The three most common types of senior living are:
Now that you have an idea of what independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities each have to offer, you’re ready to begin considering what type of senior living community is right for you. Keep in mind that some senior living communities provide more than one type of care, allowing you to move to a different neighborhood if your needs change as you age. When comparing senior living options, think about the following.
Imagine an average day in your life. What challenges do you face carrying out your normal routine? Are there things that are difficult for you to do on your own or that take you longer than they once did?
If household chores like doing the laundry and mowing the grass are your main obstacles, an independent living apartment may suit your needs. Should you find it hard to get dressed, prepare and eat your meals, bathe, go to the bathroom or transfer in and out of chairs, the extra support you'd receive in an assisted living community might be a great solution for you.
Your health and mobility are important areas of consideration when choosing between senior living options. Independent living communities are often the right choice for seniors who can get around well on their own and are able to manage treatments for any medical conditions they have without assistance.
Assisted living communities are often designed with the needs of individuals with more limited mobility in mind, and the more hands-on care available can be beneficial for older adults who have more complex medical needs, such as needing to take many medications each day.
Memory care communities specialize in caring for seniors with forms of dementia. These conditions are often progressive, meaning symptoms tend to worsen over time. Early on, assisted living may be a good fit, particularly if the community also offers memory care so you can transition easily when you need more support.
Senior living communities provide many opportunities for recreation and building friendships, but the types of activities available are different with each type. Often, independent living communities gear activities to seniors with a more active lifestyle. Programming is usually available daily, but you can easily continue to be involved with other activities outside the community.
Assisted living communities also offer a wide range of activities, but they're usually carefully chosen to meet the needs of seniors who may have mobility issues. Older adults who might otherwise be isolated or lonely due to difficulties getting around often benefit from the neighborhood-like feel of life in an assisted living neighborhood.
Activities in memory care communities often have therapeutic value in addition to being enjoyable. Team members modify activities to suit the abilities and needs of individual residents, and the daily routine is more structured to benefit older adults with dementia, who often thrive when able to follow a set schedule.
Assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella include independent living, assisted living and memory care options. We believe in fostering a sense of community and connectedness for our residents, and our teams are here to help you through every step of the transition into your new senior living community. If you’d like to learn more about senior living options near you, contact us today.
