One of the significant decisions you might find yourself making when you’re older is where you’re going to live. While most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, there can come a time when you feel you can no longer care for yourself alone. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you need 24-hour care, but you might like the thought of some extra assistance or security when you need it. On the other hand, there may come a time when you need more help, and you decide to live somewhere you can access round-the-clock care. There are lots of options for senior housing, depending on your health and how capable you are of looking after yourself and your home. Look at some of these types of housing to help you decide which one is right for you or a member of your family.
Staying at Home
Many seniors decide that they want to stay in their home, rather than make the move to somewhere unfamiliar. This option doesn’t work for everyone, but it can be a good choice for some. If you have a supportive network of family and friends who are willing to give you help when you need it, it could be right for you. You need to think about how capable you are of maintaining your house, getting out and about, cooking meals and other daily tasks. You might choose to adjust your home to meet your needs. As well as having friends and family help you, you can also employ a care assistant or nurse. They might visit once or twice a day or even come to live with you.
Independent Living
Independent living is a term that covers a range of different housing options. It’s suitable for people who don’t feel that they can stay in their own home but still want to maintain a greater degree of independence. It includes places such as senior apartments, retirement communities, and subsidized senior housing. These sites can offer you opportunities to socialize with other people, as well as provide you with a home that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.
Nursing Homes
People who need dedicated medical care may choose a nursing home as the best option for them. Although the term can strike fear in many people, they provide a higher level of care than other senior housing choices. It can be difficult dealing with any loss of independence. But sometimes you need to balance your medical, physical and emotional needs with your desire for being a more independent individual. A doctor can oversee your care and nurses will assist you in your day-to-day life.
Assisted Living
If you need help with some daily activities, you can also choose an assisted living facility. They don’t provide a level of care as high as nursing homes, but they offer more assistance than an independent living facility. In many places, you can have your own room, and some even provide apartment-style living, including space to cook your own meals.
