Whereas other senior living options provide elders with one type of care, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide all forms of elder care. Most seniors require more care as they get older– which can mean your loved one having to move from one community to another. Because continuing care facilities offer a variety of care levels, elders can stay where they are and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with familiar faces and places. Seniors usually move to retirement communities early on (when they’re healthy) and sign a long-term residence contract. This type of senior housing is especially ideal for couples who require (or will require) different levels of care.

The term “independent living” is used synonymously with retirement communities and they vary in size, capacity, and general look-and-feel. They can be quaint, cozy communities or palatial estates. Independent living provides the least amount of care. However, you can hire in-home care within a retirement community. Independent living is for elders who may not be safe living at home, may not be safe driving, may be living in an unsafe neighborhood, or may need minor assistance daily.

Assisted Living living is perfect for elders who may need help with day-to-day tasks, but are otherwise healthy enough to not need dedicated medical care. One great aspect of Assisted Living facilities is the mental and emotional boost that comes from living in a community of peers.

In Home Care is a term used broadly to describe hired help coming into your home to assist your elder. There are two main types: Home Health Care and In-Home Care. Essentially, this means Medical Care and Non-Medical Care and the reason that’s so important is because the former is covered by Medicare, but the latter is not. To remain “at home,” most elders need a combination of the two.

Adult Family Homes are retrofitted homes run by gerontology specialists or registered nurses. They limit the number of elders to 6 (in the PNW), ensuring customized, personal care between staff and elders. Adult Family Homes have the most flexibility in the amount of care offered. Some specialize in memory care whereas others focus on seniors with developmental disabilities. All homes, however, require a nurse on-call 24/7. This type of care is best for elders who have ongoing medical needs.

Memory Care is Specialized Care for Elders with Memory Loss. Thanks to advances in research, there are now specialized programs for elders suffering from memory loss due to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another neurodegenerative disorder. Though the causes of memory loss are not yet reversible, its progression can be slowed by certain treatment plans and medications. Another consideration is safety. Some 60% of dementia sufferers will “wander”, often exiting the house, forgetting the address, and becoming extremely disoriented and vulnerable. Even inside the house, a loved one with one of these conditions may forget to turn off stoves, water taps, or vehicles!

Nursing Homes are for seniors who’ve had a bad fall, surgery, stroke, or other serious illness and will need continuing medical care. Nursing homes are a “step down” from the hospital, providing 24-hour monitoring and skilled care. These facilities are classified as medium- to long-term care, which allows seniors to make a full recovery before returning home or moving to a senior living community. Medicare will usually help cover the cost of Skilled Nursing Facilities. Most seniors are transferred to a nursing home following a stay at the hospital.