Overview
As our loved one’s age, their housing needs and desires naturally evolve as their state of life changes. Where they may have once enjoyed fulfillment in the ownership of a large single-family home or an apartment in the city, at some point, they may need to leave behind the burdens involved in the care and maintenance of such property. In addition, they may require physical and/or medical assistance in their day-to-day lives.
So what are their Options for Senior Living? They can be broken down into these basic choices, depending on the level of assistance needed:
Independent Living
This term may refer to a senior Independent Living Community where seniors live in their own apartment or villa and they enjoy a social, active community lifestyle. Apartments are often equipped with kitchens so that the senior may continue to cook and prepare meals, but they also take advantage of the dining room/restaurant that is part of the community. The emphasis for the seniors is lifestyle and socialization.
Assisted Living
An Assisted Living Community is in many ways similar to an Independent Living Community, but apartments may not be as spacious or there may only be a kitchenette available because one of the required components of assisted living is 3 meals/day are provided as well as snacks. Caregivers are available to the residents 24 hours/day and support each resident as directed by their individual service plan. There is a high degree of emphasis placed on socialization and activity to compliment the personal care each resident receives. The state department of health licenses these facilities and must inspect them at least annually. The facilities are required to meet a high degree of scrutiny and standards by the state. The Arizona Department of Health makes the results of the annual surveys public and each facility must have their most recent survey available to you at the facility if you request to view it.
Nursing Homes
Options For Senior Living can help you find nursing homes near you. Our caring team can advise and work with you to find the right local nursing home for you or your loved one.
Memory Care
Memory care communities differ from assisted living communities in that it offers dementia-specific activities tailored to the unique cognitive needs of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In addition, memory care provides a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people suffering from a range of dementias. Our team at Options for Senior Living will gladly help you find the right memory care facility for your loved one.