The Many Types Of Community Homes

by Alden Smith

Years ago if you became unable to do things for yourself, a relative or neighbor would come in to give you a hand.  If it became difficult to maintain your lifestyle on your own, you went into a nursing home. Today there are homes for seniors that offer every level of care, from seniors with Alzheimer's who need total care to retirement communities where staff only come in to care for your basic needs.  The options today are much greater than they were before, making it easier for seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.  This article focuses on the types of community living arrangements available today.

Three Types

The many homes you'll find may be a bit confusing, but there are just three types:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Nursing homes

We will look at these in detail.

Independent Living

With independent living, the residents have the greatest independence and versatility.  This senior is generally in good health, needs no help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and feeding him or herself. The move into a senior housing community is typically done for reasons of safety and maintenance-free homes.  Any housing community that requires a person to be 55, or in some cases 62 years old is considered an independent living facility.

The typical independent living facility will provide services for seniors who:

•     Are healthy and able to care of themselves
•     Wish to live independently
•     Want the security found in a seniors-only community
•     Do not wish to live in a large home any longer
•     Want to live around their peers
•     Can deal with their own medical needs, either alone or with the assistance of family or friends
•     Can afford the type of community they choose
•     May be satisfied with subsidized housing

Assisted Living

In the case of assisted living, the senior needs some help with daily activities, but wishes to remain as independent as possible.  There may be a need for help with medications or nursing care.  Skilled nursing is generally not provided.  Many services, such as cleaning and laundry are provided.  Residents are not as independent as those living in an independent living facility. The typical resident would be provided:

• Three meals per day, often served in a restaurant setting with menus and salad bars
• 24-hour supervision
• Personal care assistance with bathing, dressing, eating
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation
• Minor medical supervision, generally dispensed
• Security and emergency call systems
• Health and exercise programs
• Social, cultural and educational activities

In addition, some of these facilities provide:

• Recreation rooms
• Exercise rooms
• Outdoor gardens
• Libraries
• Chapels

These facilities often provide access to senior services, transportation to senior day centers and help the residents coordinate adult services and social security and other legal matters.

Nursing Homes

A nursing home is a facility that provides care for seniors who are no longer able to properly care for themselves. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) have a skilled nurse that provides 24-hour care as needed.  A resident can no longer take care of daily activities properly,  or the senior may have short term needs, such as a broken hip.  To be a candidate for a nursing home, the senior must meet these requirements:

• Can't take care of himself due to physical, emotional or mental issues such as dementia or Alzheimer's.
• Can no longer self-care in such activities as bathing, dressing, showering, toileting and taking medications properly.
• Is no longer capable of living independently.
• May wander off if left alone.
• Has medical needs that must be monitored by an RN or medical supervisor.
• Is being discharged from a hospital and requires a skilled nurse or therapist.
• Has been recommended by their primary care physician to be placed in a nursing home.

Living Arrangements At a Nursing Home

Arrangements are such that the senior is provided the best of care.  These include:

• A choice of a room with another senior or a private room.
• Dietary services including three meals a day, nutritious snacks, and kept on a strict diet if needed.
• All housekeeping and laundry services.
• Personal care, including incontinence care.
• Services and activities geared towards therapy.
• Transportation needs.
• 24-hour on-site medical staff, including RN, nursing staff, certified nursing aides and staff.
• Supervision by an on-call physician 24/7.
• Resident planning and care, usually assisted by family or caregiver.

The list of care facilities is so great it would take a book to cover them all.  If you're a senior facing a decision such as this, rest assured that there is something for everyone.

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Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.