The level of care and attention that is needed can substantially increase during old age. This is because individuals can face quite a few challenges with their physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, care homes and similar living facilities can ensure seniors receive the care they need. However, since the requirements can differ, there are various kinds of care facilities that individuals can consider based on their unique needs and situations.
Nursing homes
Moving to a skilled nursing home or facility can be an ideal option for seniors who need 24-hour attention and services to take care of their well-being. These facilities have all the required provisions and skilled staff, including nurses and doctors, to care for the resident seniors. Depending on seniors’ requirements, they can choose nursing homes for both long-term and short-term care. Additionally, these facilities also provide rehabilitation services to seniors. Along with giving attention to and taking care of their well-being, nursing homes also assist seniors in their day-to-day activities. Seniors can consider looking for a nursing home nearby for peace of mind. This makes it easy for senior residents in nursing homes to meet their loved ones regularly.
Assisted living
Seniors who do not require round-the-clock attention for their well-being but still need assistance for daily activities can consider moving into an assisted living facility. These facilities are staffed with skilled and trained individuals who provide assistance to seniors with day-to-day activities such as bathing, clothing, and eating. These facilities also take care of the residents’ laundry and housekeeping and provide all the meals. Plus, the facilities also have 24-hour security, much to the relief of the residents and their loved ones. Even though these facilities do not offer round-the-clock care for seniors’ well-being like nursing homes, they still provide 24-hour emergency services to attend to any crisis that may occur.
Independent living
These facilities are ideal for seniors who do not require any assistance, whether for their well-being or daily activities. Seniors who are perfectly capable of living on their own but wish to live in a community with other seniors can consider moving into an independent living facility. A lot of times, individuals also choose to move into these facilities if they do not wish to deal with the stress of homeownership. Independent living facilities are usually built as community living facilities and have several amenities within their campus. These include fitness rooms, clubhouses, and salons. This gives resident seniors a lot of opportunities to socialize and participate in communal activities. Most independent living communities also comprise different types of dwellings, such as apartments, condos, and studios, so seniors can choose which facility they wish to live in.
Residential care
Moving into shared facilities with a lot of residents may not be so easy for all seniors. Still, moving into a facility with skilled staff becomes necessary if they require assistance with daily living or attention for their well-being. In such cases, seniors can consider moving into residential care facilities. These establishments are designed to have a more homelike setting and environment. In fact, they are usually set up in private houses and only house around ten residents. Besides assistance with daily activities, if needed, these facilities provide basic services such as cooked meals, laundry, housekeeping, and transportation, and even organize community events and outings.
In-home care
Some seniors may find it even more difficult to move into any kind of facility that is not their own home. For seniors who prefer to receive care, nursing, and attention from the comfort of their own homes, one can consider signing up for in-home care services. These services are also referred to as aging in place.’ As a part of these services, a caregiver will be present at the seniors’ home as their home help. The caregiver can be present for part of the day or round the clock, based on the type of services required. In-home care services can also be chosen to assist with daily activities, not just nursing.
Continuing care retirement communities
Also called life care communities and continuing care retirement community establishments, they have all kinds of senior living facilities in one location. This includes assisted living, nursing homes, independent living, and more. Each one of these facilities is allocated to a specific building or premises. The main advantage of continuing care retirement communities is that seniors can switch between facilities based on their requirements. For instance, if a senior resident who has been living in a nursing home does not require its services anymore, they can move into an assisted living facility or independent living facility within the community based on their requirements.
Adult day services
These services are not meant for long-term care but are rather short-term care facilities for seniors. Adult day services are actually similar to daycare facilities for children. So when seniors’ family members who they have been living with need to go to work, they can leave their elderly loved ones to adult day services for those few hours. In these facilities, seniors can receive all the care they need—from nursing to assistance with daily activities or just simple supervision. Additionally, these facilities allow seniors to socialize with other seniors in the facility. Most adult day services only operate on weekdays and for a limited number of hours per day. It is best to look for these care homes nearby for their convenience, so one does not have to travel too far to access these facilities.
Respite care
These services are meant to offer relief to regular caregivers of seniors. Since caregivers also need a break from their routine, seniors can sign up for respite care services during their absence. These services can be opted for within any facility, be it a nursing home, assisted living facility, or own home. Respite care is a form of temporary home care nursing for seniors, as the substitute caregiver will be present until the primary caregiver resumes their duty.