What Are Senior Living Options Available Currently

What senior living options are out there for senior citizens who no longer are able to or simply do not want to live on their own. There are four main options for those senior citizens, and I will share some information with you. I will attempt to explain the differences between the senior living options.

Senior living complexes, assisted living centers, nursing homes or living with family members are your basic options, and each has benefits and drawbacks.

Perhaps I can help you decided which type of place you need to live once you are no longer able to live on your own or you simply do not want to live on your own.

Senior Living Complexes are small one-bedroom apartments, located in one building. It is like an apartments complex for younger people, however there is a locked entrance to ensure your safety. There are planned activities from meals, movies, and trips away from the complex.

Residents are usually responsible for cleaning their apartments, but you can hire someone to come in and do it for you. There is a maintenance staff on hand to help you with small repairs, and everyday tasks like changing light bulbs.

These apartments usually have an emergency pull string in the bathroom as well as in a central location so you can summon help if you need it in am emergency.

The main benefit here is living on your own with minimal help, and you are surrounded with your peers, which limits the noise somewhat.

This is a perfect option for the active senior who just wants to live with peers, is healthy, and still drives, requires minimal help around the home, and wants security.

Assisted Living Centers are small one-bedroom apartments that are staffed with nurses who dispense medicine, as well as nurse's aides to help with basic ADL's (assisted daily life skills) which include help bathing, dressing, or doing lighthouse cleaning. Staff members make appointments to seniors who are a bit forgetful and can no longer live on their own.

These senior citizens are active, but require a little bit of help from medical staff in order to survive. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, and usually there is a communal television and game room where you can socialize. There is always a main dining room, for those senior citizens who want to socialize as they are eating.

The benefits of living in an assisted living center means there is plenty of medical staff right on the premises who can help you within just a few minuets.

Nursing Homes as we all know are for very frail residents, but what you may not realize is that nursing homes are also full of plenty of senior citizens who enjoy plenty of activities.

Yes these seniors maybe unable to care for them selves any longer so they require a moderate to full care, and are under a doctors full care and need a nurse at all times. They still can talk; enjoy outings, as well as many activities within the nursing homes.

In recent years, the age of nursing home residents has changed dramatically; many of the senior citizens in a nursing home are coherent and love to socialize. In the nursing home where I worked, our youngest resident was 39 years old, and the oldest was a sweet woman who was 106.

Many people life in nursing homes for years, and unlike some senior citizens think, it is not a place to go and die. The benefits of this option are numerous; you have many fully trained staff members to help you thru most medical emergencies and can call for an ambulance if it is beyond the scope.

Living with family member, however it is not one, which is highly recommended. Senior citizens many love the idea of staying with their families, but if there are children in the house you may trip over a toy. You will most likely be on a special diet and will need to have your food cooked for you, which can be a pain. If your health is good, try a senior living complex or senior assisted living center. There will be many peers to play bridge and reminisce with at the other senior living places.