Housing Options for Seniors
In the past, when it came to elderly care, there were very few housing options to choose from, but today’s seniors have a variety of options. Most seniors prefer to age in place, remaining independent for as long as possible. If they need help, they may be open to hiring in-home senior care.
Unfortunately, this is not always possible for various reasons. Many times, it is because they need more assistance than in-home senior care can provide. Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs offers a variety of services including skilled nursing, companionship, rehab/recovery, and more.
In this article, we’ll explain some senior living alternatives when home is no longer an option.
6 Senior Living Options
Aging in Place
Most seniors prefer to “age in place” whenever possible. This is when they continue to live in their current home instead of moving. This is best for those who can handle most tasks on their own and have a community that can help if something does come up. This may require modifications to the environment to be made.
Modification costs can vary, however, the cost can often be spread out over time. If in-home care is needed, the cost will depend on the care required and how often it is needed, as well as the location. Home Care Services can be covered by Long Term Care Insurance and Veteran Benefits.
Assisted Living
Sometimes, seniors may not necessarily need medical assistance but do require assistance with activities of daily living. In this case, an assisted living facility may be a good option. An assisted living facility usually offers private or semi-private bedrooms with other areas being shared.
Assisted living facilities usually offer meal service, housekeeping/laundry, exercise and other recreational activities, and transportation. Some facilities have skilled nursing care for seniors with medical needs.
The cost of living in an assisted living facility will vary depending on the location of the facility, room sizes, level of care, and amenities.
Nursing Home
A nursing home is similar to an assisted living facility. The primary difference is that these facilities are more clinical because they offer a higher level of medical care. They offer 24-hour supervision as well as medication management. This option is best for seniors who need long-term medical assistance.
The average cost of living in a nursing home depends on several factors, including semi-private/private rooms, cost of living in the area, services offered, and level of care required.
Respite Care
A respite care facility offers care for a short period of time. These are often referred to as recovery care or rehab facilities because they are ideal for those who are recovering from surgery or serious illness. In addition, these facilities can give caregivers a break.
The average cost of respite care ranges depending on the type of care and services required as well as the location of the facility. Physical therapy, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services cost more than check-ins and daily meals or assistance with activities of daily living.
Memory Care
A memory care facility is designed for seniors who have dementia or Alzheimer’s. They typically have security features and additional staff to keep residents from wandering outside alone. In most cases, the staff has undergone extensive training to care for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
The cost of a memory care facility could be more due to the higher level of personalization and supervision. The actual cost depends on the medical needs of the patient, location of the facility, and the level of care required.
Palliative or Hospice Care
Palliative or hospice care is designed for patients who require specialized care. Hospice is designed for patients who are terminal, while palliative care is designed for those who are seriously ill but not quite terminal. This type of care may be provided in-home or in a facility.
The primary focus of this type of care is to manage pain/suffering, making the patient as comfortable as possible. Hospice care is ideal for patients who decide to treat symptoms instead of fighting their illness, allowing them to enjoy the time they have left.
The average cost depends on the level of service and the provider. Medicare will cover these services at certified facilities for patients who are terminally ill.
Let Gentle Shepherd Home Care Help with In-Home Care Needs
Gentle Shepherd Home Care understands the importance of aging in place for as long as possible. That is why we offer a variety of in-home senior care services from companionship to respite care to specialized support care and more. Our caregivers are skilled in a variety of areas. Contact us today to schedule your care assessment. We can help you determine the services you need.
