If you’re 55 and over, you now have an array of retirement housing and living options. In anticipation of millions of baby boomers retiring within the next few years, new retirement communities are cropping up across the nation. Initially, most baby boomers will not need the housing options listed here, but understanding what each category means, makes research easier. These senior living communities are generally broken down into the following five categories.
Adult Retirement Communities
Resembling resorts, these are generally gated, low maintenance homes, villas or condominiums designed to offer the active senior everything needed to enjoy their retirement years. Units are often single-level and universally accessible. Amenities might include a clubhouse, health and fitness center, indoor pool and outdoor pool, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, boat ramp/dock, Movie Theater, bowling alley and more. The choices are growing; today there are even RV and affordable manufactured home communities for active adults and communities for gays and lesbians.
Independent Living Communities
For those who want to live independently but do not want the hassle of maintaining a home, independent living is a popular solution. Independent living apartments and condominium units are becoming more plentiful. Today’s senior living communities include social centers with a wide range of social activities and amenities such as fitness, classes, trips and local transportation. While dining rooms are common, many new communities even offer bistros, beauty salons, libraries, massage-therapy, craft rooms, computer rooms, movie theaters, game rooms, and chapels.
Assisted Living Communities
These are for people needing assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but wishing to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Assisted Living communities bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes. Residents are not able to live by themselves but do not require constant care. For these seniors, assisted living facilities offer help with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with medications. While many facilities have centers for medical care, the care offered may not be as intensive or available to residents as the care offered at a nursing home. Most assisted living facilities create a service plan for each individual resident upon admission.
CCRSs, Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Assisted living facilities are often connected with independent living residences and nursing homes. The combination is known as a continuing care retirement community. If you want to make your next move your last, take a look at CCRCs (otherwise known as life care communities). These long-term care alternatives provide a package of services, including housing, health care and social services to seniors. A CCRC provides independent living units: apartments, rooms or cottages. Additionally, it guarantees a range of health care and social services, which may include intermediate or skilled nursing care, usually available on the premises. Generally a CCRC requires some type of prepayment, generally an entrance fee and/or monthly fees, and offers a contract that lasts for more than one year and describes the service obligations of the community and the financial obligations of the resident.
Nursing Care Facilities
Nursing homes are designed to care for people that are not able to care for themselves and have numerous health care requirements.
Whatever your needs and preferences are, there is likely to be a new retirement community with other seniors who share your interests and an array of amenities in or near the location you prefer.
Senior living communities have changed greatly in the last generation. It’s important to understand how each one serves the 55 and over population.
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