Floor Plans

Exploring Senior Living

If you’re starting to consider senior living, or are wondering about it on behalf of a loved one, you’re in the right place. This guide has helpful definitions, things to think about and plenty of questions to ask yourself.
Making the decision to move into a senior living community is a big one, and we’re here to give you the information you need to make the decision that’s best for you. Because where you live matters.

Respite Care

Services that provide caregivers with temporary relief from tasks associated with caregiving (e.g., in-home assistance, short nursing home stays, adult day care). In a senior living community setting, it usually refers to an arrangement whereby a senior stays at the community for a few days or weeks, perhaps to give their caregiver at home a break, or to experience the community’s accommodations, services and amenities on a trial basis.

Defining Senior Living

There are many different types of senior living communities to choose from. These definitions will help you get a better understanding of your options.

Active Adult Communities

Typically restricted to people who are 55+, these communities offer residential living, usually in single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums, or multi-family properties, either for sale or for rent. Hospitality services and outdoor maintenance might be included in the resident’s monthly fee, and the community could offer amenities such as a clubhouse and recreational spaces. Assistance with activities of daily living isn’t typically provided, but access or referral to nearby health care providers may be. Typically, residents have a choice of whether or not to take advantage of available services or programs, which can include housekeeping, interior and exterior maintenance, transportation and social activities.

Planning Ahead

What if…? What if you or your spouse/partner has a sudden health crisis? What if you need long-term care of some kind? What if your house becomes too much to take care of? AP-NORC Long-Term Care polls find that 67% of older adults have done little or no planning for their future health needs. If your “plan” is just to remain in your house or have one of your grown children take care of you, there are some questions you need to ask yourself now.

Memory Care / Memory Support

Many senior living communities, along with stand-alone memory support communities, specialize in services dedicated to caring for residents needing memory care for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia or cognitive impairments. Most memory care programs are supported in specially designed environments, and include innovative technologies and interventions that can decrease the anxieties and difficulties related to dealing with dementia. Staff typically have a high level of expertise in memory care

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