6 housing options for aging loved ones that need more care

When my parents were both 83, my mom placed my dad in a local nursing home. Caring for him just got to be too much for her, and was affecting her health.

She was lucky. This particular home cared diligently and kindly for dad, who had Parkinson’s and dementia. Mom was able to visit at will, even bring food for his meals.

Many people who have a senior in their life needing care aren’t so fortunate.

First, the options may seem overwhelming. Which type of care is best and most appropriate to my senior spouse or parent’s needs? How do I even begin to choose?

If you are facing this decision, or feel you will be soon, read on. Here are six possible options, depending on how independent your senior is or wishes to be, and on how much care they require.

6 Senior housing options

Here, then, are six options or levels of senior care. Some you may be familiar with, others not so much. For each, we’ll mention how it works and who it may be appropriate for, as well as the relative costs (compared to other options).

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1. Aging in place

Aging in place means a senior remains in their home or the home of a relative.

If your senior is relatively independent and does not need daily medical care, this could be a good, lower-cost option.

However, it’s still important to make a senior’s home safer for their changing needs:

• Install grab bars in the tub and bathroom that are graded to bear at least 250 pounds.
• Switch deep pile carpet for low-friction flooring.
• Remove throw rugs or tape them down securely on all sides.
• Install new safety strips in the tub and shower.
• If possible, installing a walk-in tub or shower greatly decreases the likelihood of a fall.
• Remove divider strips between rooms that can cause tripping.
• Install rocker light switches that are easier to turn on than flip switches.

2. The Village concept

A Village is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization that helps seniors age in place by providing transportation services, including running errands, as well as opportunities for social engagement.

Village members pay an annual membership fee in return for services like transportation, bookkeeping, and yard work.

A Village reflects the community in which it exists. On the Village to Village Network website, you can find a Village in your area, get more information on how a Village functions, and learn about starting one in your area.

And, DailyCaring offers a more detailed explanation of how a Village works.

3. Independent living

A little like a college campus for seniors, and often called “senior apartments,” “senior housing” or “retirement communities,” these are for older adults who want to live in an active community setting, without having to worry about chores like house maintenance, cooking or housekeeping. The housing is usually more compact and easier to navigate, and outdoor maintenance is usually included in the monthly cost, which can be high, ranging from $1500 to as much as $10,000 per month, depending upon the location.

Related: 8 reasons every senior should have a pet

The following options are meant for seniors who are less independent and/or have greater daily needs for assistance and monitoring.

4. Residential care homes

In this setting, your senior will be living in a home setting, perhaps with a roommate, and will receive assistance with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, and toileting.

Residential care homes are for those seniors who hate the idea of living in a large institution. Bear in mind that they also do not offer the same level of services, especially medically, as an Assisted Living Community or Nursing Home (see below).

Also, most residential care homes do not accept Medicare or Medicaid, although the cost is generally far less than that of a large facility.

5. Assisted living communities

These typically consist of small apartments, where the staff is available 24 hours a day to offer medication management and help with bathing, dressing, etc. Most communities have a common area for social and recreational activities.

This is one of the more costly living options. Costs can vary, depending on the living space and the level of care needed.

6. Nursing home/skilled nursing facility

For older adults who need 24-hour supervised care with meals and health management, and/or with debilitating physical or mental conditions that leave them unable to care for themselves, this is the best choice. This is where my dad was cared for.

A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care, and a nurse is almost always on the premises. Some facilities have occupational and/or physical therapy, and some provide Alzheimer’s or dementia memory care.

What if I’m not happy with the care my senior is receiving?

For seniors in nursing homes, a local ombudsman can act as an advocate in cases or improper care or suspected abuse. If any problems arise in your senior’s care that you cannot easily resolve, the ombudsman program is there to help.

Sources:

1. 7 Senior Housing Options: Which One Works Best? — DailyCaring
2. How to find a long-term care ombudsman program — National Consumer Voice
3. Nursing Home Complaints? The Ombudsman Is on Your Side — DailyCaring
4. When Does Someone Need Assisted Living? Get Advice from a Social Worker — DailyCaring
5. 3 Tips to Get Peace of Mind When Using an In Home Caregiver — DailyCaring