“Senior living has many benefits for seniors of all ages, stages and health levels,” Beth explains. “For example, an Independent Living community is perfect for seniors who want the freedom of a maintenance-free life so they can explore retirement to the fullest. Assisted Living helps those who need help with the activities of daily living in order to live independently.”
Beth says that it is easy to become confused about the different types of senior living available. It’s important to learn the terminology and the features and benefits of all the different types of senior living: Continuing Care Retirement Communities; independent living; assisted living; skilled nursing; personal care; nursing care; nursing homes; memory care; and others. We’ve put together a “senior living 101” to help you learn a bit more about these different types of lifestyles.
Types of Senior Housing
There are many different types of senior living communities, each with their own short-term and long-term benefits. Here is a short list of the different types of communities.
● Independent living communities are maintenance-free, worry-free communities that provide a carefree lifestyle for older adults. They generally have the lowest monthly fees of all the different types of communities and are for seniors who are active, healthy and looking to enjoy life.
● Assisted living communities provide assistance with the activities of daily life. Care is provided by skilled professionals and is tailored to the needs of the individual. This allows the residents to enjoy their lifestyle to the fullest. Depending on where you live, assisted living may also be called personal care.
● Skilled nursing, which some people consider to be “nursing care” or “nursing homes”, is for individuals who have more health care needs than assisted living can provide. There are short- and long-term options for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
● Memory care communities are designed for individuals with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
What Is a CCRC?
A CCRC is also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or a Life Plan Community. These types of communities offer different levels of senior care on their campus, and generally they provide some financial stability and priority options to help seniors age well and gracefully in the place they have come to know as home.
How To Find Senior Living Near You
The best place to start is generally the internet and by asking friends and family members their opinion. By gathering firsthand accounts and doing your own research, you will be better able to find the lifestyle option that suits you and your needs, now and in the future. Other great resources for finding different senior living options include:
· Professional referrals from your physician, a social worker or a geriatric consultant
· Senior living-specific organizations such as SeniorLiving.org
· Contacting senior living communities in your area, such as Park Place of Elmhurst for those living in the Chicagoland area
Discover the Difference at Park Place of Elmhurst
Park Place of Elmhurst is a different kind of retirement community – you’ll enjoy a lifestyle unlike any you’ve experienced. A lifestyle that is maintenance-free with lots of helpful services, remarkable amenities with engaging neighbors just outside your door – all backed by Providence Life Services, a Christian-based organization that’s been a trusted name in Chicago-area senior living for more than a century.
Offering Independent Living, <, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation and Memory Support, Park Place of Elmhurst provides peace of mind. Residents of Park Place have made the decision and moved into a Life Plan Community that will ensure whatever life change happens, Park Place is the right place for all their care needs. One of the fabulous benefits of choosing a Life Plan Community is the peace of mind knowing that you have made the decision and partnered with a community committed to providing all the levels of living from the day you move in.
We encourage you or your loved one to contact us to learn more about our exclusive community or schedule a personal tour by calling 630-239-5127.