One of the biggest decisions facing those who are planning to retire is whether or not to stay in their homes, or to join a senior housing community. And the best way to make a well-informed decision is to have a clear understanding of the kinds of senior housing community available, and if any of them offers a clear advantage over remaining at home.
There is a myriad of factors to be considered before one makes a final decision about a senior housing community. Knowing shat levels of care are available in them can help narrow down the ones which are suitable for each individual.
Different Types of Communities
Those who wish to remain as self-sufficient as possible within a regulated community should look for am independent living senior housing community. These facilities will offer minimal assistance, allowing their residents to maintain a great deal of privacy and the freedom to participate in, or avoid, community activities, as they please.
An assisted living senior housing community is appropriate for those who can function more or less independently, but may for physical or mental reasons, need help with minor tasks like cooking, driving, and taking medication. These facilities have staffed trained to provide the necessary assistance, and many of them will be associated with full care facilities to which a resident can be moved it the need arises.
A full care senior housing community will be a good choice for chronically ill, or exceptionally frail seniors who need constant monitoring. These communities will have medical professionals on staff 24 hours a day to provide hygienic, nutritional, and medical support for the residents.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development--HUD—has a low-income senior housing community option under its Section 202 program. This choice is ideal for those over 62 who can prove that they qualify under the program’s financial requirements, but they are very much demand and someone applying may have to remain on a waiting list for as long time.
What To Expect For Your Money
A private senior housing community can cost between $20,000 and $200,000 annually, so seniors need to factor the expense into their decision whether or not to stay in their own homes. For that annual expense, a resident can expect the following services:
* Meals
* Payment of utilities
* Use of the senior housing community’s physical fitness facilities—pools, tennis or handball courts, and gyms.
* Use of the facility’s library, and chances to participate in the social and religious activities and outings arrange d by the management.
Anyone debating whether or not to join a senior housing community should definitely take the time to visit those in his or her area, talk to the resident, and get a clear idea of what services are included for the cost. Comparison shopping is always a good idea, as is finding out what contingencies the senior housing care facility has for those residents whose care needs escalate while they are there.
