Deciding Between Senior Living Options

13 Jan Deciding Between Senior Living Options

Trying to find long-term care for aging adults can feel overwhelming because there are so many options. It can be confusing if you don’t completely understand terms like “independent living,” “assisted living,” or “nursing home.” What do all these mean, and which one is right for your loved one?

According to dailycaring.com, (1) there are several housing options for seniors, independent living, assisted living and nursing homes being some of the most popular. These are all great options but deciding which one is right depends on the needs of the resident in question. When deciding what is best, consider the differences of each option in these major categories: Purpose of Care, Cost, and Lifestyle.

PURPOSE 

 Independent Living 

Independent living options help to make life easier for seniors who are looking to simplify their affairs while still maintaining their self-reliant lifestyles. Services in independent living communities can include bundling and reducing bills, taking care of yardwork and housekeeping, transportation, meal preparations, and in-home health care.

Assisted Living 

Generally, people who chose assisted living are in fairly good health and live independently, but as the name implies, they may need a bit of assistance with a few daily tasks. Typical services available include bathing, dressing, housekeeping, transportation, or meal preparation. Residents also have access to medical attention- the level of which depends on their individual needs.

At Maplewood Manor Senior Living, services provided depend on the level of needs of the resident. This includes everything from Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Transitional Care, the last of which includes a “wander guard” system in place for residents who need more support due to early dementia.

Nursing Home 

Residents here need more intensive help, especially with debilitating physical or mental illnesses. Licensed physicians, nurses, and/or other medical personnel are present on location to provide around-the-clock care. Depending on the situation, some residents live here long-term, while others may only live there short-term in rehabilitation after a hospital stay.

COST 

 Independent Living

Depending on location and style of the community, costs can vary dramatically. Typical costs range from under $2000 up to $10,000 a month, (2) depending on the state, community size, location, and services offered. Independent living usually falls under private pay, but is the least expensive option on this list, usually staying relatively comparable to the average cost-of-living of surrounding locations.

Assisted Living 

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey in 2020 (3), assisted living facilities across the country can range from $2000/month to more than $6000/month, depending on what state you live in. Assisted living is typically “private pay,” and is not covered by Medicare, but Medicaid may be able to help cover some home health costs for eligible residents.

Nursing Home 

The American Health Care Association (4) calculates that the cost of nursing homes average at a price around double that of assisted living residences. In some states, Medicaid beneficiaries are required to spend their own funds before Medicaid pays, but policies depend between plans.

 LIFESTYLE 

 Independent Living

Retired seniors in good health who want to make the most of their “golden years” and live a social and active life might find independent living intriguing. Many communities keep a calendar of planned social and recreational activities. Residents live in their own homes, apartments, etc. and have the freedom they’ve enjoyed before retirement, but now with less stress and hassle and more peace of mind for them and for their families.

Assisted Living 

Residents often have the option to live in individual or shared apartments. At Maplewood Manor Senior Living, every room is different due to historical aspects of architecture and have unique layouts and bedroom styles. Typically, rooms are individual unless it is for a married couple. Like with many assisted living facilities, each room is equipped with walk-in showers, kitchenettes, or full-kitchen options, with daily meals and snacks provided with restaurant-style dining.

Assisted living facilities also provide social atmospheres with plenty of fun activities for residents to help maximize their quality of life. Housekeeping, laundry, security, and transportation services are also typical.

Nursing Home 

Because residents in nursing homes need more intensive care, lifestyles are typically more medical and clinical in setting. The same services as assisted living are included, but the main focus is on medical care, comfort, and safety.

Deciding which housing option is best for your loved one doesn’t need to feel so daunting. Knowing which one fits best is key, and at Maplewood Manor Senior Living, we’re here to help and can answer any questions you may have. Visit our homepage to learn more about our facilities, room options, and schedule a tour.

1. https://dailycaring.com/senior-housing-options-overview/
2. https://www.assistedliving.org/independent-living/
3. https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
4. https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Pages/default.aspx