical staff are at hand round the clock, and physical therapists and other specialists can help to promote recovery and healing.
For most seniors, the biggest fear is being a burden on their families in case of illness and injury. In fact, a study conducted by Genworth Financial found that 55% of respondents were five times more worried about being a burden on their families than they were about dying. It can be a difficult choice for seniors and their families to decide to move to a retirement community. Senior communities that offer various choices, from independent living to short-term rehabilitation care can make this a positive change. airmaxzapatos airmaxzapatos airmaxzapatos